Shared value: how Smithfield foods creates environmental and business benefits through supply chain partnerships

This case study tells the story of how Smithfield Foods, a $15-billion global food company and the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer, is tapping the power of collaboration to create a more sustainable supply chain. The focus: environmental impacts of growing hogs and the grain that feeds them. The company’s strategic partner in this effort is Environmental Defense Fund, a non-profit, science-focused organization. With EDF’s help, Smithfield has engaged over 560,000 grain acres in farm practices that reduce fertilizer loss and improve soils. In 2016, Smithfield committed to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2025—making it the first major meat company to set an absolute goal for reducing supply chain emissions. In these pages we describe nine of Smithfield’s collaborative initiatives. They serve as a model for solutions that generate shared value for the environment, farmers, and food companies.