Tyson Foods is seeking to form the Coalition for Global Protein, a multi-stakeholder initiative to advance the future of sustainable protein.
The coalition will consist of protein producers, academics, and environmental and human rights groups working together on social and environmental issues.
“Efforts to make the production of high-protein foods more sustainable must continue,” said Dr. Lawrence Haddad, executive director of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. “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.”
Tyson will host the group’s first meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which takes place Jan. 21-24, to identify and implement new and creative solutions to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Haddad.
“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 industry-wide collaboration and a willingness to go beyond our individual businesses through strong commitments and actions.”
The coalition is being established as meat producers face criticism over livestock production’s greenhouse-gas emissions and water pollution, reported The Wall Street Journal (Jan. 21). As consumers adopt more sustainable practices, many industries are facing pressure to curb their environmental impact.
Expected objectives of the coalition are to increase understanding around the challenges of feeding a growing population with more varied and sustainable protein options; identifying new and creative solutions; and activating those solutions through pilot programs. Potential focus areas include reducing food loss and waste, increasing access to protein, and safeguarding ecosystems.
The planned sustainability coalition is among the first major efforts overseen by John R. Tyson, son of Chairman John Tyson, since he joined the company in Sept. 2019.
Membership will require a commitment to meet goals on issues like food waste and environmental conservation, John R. Tyson said. Members could include feed suppliers and meat-alternative makers as well as meat companies, according to Tyson CEO Noel White.