Powerful Partnerships Grow a Climate for Tomorrow
Ashley McDonald, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability at National Pork Board
Powerful
partnerships are built on shared values. I am reminded of this truth daily as I
see the agriculture industry live it out—the industry responsible for providing
one of the necessities to sustain human life on this planet: food. The
process of getting food from the farm to the table requires the work of many.
It’s not just the grocery stores and the farmers – it’s the processors,
distributors, transporters, retailers and suppliers. Each with business goals
of their own, yet unable to get food into the hands of hungry consumers without
help from one another.
A powerful
partnership, indeed.
We all want
(and need) access to clean water, fresh air, healthy soil and nutrient-dense
food. The pork industry is committed to continuously improving our practices to
do our part in ensuring those needs are met. We partner with members up and
down the supply chain to benefit the entire agriculture industry and move
forward in the right direction. The pork industry, for example, set a goal to
reduce GHG emissions 40% by 2030 – a goal that would not be possible without collaboration
and partnerships with others who share the same values.
While agriculture
is responsible for only 10% of U.S.
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the pork industry accounts for approximately 4%. Despite this
relatively small proportion, pig farmers are aware of the impact GHGs have on
the environment and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The
majority of GHG emissions in the pork industry are concentrated in the feed of
the animals, making it necessary to work with feed producers to make
improvements. Both types of producers share a common goal of reducing their
environmental impact and their mutual support and understanding are critical to
success.
In 2022,
the National Pork Board and six other organizations were awarded $20 million
through one of three climate-smart grants in which NPB is involved. Nestrade SA, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Trust in
Food (Farm Journal Inc.), Farm Credit Council, Millborn Seeds and Ducks
Unlimited, Inc. to promote
climate-smart agricultural practices and increase the sustainability of U.S.
pork products. The grant provides producers financial assistance to implement
sustainable practices on the ground, uses scientific models to show the effects
of these practices on the climate and connects these improvements and data to
the end user—ultimately building trust with consumers.
Partnerships
spanning the entire supply chain are undoubtedly powerful, but it's equally
important for producers to collaborate with their checkoff organizations. By doing
so, producers not only benefit their farms but also contribute to the
betterment of the entire U.S. pork industry. Through these collaborations, they
ensure the positive impact of their efforts stays within their industry and
product, which leads to greater trust from consumers. This enhanced confidence
in the quality and sustainability of their products helps to demonstrate that
pork is good for people, pigs and the planet.
As we
celebrate National Ag Day, let’s remember those shared values that unite us, so
we can continue growing a climate for tomorrow and ensure everyone has access
to the resources they need to thrive.
