SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) gave high marks to Tyson Foods, Inc. for the company’s latest corporate social responsibility report.

The latest report from Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson is the first to receive the GRI’s Application Level A, which represents a high degree of disclosure and transparency in sustainability reporting, according to the company.

“For us, sustainability is about trying to do the right thing in everything we do,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “It’s fundamental to our core values, cuts across every aspect of our business, and supports our mission of making great food and making a difference.”

Key accomplishments outlined in the report include:

• Animal well-being: In 2012 Tyson launched FarmCheck, a program to audit animal handling and welfare at the company’s independent suppliers.

• Water and fuel conservation: Since 2004, Tyson has cut water consumption by nearly 11 percent. The company continues to work with the Univ. of Arkansas on ways to make additional reductions. Through efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, the company has eliminated more than 145 million over-the-road truck miles since 2011.

• Nutrition: In 2012 Tyson launched nine new products that meet updated nutritional standards for school meals. These foods feature lower fat and sodium content and eliminate food allergens.

• Hunger and disaster relief: Since 2010 Tyson donated more than 18 million lbs. of food, valued at $23 million, to nonprofit hunger relief agencies across the US. The company also launched the “Meals that Matter” mobile disaster relief supply unit, which was first used in New Jersey and New York following Hurricane Sandy.

• Charitable giving: Tyson has donated $10 million to support education, health and human services, families and the environment since 2010.

“With the global population surpassing the 7 billion mark, the food industry’s greatest challenge is to help feed the world,” Smith said. “But it’s not enough just to fill mouths. Creating access to a steady, nutritious diet for people across the globe requires partnerships throughout the food chain that are built on sustainable, modern agricultural and ethical business practices.”