GREELEY, COLO. – Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a subsidiary of JBS SA, made its 2020 Sustainability Report available on June 30. The report highlights what the poultry processor has accomplished since establishing its 2015 sustainability goals and its plans for the next decade and beyond. 

The document also focuses on priority areas Pilgrim’s has identified, including animal care, employees, environment, communities, customers and consumers and suppliers – across its operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and the United States.

“At Pilgrim’s, we are committed to being the best and most respected company in our industry, and we want to serve as a leader that can help drive the entire supply chain forward,” said Fabio Sandri, president and chief executive officer, Pilgrim’s. “We remain focused on producing high-quality food for people around the world in a sustainable manner that is both ambitious and collaborative, while creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members.”

Pilgrim’s said it is the first major global meat and poultry company to offer a $1 billion sustainability-linked bond tied to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity around global operations. Additionally, the company said it is a part of JBS’ commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. 

Achievements detailed in the 2020 report include:

  • Team members: Provided nearly 180,000 hours of leadership training and development and created the Pilgrim’s Better Futures Program to provide tuition-free community college to all US workers and dependents.
  • Environment: Surpassed the 2015 US goal of reducing GHG emission intensity by 14% by 2020. The company also reduced global greenhouse gas emission intensity from 2019-2020 by 7%. Pilgrim’s Moy Park maintained a zero waste to landfill commitment.
  • Animal care: Participated in third-party animal handling audits at all production facilities, and passed 100% of external animal welfare audits.
  • Communities: Launched the Hometown Strong program in the United States, which invested $20 million in local community projects to strengthen infrastructure, alleviate food insecurity, support COVID-19 recovery and increase overall well-being.
  • Suppliers: Partnered with more than 6,100 livestock and poultry family farms, providing payments of more than $2 billion in 2019.

“While we are proud of the work we have accomplished thus far, we embrace the opportunity to continue to push our company forward,” Sandri said. “We have established strong commitments, and our team is excited to take the next steps on our sustainability journey.”

Pilgrim’s also highlighted plans for future global actions including: 

  • Reducing scope of 1+2 GHG emission intensity by 30% by 2030; 
  • Reducing water use intensity by 15% by 2030;
  • Achieving a 30% improvement in the Pilgrim’s Global Safety Index by 2030;
  • Developing a globally aligned Animal Welfare scorecard;
  • Developing a globally aligned Food Safety Quality Assurance/Product Integrity scorecard;
  • Achieving net-zero GHG emissions, as part of the JBS Net Zero 2040 commitment;
  • Investing in projects to reduce emissions in Pilgrim’s-owned facilities; and 
  • Investing in research and development projects to assist producer efforts to strengthen and scale regenerative farming practices.

More information is available at http://sustainability.pilgrims.com.