Tyson Foods Inc

In 2017-2018, the company launched an initiative to understand its exposure to water risks. The company used the WRI Aqueduct tool, along with data from NorthStart, to assess the water risks associated with its direct operations in the US, including water quality. The company mentions that it is part of the Aqueduct Alliance, a group created by the World Resources Institute. It consults with the WRI on its water stewardship work, including strategies, data, economic analysis and risk and impact evaluation. However, it is unclear whether the company has conducted any recent risk assessment for its direct operations, and the findings from the previous risk assessment might have changed over time. We encourage the company to update the assessment. The company mentioned that by 2025, it would reassess its process for managing water-related risks. The company discloses the regions where its facilities were at high risk only for its US operations. The company mentions it is currently gathering the data for its international operations.

The company stated in the CDP Water Report 2023 that it was subject to 4 water-related fines. Furthermore, Tyson disclosed that there were 57 notices of violations in 2022 under its compliance metrics; of these, 54 were related to wastewater. The company discloses the trends in water-related OPEX and CAPEX.

The company discusses a transition to regenerative agriculture under a 'Climate Smart Future' - this focuses on emissions rather than water.

The company mentions that in 2017-2018, it modelled water stress in the areas where animals were procured for its processing facilities, including nitrogen loading resulting from raising animals and corn feed. The results of the assessment were used to identify priority locations for water stewardship activities. The company mentions that in 2021-2022, it collaborated with WRI again to conduct a risk assessment of its international supply chain. The company does not disclose the total percentage of farms included in the assessment, but it appears that the company has included all its animal sourcing areas.

The company does not disclose information on this.

The company does not disclose information on this.

The company provided evidence of auditing, although this was focused on animal welfare, rather than pollution.

The company provided data on the volume of effluents that have undergone primary, secondary and tertiary treatment in the 2023 CDP Water Report. The company treats all the discharged water, including water for irrigation. The company currently only captures gas within its facilities. It has partnered with NW Natural and BioCarbN to convert biogas from wastewater facilities into renewable gas (RNG).

Tyson stated that it has contextual targets associated with 11 high-risk locations, covering water quantity, quality, governance, the importance of water-related areas, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The company also disclosed a progress update, adding that 7 of these plans have been completed to date.

The company describes its process to prioritise facilities from a water risk perspective. The company assesses whether sourced animals or corn feed contribute to significant nitrogen loading in the watersheds where it has high-priority facilities. As part of establishing the contextual water targets for the 11 high-risk US locations, the company stated that it will engage with other parties in the watershed to align Tyson Foods' actions with the needs and concerns of other parties surrounding water. However, it is not clear whether this includes contracted livestock farmers. The company disclosed its Local Grain Services Program, created to support corn sourcing from farmers in communities where the company operates. Farmers receive educational and technical assistance to update processes, along with access to industry-leading partners. The company mentions that farmers will also receive funding to adopt practices such as cover crops, nutrient management and reduced tillage. In 2019, the company had a partnership with EDF. The company had set a target to improve land stewardship practices on 2 million acres of row crop corn by the end of 2025. It launched two pilot projects, one of which involved a farm management software program that provides farmers with insights on the value of conservation practices, including planting cover crops and improving soil and manure management.

The company is testing the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae to reduce waste in one of its processing facilities in Malaysia. The company says that the remaining waste is a nutrient-rich fertiliser.

The company does not disclose information.

The company does not disclose information.

The company provided a response to the investor letter but did not respond to the engagement questions. The company did not meet with investors. The company provided feedback to FAIRR´s assessment.