The FAIRR Investor Tool: Agriculture Water Risks (also known as the Water Risk Monitor) is a specialised resource designed to help financial institutions identify and assess the material financial impacts of water scarcity within the intensive livestock production sector. It provides data-driven insights into how environmental pressures on water resources translate into hidden costs for companies and their investors. Finance professionals can use this tool to integrate water-related physical risks into their investment analysis and stewardship activities.

Organisation behind the tool

The tool is developed and maintained by the FAIRR Initiative, a collaborative investor network that raises awareness regarding the material risks and opportunities in intensive livestock production.

What the tool does

• Analyses the “hidden costs” of water scarcity for global livestock companies.
• Provides a Water Risk Monitor to track and assess water-related vulnerabilities across the value chain.
• Offers research reports and data visualisations that quantify the materiality of water stress in agriculture.
• Facilitates comparison of company performance regarding water stewardship and resource management.

Target audience

The primary audience includes institutional investors, asset managers, and ESG analysts. It is also relevant for sustainability researchers and policymakers focused on agricultural supply chain resilience.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – Identification of physical risks related to water scarcity that may impact the operational viability of livestock holdings.
• ESG analysis – Provision of industry-specific metrics for reporting on environmental stewardship and biodiversity impacts.
• Market/commodity insights – Understanding how water availability affects agricultural productivity and long-term pricing in the food and retail sectors.
• Investment context – Facilitates informed engagement and proxy voting by highlighting financial exposure to environmental degradation.