SMITHFIELD, Va. — Smithfield Foods announced it has achieved a key animal welfare initiative by providing group housing systems for pregnant sows at all company-owned farms in the US.

Along with the announcement, Smithfield released a virtual reality video that provides viewers with a snapshot of a typical company-owned sow farm.

In 2007, Smithfield committed to transitioning to group housing systems. Since then, the company invested more than $360 million to complete the transition. Smithfield has pledged to convert all company sow farms by 2022 around the world. Operations in Poland and Romania have already completed their conversions to group housing systems, and Smithfield's joint ventures in Mexico are currently working toward the 2022 goal.

"Smithfield's leadership in animal care is reflected in today's landmark announcement," said Kenneth Sullivan, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. "Achieving this goal is a testament to the fact that, at Smithfield, we keep our promises. We stand committed to continue leading the industry in both animal care and transparency."