1. Purpose 

Meristem® Crop Performance Group, LLC (Meristem) helps farmers produce more bushels for less cost per bushel. Meristem is the global leader in delivering live, in-field biologicals through the patented BIO-CAPSULE™ Technology platform. Meristem significantly reduces waste and increases productivity in crop input systems through accelerated access to innovation, improved supply chain efficiency, and advanced concentrates. 

Meristem is committed to conducting business in a responsible and sustainable manner. This ESG Policy outlines our principles and approach to managing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in our operations, decision-making, and stakeholder engagements. Our goal is to create long-term value for our shareholders, employees, customers, partners, and the agricultural communities in which we operate. We also aim to align our ESG practices with international best practices, including evolving expectations under EU sustainability frameworks. 

2. Scope 

This Policy applies to all employees, officers, directors, and contractors of Meristem and its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. We also encourage our business partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to align with these principles. 

3. Environmental Responsibility 

Meristem recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. We will: 
• Comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation.
• Promote sustainable resource management and energy efficiency.
• Support the development and use of environmentally friendly technologies and practices.
• Encourage our suppliers and partners to adopt sustainable practices.
• Promote sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices that protect soil health, biodiversity, and water resources.
• Support responsible use and stewardship of crop inputs, including crop protection and biological products.
• Work with suppliers, growers, and partners to encourage climate-resilient farming practices.
• Monitor and seek to reduce our carbon footprint across our operations and supply chain, including transportation and logistics.

4. Social Responsibility 

We are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment and contributing positively to society. We will: 
• Respect human rights and promote fair labor practices.
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Provide safe and healthy working conditions.
• Engage in community development and support charitable initiatives.
• Promote employee well-being and professional development.
• Ensure responsible marketing and customer relations practices.
• Foster strong relationships with the farming communities and customers we serve.
• Support agricultural education, innovation, and capacity-building in local communities.
• Ensure that product stewardship and safety information is effectively communicated to customers and end users.

5. Governance and Ethics 

Strong corporate governance and ethical conduct are foundational to our business success. We will: 
• Conduct business with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain transparent, accurate, and timely disclosure of financial and non-financial information.
• Uphold anti-corruption and anti-bribery standards.
• Implement effective risk management practices.
• Encourage ethical behavior and provide channels for reporting concerns or misconduct.
• Ensure Board and management accountability for ESG performance.
• Promote transparency and ethical behavior throughout our agricultural supply chain.
• Engage suppliers on ESG expectations, and encourage alignment with our values and standards.

6. ESG Oversight and Implementation 

The Board of Directors (or designated committee) will oversee the implementation of this Policy and the integration of ESG considerations into company strategy and operations. 

• Senior management is responsible for executing the ESG strategy, monitoring performance, and reporting progress.
• We will periodically assess and update this Policy to reflect evolving best practices,stakeholder expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor developments in ESG-related regulatory requirements, including EUsustainability reporting and supply chain due diligence frameworks (such as CSRD,SFDR, and CSDDD), and integrate relevant expectations into our business practices.

7. Communication and Reporting

Meristem is committed to transparency in its ESG practices. We will:
• Communicate our ESG commitments to internal and external stakeholders.
• Report on our ESG performance through public disclosures, such as annual sustainability reports, ESG updates, or website publications.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their ESG expectations and incorporate feedback into our practices.

8. Review

This ESG Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.