Dive Brief:
- Tyson Foods issued a letter to contract farmers calling for an end to the use of gestation crates with pregnant pigs, which were unable to even turn around in the tiny cages.
- The move follows pressure from shareholders and the public to end the practice, as well as a resolution from Green Century Capital Management, the Humane Society of the United States, and the United Methodist Church Benefits Board.
- A shareholder vote on the practice is expected in the coming weeks.
Dive Insight:
It's encouraging to see Tyson join the growing list of around 60 pork buyers worldwide who have committed to better standards for the animals they use. McDonald's, Burger King, Costco and Oscar Meyer are on that list, as well, and Smithfield Foods and Hormel are both working to eliminate gestation crates by 2017. Tyson's letter calls for such changes to be made by farmers this year.
It's unfortunate that such abysmal conditions were allowed in the first place, but perhaps these moves can expand to higher standards for all livestock across the board.