amr-resistance-sign-on-pictureAntimicrobial resistance is an impending public health crisis. Antibiotics that are critical to human health are regularly overused in livestock supply chains, leading to increased resistance of deadly diseases to previously routine antibiotic treatments. The UN addressed this growing crisis at the recent High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (“AMR”), bringing together various stakeholders across sectors.

Although “consumer pressure, localized regulatory action, and the potential export implications due to country-level restrictions” are pushing companies to reduce antibiotic overuse, comprehensive regulations by governments, as well as commitments from the for-profit sector are needed to mitigate global risk. Countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have successfully regulated their livestock industries, eliminating antibiotic use while increasing production. As antimicrobial resistance increases, companies with international supply chains are especially well-positioned to lead in implementing “policies and practices that prohibit prophylactic use of medically important antibiotics in livestock supply chains.”

Friends Fiduciary joined a group of investors with over $569 billion in assets under management asking for UN member states to commit to national and regional regulation of antibiotic use in livestock production. Friends Fiduciary believes that ensured profitability of livestock production hinges on the proactive adoption of policies by governments and businesses that alleviate the global health risk posed by AMR.

See the full letter here.