May 3, 2017

Smithfield Foods issues first instalment of 2016 Sustainability Report

Smithfield Foods, Inc. released the first section of its 2016 Sustainability Report, providing comprehensive information about its industry-leading animal care initiatives and practices.

Starting with its Animal Care section, Smithfield will issue its 16th annual report in segments each week throughout the month of May. A key highlight of the section is Smithfield's 87% progress toward converting all pregnant sows to group housing systems on company-owned farms by the end of 2017.

"Customers and consumers are increasingly interested in the living conditions, care and respect of farm animals, and we are proud to proactively implement policies and practices that address their concerns," said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "As just one example, more than 70 of the largest US retailers and foodservice companies have announced commitments to source pork from producers utilising group housing systems for pregnant sows. Today, Smithfield remains the only major pork producer to undertake such a conversion."

The report provides in-depth information about Smithfield's specific leadership positions in the area of animal care, including being the: first to commit to providing group housing for pregnant sows on company-owned farms worldwide; first and only company in the industry to report antibiotics usage (since 2007); and first pork producer to develop and implement a comprehensive, systematic animal welfare management programme.

In addition to information about these topics, the report also includes case studies about animal care research, a glossary of animal-care industry terms, results of internal animal care audits and other information.

"As the world's largest hog producer, we have a unique position and responsibility to lead our industry in animal care," said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. "Our bold steps - whether toward enhancing our reporting surrounding antibiotics or group housing systems for pregnant sows — not only create value for our business and the industry but, more importantly, embody our mission to produce good food the right way."

Smithfield will issue its annual sustainability report in segments organised by each pillar of its comprehensive programme.

The goal of the multiphase release is to better engage a broad range of stakeholders by delivering information in a more accessible way. Following the Animal Care section, Smithfield will publish its Environment, Food Safety and Quality, Helping Communities, and People segments in succession.

- Smithfield