SPRINGDALE, Ark. –– Tyson Foods Inc.’s most recent sustainability report titled "Rooted in Tradition. Growing Responsibly" highlights the company’s efforts made in the areas of water conservation, renewable fuels production and workplace-safety improvements,. The report covers the social, environmental and economic performance of Tyson’s U.S. operations for fiscal 2008 and 2009.

As the third sustainability report Tyson has issued since 2006, it is available on-line at: http://www.tyson.com/Corporate/Sustainability/2010/SustainabilityAtTysonFoods.aspx

"The business case for sustainable practices is positive, bottom-line impact," said Donnie Smith, president and chief executive officer. "Improving conditions for our people, planet and profit makes economic sense. That bottom-line argument is even more important in this tough economy – especially for our Team Members and shareholders."

"Sustainability at Tyson Foods is about doing the right thing in all aspects of our business," added Kevin Igli, chief environmental, health and safety officer. "Along with our ‘Core Values,’ it guides our actions in such important areas as hunger relief, food safety, environmental protection, animal well-being, ethical business practices and the health and safety of our employees."

Progress and successes the company has experienced in key areas of its business include:

  • Since 2004, Tyson’s water-conservation efforts, including plant closures, have led to an almost 14% reduction in the number of gallons used per lb. of finished product.
  • As part of a joint venture between Tyson Foods and Syntroleum, a new plant has been built that will soon start converting inedible fats and greases into renewable fuels.
  • Tyson reduced its Total Recordable Incident Rate by more than 19% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.
  • Since 2000, Tyson has donated more than 75 million lbs. of protein to food banks and hunger agencies across the U.S.

The report also outlines Tyson’s latest sustainability goals, which include:

  • Reduce water usage by 10% over a two-year period as compared to water usage levels at the end of fiscal year 2008.
  • Within the next four years, produce up to 75 million gallons of bio-fuel annually.
  • Donate millions of pounds of protein annually to Feeding America food banks across the country.
  • Support government policies that will encourage the use of non-food sources for renewable energy.