Perdue’s environmental leadership secures industry award for innovation

Perdue recently became the eighth company to receive POULTRY magazine’s Jewell award for innovation, and the first to be recognized in the area of environmental leadership.

The award, named for poultry industry pioneer Jesse Jewell, recognizes industry innovators “whose products, processes or overall approach to marketing or management … raised the standard of excellence for the entire poultry industry.”

Ongoing dedication to the environment

“[Perdue] has a business unit dedicated to converting poultry litter into organic fertilizer, a large-scale poultry grower best-practices partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and, among other projects, employees committed to volunteering to clean up local waterways,” wrote POULTRY magazine editor-at-large Alicia Karapetian.

“In a sea of shades of green, Perdue’s dedication rises to the top, and for this ongoing environmental dedication, Perdue has earned POULTRY’s 2009 Jewell Award.”

Leading the industry

“It was a great honor to be recognized within our industry,” said Steve Schwalb, Perdue’s Vice President of Environmental Stewardship. “From investing in first –ever large-scale litter recycling operation to our recent partnerships with EPA, we’ve lead our industry in addressing the environmental challenges associated with animal agriculture and food processing.

A cooperative approach

“Equally important, though, is the leadership role we’ve taken in working cooperatively with the farm community, environmental groups, and state and federal agencies,” added Steve. “There is a tremendous benefit in being able to work together. “

Integrating environmental sustainability into day-to-day business

And while Schwalb is proud of the company’s accomplishments, his focus as Vice President of Environmental Sustainability is on the future. “Our company’s commitment to the environment is not something, but we’ve recently put a formal structure around of sustainability programs, focusing on three platforms: ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,’ ‘Research and Innovation’ and ‘Community Outreach.’ Through those platforms, we’re integrating environmental considerations into how we do our business every day.”

Learn more about Perdue’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

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