WASHINGTON – The Protein PACT for the People, Animals and Climate of Tomorrow, a joint initiative by 12 organizations representing the meat, poultry and dairy industry along with animal feed and ingredients, was announced on July 19. 

The group’s goal is to accelerate momentum and verify progress toward global sustainable development goals across all animal protein sectors. The Protein PACT was submitted to the UN Food Systems Summit and will be featured at the upcoming Food Systems Summit ministerial in Rome later in July.

Organizations in the pact include: the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the National Pork Board (NPB), US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB), US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Beef Alliance, Animal Agriculture Alliance, Elanco, Dairy Management, National Corn Growers Associations, IFeeder, Elanco and the United Soybean Board.

With this announcement, NAMI released its draft sustainability framework and is requesting public comments to inform the organization's efforts to set transparent baselines and measure progress toward ambitious sustainability goals.

"Animal protein is at the center of healthy diets, and our commitments to economic, social, and environmental sustainability also place us clearly at the center of solutions for a healthy future,” said Julie Anna Potts, president of NAMI. “The Protein PACT is the first initiative to unite meat, poultry, and dairy farmers and processors in a common vision for transparent communication, continuous improvement, and ambitious commitments to ensure the sustainability of the high-quality protein foods Americans rely on every day."

The sustainability framework by NAMI includes more than 100 metrics developed through work with sustainability experts, supply chain partners and members of the association. 

Following a period of public feedback, NAMI plans to set targets for public commitments by packers and processors of all sizes.

They will look at five focus areas of the Protein PACT.

  • Optimizing contributions to healthy land, air, and water
  • Being the leading source of high-quality protein in balanced diets
  • Providing the most humane care and raise healthy animals
  • Producing safe products without exception
  • Supporting a diverse workforce and ensure safe workplaces.

Public comment on the draft sustainability framework can be made here.