GRI 13 is here: the standard for reporting on the sustainability of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries

How we produce the food and how much food a growing population requires results in numerous economic, environmental and social impacts, which in turn threaten the future viability of the world's food systems . The transformation of our food system is so urgent that it requires fundamental, large-scale action , which can only be achieved with multi-stakeholder partnerships locally and globally, as well as concise, transparent and reliable reporting to hold food manufacturing companies accountable.

In this direction, the new sustainability reporting standard published by GRI ( GRI 13: Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing Sectors 2022 ) will serve to create greater transparency between supply chains and will guide companies involved in the production of crops, animals and seafood to communicate their impact on key areas of sustainability , including the environment, economic development and human rights. Reporting a common set of topics is the starting point for measurable and verifiable results.

Light on impacts to trace the path towards a sustainable future

While the essential role of the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors in the world's food is clear, the clarity about their impacts is not. With 2.5 billion people depending on these sectors for their livelihoods, their impact on economic development and human rights should not be underestimated.

“By shining a spotlight on the most significant impacts of organizations involved in crop cultivation, livestock production, fisheries or aquaculture, GRI Standard 13 brings the clarity and consistency needed to inform responsible decision-making,” said Judy Kuszewski , chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), the independent body that sets the GRI standards. in charting the path towards a sustainable future for these sectors”.

According to the GRI, Standard 13 includes new information for the sectors of food security, rights to land and resources, wages and livelihoods, conversion of natural ecosystems, animal welfare, soil health and pesticides, and supports companies in the sectors in building connections between their impacts and all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GRI 13: A model for reporting on sustainability

GRI 13 was developed by a 19-member multi-stakeholder working group, with agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries organizations together with investors, civil society, mediation institutions and trade union bodies. The standard balances the need for comprehensive reporting on the environmental, social and economic impacts of these sectors with recognition of the essential role they play in fueling a global population estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.

Dr Leah Samberg , Lead Scientist for Global Policy, Rainforest Alliance and member of the GRI working group on the standard, said: “Agribusinesses have a key role to play in achieving global goals for climate , forests, human rights and sustainable development. By providing a comprehensive template for standardized reporting on progress towards these goals, in line with the Accountability Framework and other guidelines, GRI enables downstream buyers, investors, lenders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to gather the information they need to make informed business performance decisions .”

The release of the new standard follows the release last year of the GRI's first sectoral standard , targeting the oil and gas sector , followed by a coal sector standard earlier this year. The organization plans to release additional industry standards in the future, including mining, textiles and apparel, and food and beverage. The Sector Standards complement the modular GRI reporting system. Organizations start with the Universal Standards, then use Industry Standards to determine the material topics they report on using the relevant Thematic Standards. (Source: https://www.agrifood.tech/ )