Twelve organizations representing farmers and companies who make the vast majority of America’s meat, poultry and dairy, as well as animal feed and ingredients, unveiled the Protein PACT for the People, Animals, and Climate of Tomorrow.

It is the first joint initiative of its kind designed to accelerate momentum and verify progress toward global sustainable development goals across all animal protein sectors.

Alongside the debut of the Protein PACT, the North American Meat Institute released its draft sustainability framework and is soliciting public comments to inform the organization’s efforts to set transparent baselines and measure progress toward ambitious sustainability goals.

“Animal protein is at the center of healthy diets, and our commitments to economic, social, and environmental sustainability also place us clearly at the center of solutions for a healthy future,” North American Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts commented. “The Protein PACT is the first initiative to unite meat, poultry and dairy farmers and processors in a common vision for transparent communication, continuous improvement and ambitious commitments to ensure the sustainability of the high-quality protein foods Americans rely on every day.”

The Meat Institute draft sustainability framework encompasses more than 100 metrics developed through extensive collaboration with sustainability experts, supply chain partners and Meat Institute members.

After incorporating public feedback, the Meat Institute will set targets for public commitments by packers and processors of all sizes to verify progress in all five Protein PACT focus areas:

  • optimize contributions to healthy land, air and water
  • be the leading source of high-quality protein in balanced diets
  • provide the most humane care and raise healthy animals
  • produce safe products without exception
  • support a diverse workforce and ensure safe workplaces.

Interested stakeholders can learn more about the Protein PACT and submit feedback on the Meat Institute’s draft sustainability framework at https://theproteinpact.org.

The Protein PACT is partially funded by U.S. farmers and ranchers, including with support from the pork, dairy and soybean checkoffs.