A new engagement has been launched by investors representing US$8 trillion to encourage meat producers to make better use of animal waste. Coordinated by investor network the FAIRR Initiative and backed by asset managers Robeco and Aviva Investors, the engagement targets ten firms involved in intensive livestock production, including JBS and BRF (Brazil), Tyson Foods (US), Cranswick (UK), Maple Leaf (Canada) and WH Group (China). The firms are being asked to disclose how they are managing the risks associated with manure across their supply chains. Although manure can be a source of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser, said FAIRR, it is routinely disposed of cheaply and locally, leading to “nutrient pollution that harms waterways, air quality and biodiversity”. Investors will also engage with two agrochemical companies to explore the potential use of animal waste as a circular source of raw ingredients. Jeremy Coller, Chair of the FAIRR Initiative, said: “Investors are well aware of the regulatory risk for companies. Moreover, companies are missing an opportunity to be part of a global solution by creating valuable fertilizer from waste, at a time when it has never been more expensive to procure.”
We have launched our Waste and Pollution engagement, a world-first investor engagement addressing the #biodiversity impacts of #waste mismanagement and nutrient #pollution from intensive #livestock production.
Find out more on our website at https://t.co/tJKNGiB6bn. pic.twitter.com/PzUSK4GePc
— FAIRR Initiative (@FAIRRInitiative) September 21, 2022
