GREELEY, COLO. – Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. made its 2019 Sustainability Report available on June 10. The report focuses on the company’s achievements in the areas of team member health and safety, product integrity, animal welfare, water and energy across its operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States. The company’s fifth annual sustainability report also provides insight on progress toward 2020 sustainability targets.

“The Pilgrim’s global team is driven by our passion to sustainably produce food that positively impacts the lives of our team members, grower partners, customers, shareholders and society,” said Jayson Penn, president and chief executive officer, Pilgrim’s Global. “We are focused on doing things the right way and creating delicious products that families around the world can enjoy and share with pride.”

Achievements detailed in the 2019 report include:

  • Team members: Invested over $10 million and provided more than 255,000 hours of leadership training and development across our global operations
  • Environment: Achieved a 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity from 2018-2019
  • Animal care: Participated in third-party animal handling audits at all production facilities, and passed 100% of external animal welfare audits
  • Communities: Pilgrim’s US launched the Tomorrow Fund, a full-ride scholarship program for our team members or their dependents
  • Suppliers: Partnered with more than 6,300 livestock and poultry family farms, providing payments of more than $1.8 billion in 2019

“As a result of our ongoing commitment, we made significant progress toward our sustainability goals in 2019,” Penn said. “Our entrepreneurial drive, innovative spirit and sense of purpose will help ensure our team continues to lead on our journey to become the best and most respected company in our industry.”  

Progress toward 2020 goals includes:

  • 37% improvement in the Pilgrim’s Safety Index score year over year, compared to the goal of 10%;
  • 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emission intensity, meeting the goal of 14%;
  • 9% reduction in electricity use intensity, on track to meet the goal of 12%;
  • 11% reduction in natural gas use intensity, on track to meet the goal of 14%;
  • 8% increase in water use intensity, compared to the goal of a 10% decrease;
  • On track to achieve a 90% or better score on the Pilgrim’s Animal Health and Welfare Scorecard;
  • On track to achieve 100% vendor agreement with the Company’s Supplier Code of Conduct.

Because of recent acquisitions, the 2020 goals only apply to Pilgrim’s US and Puerto Rico operations. Once the Pilgrim’s Board of Directors adopts and approves comprehensive global goals currently under consideration, the company will share those goals. To learn more, visit the 2019 Pilgrim’s Sustainability Report online at http://sustainability.pilgrims.com.