Smithfield Foods achieves animal care commitment
In 2007, Smithfield became what is dubbed as the first company to commit to group housing systems.
Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, Va., fulfilled its industry-leading commitment of providing group housing systems for pregnant sows on all company-owned farms in the United States.
"Smithfield's leadership in animal care is reflected in today's landmark announcement," says Kenneth Sullivan, president and CEO. "Achieving this goal is a testament to the fact that, at Smithfield, we keep our promises. We stand committed to continue leading the industry in both animal care and transparency."
In 2007, Smithfield became what is dubbed as the first company to commit to group housing systems. Since then, the company has invested more than $360 million to complete the transition.
In addition to the efforts on U.S. company-owned farms, Smithfield recommends that all of its contract sow growers in the United States transition to group housing by the end of 2022.
Worldwide, Smithfield has pledged to convert all company sow farms by 2022. Operations in Poland and Romania have already completed their conversions to group housing systems, and Smithfield's joint ventures in Mexico are currently working toward the 2022 goal.
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