SALISBURY, MD. – Perdue Farms has released its Fiscal Year 2021 Company Stewardship Report emphasizing four areas for the meat processor including leadership in employee safety, alleviating food insecurity, producing in-demand consumer products and advancing animal care commitments.

The report noted progress made in the key target areas and reinforces the company’s stewardship platform: “We believe in responsible food and agriculture.” 

“As we reflect on the past year, one of uncertainty, unprecedented challenges and hope amid a global pandemic, it reminds us of what’s most important – the health and safety of our associates, our family and friends, and the strength of our communities. We also completed our 100th year in business as a family-owned American company,” said Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms. “As this report was being compiled, hope was on the horizon for individuals and families as COVID-19 vaccines rolled out across the country, enabling millions of people to be vaccinated. We continued to partner with local health departments and hospitals to provide vaccine access to our associates and their family members.”

Some of the highlights of the report include:

People and Partners: The company was named “America’s Best In-State Employer 2020” by Forbes in Delaware and Virginia. In addition, Perdue received 18 safety awards from the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. Truck drivers for the company achieved four million safe driving miles. Other accomplishments for Perdue included a company commitment to donate 20 million lbs of protein by 2025 and donated more than 4 million lbs of protein to support families struggling with food insecurity in Fiscal Year 2021.

Food: The company introduced a variety of new products including a new bacon breakfast sausage by Niman Ranch, limited edition turkey ThanksNuggets and Panorama Meats’ shelf-stable beef bone broth. Perdue also said 100% of products met the requirement for the Global Food Safety Initative and zero product recalls in 2020.

Environment:  The company said it reduced greenhouse gas intensity by 10.5% and water usage intensity by 8.9% while also improving solid waste diversion from landfills by 10.6%. Niman Ranch was also awarded its first Sustainable Farmer of the Year recognition.

Animal care: Perdue Farms hosted its fifth Animal Care Summit. The report also announced nine new animal-husbandry initiatives planned for 2021 implementation. It opened a third on-farm poultry learning center that is focused on education for communities and classrooms.

The report is available at www.responsiblefoodandagriculture.com formatted as highlights for convenient web access and in an e-book format.