New Tool: ProSource
Checkout our packaging and processing solutions finder, ProSource.

Smithfield Foods to Reappraise Its Entire U.S. Water Supply Footprint

The company is set to increase its sustainability efforts, utilizing comprehensive watershed analysis that will inform updates to water-use policies and performance targets.

Smithfield Logo

Smithfield Foods has announced it will conduct a comprehensive watershed and water-use analysis across its vertically integrated operations to increase the company’s water use efficiencies and ensure sustainable sourcing and practices companywide. As part of the initiative, Smithfield will also adopt internationally recognized water stewardship standards by 2025 to support its long-term water management goals.

The exhaustive water conservation effort will refresh prior water assessments and inform updated strategies related to water usage, quality, and supply availability on all company-owned and contract hog farms, in manufacturing facilities, and across grain supplier operations, beginning with Smithfield’s domestic portfolio. Assessments will foster sustainable water use and access to local water sources, inform site-specific performance and conservation targets and reduce the risk of future sourcing issues.


Watch video   Smithfield Foods: Sustainable Processing Practices for Food Brands

This newest initiative builds on efforts Smithfield has undertaken over the last decade to reduce water use across its farms and production facilities, which utilize ISO 14001:2015 certified environmental management systems (EMS) to establish water-use reduction targets and assess potential new efficiencies. Additional ongoing efforts to conserve water include strictly regulating the application of nutrients on company and contract hog farms, introducing grain supply chain innovations to protect water from fertilizer runoff, and partnering with local water authorities to reduce impacts of groundwater use.

“Responsible stewardship of water and other finite natural resources is an essential component of sustainable food production and critical to our role as an environmentally conscious protein company,” says Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “Because our business operations rely on water to produce food and support animal care, we continually assess our water use and pursue innovations that further conserve resources and implement the best available technologies.”

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO (Sept. 27-29, Las Vegas Convention Center) will reunite the packaging and processing community, offering new products, technologies, and solutions, while implementing up-to-date protocols for a safe and successful in-person event. Attendee registration opens in May. 


Test Your Smarts
Take ProFood World's food safety quiz to prove your knowledge!
Read More
Test Your Smarts
How Can You Honor a Leader?
Induction into the Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame is the highest honor in our industry. Submit your leader to be considered for the Class of 2024 now through June 10th. New members will be inducted at PACK EXPO International in Chicago.
Read More
How Can You Honor a Leader?