Tyson Creates Coalition for Global Protein

Tyson Foods Inc. created the Coalition for Global Protein, an initiative to advance the future of sustainable protein. The stated objectives of the coalition will aim to increase understanding around the challenges of feeding a growing population with more varied and sustainable protein options; identify new and creative solutions; and activate those solutions through pilot programs. Potential focus areas the coalition could address include reducing food loss and waste, increasing access to protein and safeguarding ecosystems.

As part of the initial work of the coalition, stakeholders will work together to align on the focus areas. The coalition will publicly report on commitments and progress later this year.

To launch the coalition, leaders from all forms of protein, as well as academia, nongovernment organizations and financial institutions, have convened in Davos, Switzerland, alongside the World Economic Forum 50th Annual Meeting to bring together the food and agriculture sectors to identify and implement new and creative solutions to sustainably feed the growing world population.

“Efforts to make the production of high-protein foods more sustainable must continue,” said Lawrence Haddad, executive director of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and moderator of the event. “These foods, many from animal sources, are vital for the healthy growth of young children, especially those who already have poor quality diets. So it is vital that their production can be undertaken in a way that respects planetary environmental boundaries. This coalition promises to be a valuable addition to our collective efforts to square this circle.”

Noting that sustainability throughout the food ecosystem is fundamental to Tyson Foods’ core values, Noel White, CEO of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods, said: “As one of the world’s largest food companies, we want to help ensure the responsible production of affordable, nutritious food for generations to come. We’re introducing this coalition because we know that we cannot achieve this alone. Collective commitment and immediate action are needed to deliver the greatest impact on the future of sustainable food production.”

For example, Tyson has previously committed to improved land stewardship on 2 million acres of corn; partnered with the World Resources Institute to set science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets; committed to reduce water use intensity 12% by 2020; and is working with Proforest to identify deforestation risks across the company’s global supply chain.

“We’re focused on uniting the world’s most influential, food-focused stakeholders around a shared purpose to build a future of protein that is sustainable and equitable across global communities—at every link in the supply chain,” said John R. Tyson, chief sustainability officer of Tyson Foods. “Igniting transformative change in our food system requires industrywide collaboration and a willingness to go beyond our individual businesses through strong commitments and actions.”