The firm, which is one of the World’s largest suppliers of chicken, beef and pork to fast food chains, restaurants and even some prisons revealed water conservation, renewable fuels production and workplace safety improvements in its latest sustainability report.

In Rooted in Tradition. Growing Responsibly the firm highlights the social, environmental and economic performance of Tyson’s US operations for fiscal 2008 and 2009.

The report showed Tyson’s water conservation efforts since 2004, including plant closures, have led to an almost 14% reduction in the number of gallons used per pound of finished product.

It also reveal a joint venture, between Tyson Foods and synthetic fuel firm Syntroleum, has built a new plant that will soon start converting inedible fats and greases from food production into renewable fuels.

The company also highlighted its support of hunger relief claiming to have, since 2000, donated more than 75 million pounds of protein to food banks and hunger agencies across the US.

“The business case for sustainable practices is positive, bottom-line impact,” said Donnie Smith, president of Tyson Foods.

“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,” said Kevin Igli, Tyson’s 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.”

The report also outlines Tyson’s latest sustainability goals. They 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.

Luke Walsh

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