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Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world’s leading producers of meat and poultry, has received an “A” from the Global Reporting Initiative for its latest corporate social responsibility report, company officials announce.
The new sustainability report is the fourth Tyson Foods has produced since 2005, but the first to receive the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Application Level “A.” This represents a high degree of disclosure and transparency in sustainability reporting. GRI is a world-recognized organization that promotes economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
The 2012 Tyson Foods Sustainability Report documents the company’s progress from 2010-2012 across four key areas: people, planet, profit, and products. The full report can be found online.
“For us, sustainability is about trying to do the right thing in everything we do,” says Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “It’s fundamental to our core values, cuts across every aspect of our business, and supports our mission of making great food and making a difference.”
Among the key accomplishments outlined in the report:
· Animal well-being: In 2012 Tyson announced the launch of FarmCheck, a program to audit animal treatment at the independent farms that supply the company.
· Water and fuel conservation: Since 2004, Tyson has cut water consumption by nearly 11 percent. The company continues to work with the University of Arkansas on ways to make additional reductions. Through efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, the company has eliminated more than 145 million over-the-road truck miles since 2011.
· Nutrition: In 2012 Tyson launched nine new products that meet updated nutritional standards for school meals. These foods feature lower fat and sodium content and eliminate food allergens.
· Hunger and disaster relief: Since 2010 Tyson donated more than 18 million pounds of food, valued at $23 million, to nonprofit hunger relief agencies across the U.S. In 2012 the company also launched the “Meals that Matter” mobile disaster relief supply unit, which was first used in New Jersey and New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
· Charitable giving: Tyson has donated $10 million to support education, health and human services, families, and the environment since 2010.
“With the global population surpassing the 7 billion mark, the food industry’s greatest challenge is to help feed the world,” Smith said. “But it’s not enough just to fill mouths. Creating access to a steady, nutritious diet for people across the globe requires partnerships throughout the food chain that are built on sustainable, modern agricultural, and ethical business practices.”
