Better Health for All

Genus's core business of animal genetics aims to produce safe, affordable, and high-quality animal protein, directly contributing to human food security and nutrition.

A significant innovation is the development of gene-edited pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This technology received safety and effectiveness approvals from the FDA and Health Canada for the food supply. Studies confirmed pork from these pigs is nutritionally equivalent to regular pork, with no observed adverse effects in the animals or feed ingredients. Genus demonstrated strong transparency by providing detailed genetic and compositional data to regulators, including screening for off-target edits and committing to report new risks. The company's genetics also yield significant positive health externalities, helping protein producers avoid over 8,000,000 tCO2e in FY25. The PRRS-resistant pigs are projected to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 5% and antibiotic use by over 200%. The company's approach is inherently preventative, focusing on breeding for disease resistance to reduce the need for antibiotics and veterinary care. The development of PRRS-resistant pigs is an exceptional response to a devastating global swine disease, addressing a food security threat. Net expenditure on R&D, dedicated to these innovations, was 2.5% of group revenue in FY25.

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

Genus PLC is an animal genetics company focused on improving livestock breeding and does not offer lending, insurance, or deposit services to consumers.

The company's strategic framework and community support initiatives, such as enhancing employment opportunities and providing aid, do not involve direct financial services or fair pricing initiatives. Therefore, all KPIs related to financial services are not applicable to Genus PLC.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

The CEO to median employee pay ratio was 51:1 in 2025.

The Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (RIFR) was 1.91 incidents per 100 employees over 200,000 hours worked in FY25, representing a 4.5% reduction from the previous year. The median gender pay gap for Genus Breeding Limited, the largest UK subsidiary, was 13.9% in 2024, indicating a pay equity ratio of 0.861. No human rights issues were identified during FY25.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Genus PLC operates outside traditional fair trade concerns, indicating that its tier-1 spend is not covered by fair-trade or equivalent certifications.

The company's core business in animal genetics does not involve the material sourcing of high-risk inputs such as conflict minerals or uncertified palm oil. No information is provided regarding the frequency of supplier audits, substantiated forced or child labor incidents, supply chain traceability, remediation speed for violations, ethical clauses in supplier contracts, or the percentage of procurement budget directed to diverse suppliers.

Honest & Fair Business

Genus PLC reported zero ethics-related regulatory fines for 2023 and 2024.

The company maintains a comprehensive Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy with a zero-tolerance stance, applying to all employees and third parties. This policy includes a specific gift and hospitality threshold of $250 over any six-month period requiring prior approval, and a comprehensive screening process with external counsel for its Russian entities. Genus also has a Whistleblower Policy, supported by an independent and anonymous hotline available in multiple languages. Reports are immediately referred to the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. They are investigated, and discussed with the Group HR Director, Head of Risk Management, Internal Audit, and the Audit & Risk Committee. This process is regularly reviewed. However, the company has reported multiple financial restatements, including a £41.1 million reduction in biological assets for the balance sheet at June 30, 2024, a restatement of prior year periods, and a restatement of the FY24 H1 comparative for cash conversion and free cash flow due to new definitions.

Kind to Animals

Genus PLC emphasizes animal health, welfare, comfort, and dignity, aiming to breed healthier, more productive animals to reduce disease and the need for antibiotics.

This includes pioneering gene editing for PRRS resistance, which impacts animal welfare. New animal housing facilities, such as those in Leeds, Dekorra, and a bull stud in India, are designed with animal well-being as a main priority, including low-stress environments. The company has a goal for 100% completion of training on animal care standards by employees with animal care responsibilities by FY25, with all relevant colleagues receiving regular, mandatory training in animal welfare principles.

No War, No Weapons

Genus PLC has no direct or indirect involvement in military contracts, arms manufacturing, or the defense industry.

A historical contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for $64,995 in 2002 was terminated, indicating 100% divestment from past defense activities. The company's operations are centered on agricultural biotechnology. There are no records of lobbying for increased military spending or opposing arms control measures. Consequently, the company has no exposure to weapons and no defense business for its board to oversee.

Planet-Friendly Business

The company reported total Scope 1, 2, and partial Scope 3 emissions of 274,026 tCO2e in FY25, representing a 49.69% annual decline from FY24.

It is in the process of identifying and testing its science-based baseline for its 2030 emissions reduction target. In FY25, 1.34% of its total operational energy was sourced from renewable energy. In 2022, the company committed to plant trees to offset 35.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its vehicle fleet, covering less than 1% of its total reported emissions. The company is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050, with a medium-term target to reduce its primary intensity ratio by 25% against its 2019 baseline by 2030. It does not fully comply with TCFD recommendations but has completed climate scenario analysis for 1.5°C and 4.0°C pathways, including qualitative and quantitative assessments of financial risks and opportunities.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

Genus PLC introduced the Recollect platform in May 2020, which is dedicated to protecting cultural heritage and special collections by providing digital access, discovery, engagement, management, and preservation.

This platform enables communities to share stories and histories, fostering online communities and distributing knowledge globally. No cultural appropriation incidents have been reported. The company also supports local communities through employment opportunities, recruiting 164 employees into its production sites in 2021 and enhancing student and apprentice placements, including 28 interns in the US and 10 graduates in the UK. Genus regularly donates to community causes, focusing on local charities and organizations connected to food security and agriculture. Additionally, its R&D division established a recycling program in 2021 in partnership with social enterprise partners.

Safe & Smart Tech

Genus PLC achieved the internationally recognized ISO 27001 certification for its information security management systems in 2017.

Additionally, the company has established ethical commitments to guide its use of gene editing technologies, which include a focus on transparency, regulatory compliance, and monitoring unintended consequences.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Genus has implemented numerous waste reduction initiatives, including installing biodigester plants for manure management at elite farms in China, Brazil, Canada, and the UK.

Its R&D division actively recycles wastes such as plastics, glass, and isopropyl alcohol. The company has invested in solar photovoltaic energy systems and transitioned from coal to energy-efficient systems at its Chinese sites, saving 2,830 tonnes of CO₂e. Genus has committed to ambitious company-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets: a 25% reduction in its primary intensity ratio by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, and net-zero emissions by 2050. Life cycle assessments show its porcine genetics reduce emissions by over 7% and bovine genetics by 4-9% against industry averages, indicating better material efficiency. The company has not reported any waste disposal violations. Genus is engaging with its most material suppliers to explore collaboration on waste and emissions reduction, piloting this work with strategic suppliers in FY25.