The Protein PACT (People, Animals, and Climate of Tomorrow) was initiated to “accelerate momentum and verify progress towards global sustainable development goals across all animal protein sectors”. Participants in the Protein PACT initiative include the North American Meat Institute, the Animal Agricultural Alliance, the Beef Alliance, Dairy Management Inc, Elanco Animal Health, the Institute for Feed Education and Research, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, the United Soybean Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
It is intended that members will establish targets for defined focus areas including:
- Improvement of the environment including land, air and water
- Providing high quality protein to consumers
- Following procedures that promote animal health and humane care
- Enhanced food safety
- Supporting a diverse workforce and safety
According to Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, “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 everyday.”
The Meat Institute Sustainability Framework encompasses 100 metrics developed through collaboration with experts in production, supply chain, animal health and logistics.
The Protein PACT will be funded by farmers and ranchers through checkoffs and the contributions from allied commercial companies.