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Smithfield Foods plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025 through a range of new initiatives.
To achieve this goal, Smithfield will implement ‘manure-to-energy’ projects across 90% of its hog finishing spaces in North Carolina and Utah, and nearly all of its hog finishing facilities in Missouri.
The company will also convert or construct a number of covered digesters over its anaerobic treatment lagoons, which will capture biogas which can be converted into renewable natural gas.
Smithfield will also introduce new technologies to optimise its supply chain, claiming that the new tech will reduce truck traffic and miles travelled by more than 85% on certain routes.
Energy use at its processing facilities will also be optimised, and 75% of the grain used by the company will be sourced from farmers who use efficient fertilizer and soil health practices.
Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods said: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of decades spent studying and perfecting the commercial viability of ‘manure-to-energy’ projects.
“Our investment in these projects underscores our longstanding commitment to sustainability, as well as our promise to produce good food in a responsible way.
“Through partnerships with a broad coalition of stakeholders, including family farmers, government, energy partners, and other constituents, we’re confident we can bring about sustainable, revolutionary progress in our effort to minimize our environmental footprint.”
Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund added: “Smithfield is demonstrating leadership by investing in solutions that build climate resilience and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“Smithfield’s commitment to deploy technologies that convert methane into renewable biogas will substantially reduce emissions of a powerful greenhouse gas and create economic opportunities for rural communities.
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