In the realm of sustainable healthy diets, healthy communities, and a healthy planet, the meat sector is at the forefront. An astounding 98% of American households purchase meat, solidifying our sector’s pivotal role in maintaining the well-being of future generations.
Groundbreaking data gathering and reporting by the meat industry have witnessed remarkable growth of around 60% in the second year. This comprehensive data now encompasses over half of the meat processing facilities operated by members of the esteemed Meat Institute.
The report integrates commitments and actions that cover an estimated 90% of beef sales in the United States. Data submitted by the top member companies of the beef Institute, boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees, accounts for an impressive 93% of the submitted data. The objectives and goals of the Meat Institute strongly align with on-farm endeavors in the beef, pig, poultry, and feed sectors, driving sustainability efforts throughout the supply chain.
“The meat industry’s position at the center of sustaining healthy diets, healthy communities, and a healthy planet for future generations is undeniable,” says Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute.
The Meat Institute, the oldest and largest trade association in the United States representing packers and processors of meat, has established measurable targets to track progress. Their groundbreaking data collection and reporting incentivize sector-wide implementation of best practices while identifying areas requiring additional resources to achieve ambitious goals.
One of the Meat Institute’s main focus areas for continuous improvement is their aim for all members to set science-based emissions reduction targets by 2030. Currently, 14 general members, representing the majority of meat sales in the United States, along with 10 supplier/allied members, have set or made public commitments to set targets verified by the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
Out of the establishments reporting data, 66% have made a company commitment to set scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals, while 62% have committed to setting scope 3 emissions reduction goals. In partnership with the UN Global Compact Network USA, the Meat Institute recently released a practical tool to assist meat companies in conducting emissions surveys, an essential first step toward setting science-based targets.
To aid families facing hunger and ensure access to sufficient high-quality protein, Meat Institute members generously donate millions of dollars and meals to food banks and charitable organizations countrywide each year. The majority of companies reporting data contributed to food banks and charities in 2022. Some noteworthy examples of food security initiatives during this reporting period include:
- Bob Evans Farms announced a four-year partnership with Mid-Ohio Food Bank, involving donations exceeding $1 million in cash and food contributions.
- Hormel Foods and Tyson Foods joined forces to support communities affected by the Maui wildfires. Hormel donated over 264,000 cans of SPAM, while Tyson contributed more than 100,000 lbs of protein.
- Smithfield Foods donated 28,000 lbs of protein to Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Idalia.
- Swaggertys has, thus far in 2023, donated nearly 35,000 lbs of frozen sausage to local food banks and charitable organizations.
About North American Meat Institute
The Meat Institute represents the oldest and largest trade association in the United States dedicated to packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products. Comprising over 350 meat packing and processing companies, the majority of which employ fewer than 100 individuals, the institute is responsible for over 95% of the United States’ meat output and 70% of turkey production. For more information, visit MeatInstitute.org.
About the Protein PACT
The Protein PACT unites partners across the animal protein industry, accelerating progress toward global sustainable development goals for healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. To achieve this, Protein PACT partners establish transparent baselines and benchmarks, set ambitious targets for continuous improvement, collect data for verification and transparent reporting on progress, and initiate comprehensive communications regarding animal protein’s crucial role in healthy diets and sustainable food systems. For more information, visit www.TheProteinPACT.org.
