SALISBURY, MD. – Perdue Farms has released its Fiscal Year 2020 Company Stewardship Report highlighting four areas of the company – food, environment, animal care and people and partners. The report also notes progress made in the areas of environment, communities and people, and reinforcing the company’s stewardship platform: “We believe in responsible food and agriculture.”
“Over the past year, we have continued to make advances in animal care, product innovation and environmental stewardship,” said Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue. “Much of that progress would not have been possible without the support and involvement of others. Indeed, a theme of teamwork and partnership is woven throughout our report.”
Randy Day, chief executive officer of Perdue added, “From one of our newest acquisitions, Panorama Meats’ support of rangeland conservationists, to bioenergy partnerships, joint research with an animal welfare advocacy group, and volunteer and financial contributions to the many non-profits serving our communities, this has been a year that illustrates that we are truly all in this together. As this report was being compiled, our company, the country and the world was faced with the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through partnering with the government, communities, our associates, farmers and customers, we faced these challenges and developed solutions together. As we navigate into our second century, this unprecedented challenge only serves to reinforce our commitment to our vision ‘to be the most trusted name in food and agriculture products.’”
Some of the highlights of the report include:
Food: The company entered the e-commerce space to provide consumers with a new way to purchase its products. In addition, the company introduced its Perdue Chicken Plus product, a veggie-and-chicken blended nugget, tenders and patties product, and expanded its free-range product offerings under the Perdue Harvestland label.
Environment: The company reported progress toward reaching its 2022 environmental sustainability goals. Perdue Farms reduced solid waste by 3.4% by diverting 8.4 million lbs of waste and becoming the first poultry company in the United States to achieve GreenCircle Zero Waste to Landfill certification. The company also entered a 20-year partnership to create renewable natural gas and natural soil health solutions from poultry organics to benefit the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. And Niman Ranch committed $200,000 for farmers to build pollinator habitat on their land.
Animal care: Perdue Farms hosted its fourth Animal Care Summit. It also achieved its goal of providing outdoor access at 25% of its chicken houses by January 2020 and converted 700 chicken houses from conventional growing operations to free-range operations by adding windows, environmental enrichment and safe outdoor access. The company also started a research partnership with Mercy for Animals.
People and Partners: In an effort to continue its progress in being a responsible employer, Perdue Farms enrolled 88 employees in the online Penn Foster Online High School Diploma program that allows them to earn an accredited high school diploma at no cost. The company received 19 industry safety awards, including the “Award of Distinction” for 10 of its operations, from the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. In addition, Perdue hosted the first company-wide “Day of Understanding” in conjunction with its CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion to “encourage tough conversations and bridge cultural divides.”
The full report is available at www.responsiblefoodandagriculture.com and in an e-book format.
