Caring for the Planet
People define sustainability in various ways. As we discuss the science and practice behind sustainability within the pork industry, it’s important to know what sustainability means to our team. Learn the research behind how pork farmers and processors, researchers, and the pork supply chain are working on pork’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability in our ever-changing world.
The pork supply chain is part of a larger ecosystem that contributes to sustainability and environmental stewardship efforts across the U.S. pork industry.
The sections below detail the various questions you may have about caring for the planet and highlight the latest research from our team:
The pork industry has a role to play in environmental sustainability at the local, regional, and national levels. As we all become more aware of and concerned about environmental issues, the swine industry is researching how to address environmental stewardship challenges. Learn more about how the pork supply chain affects environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, and nitrogen management, and is exploring science-based approaches to address the complexities associated with environmental stewardship.
Environmental Sustainability
The sections below detail the various questions you may have about caring for the planet and highlight the latest research from our team:
The social reach of pork is vast including multi-generational pig farmers and their families, swine production workers, meat processors, and packers. The swine industry also impacts the viability and health of rural communities in which pork farms and facilities are located. Learn about how the entire pork industry is navigating social sustainability challenges related to farmer mental health, regulations impacting the right to farm, rural community viability, and more.
Social Impact
Pork production involves feed costs, electricity inputs, and biosecurity investments for those raising pigs, transporting them, and processing pork. The economic viability of pork as an affordable protein source also affects American families, while the pork supply chain influences rural and regional economic sustainability. Learn about the economic sustainability issues behind producing pork and how it is impacting the economic sustainability of our entire nation.
Economic Sustainability
Pig producers understand and value farming practices that optimize nutrient cycling to produce nutritious pork and productive crops for generations to come. Learn more about science-based practices pig producers use to address nitrogen and carbon cycling on their farms, as well as evolving research questions in this area.
Life Cycle Analysis
Upcycling is the means of rescuing by-products from pork processing or other food manufacturing processes for use in producing other foods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. Understand the role pig production and processing plays in upcycling, therefore contributing to other industries.