Environment
Caring for the Planet
The soil, air and water we use are shared resources and must be protected today and for future generations.
We Are Committed to Improving On-Farm Sustainability
Pork producers are committed to continuous improvement and transparent tracking of sustainability efforts.
Goals
Protect our planet’s natural resources — water, soil and air — and recognize the significance of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in environmental sustainability.
✓ Continuously improve water-use efficiency through advanced agriculture practices, aggressive implementation of on-farm water-use targets and best management practices.1
✓ Use agriculture practices that improve soil, land and biodiversity while restoring and protecting natural habitats to further decrease our footprint from a 2015 baseline.1
✓ Continue ongoing efforts to improve the quality of surrounding water bodies through agriculture practices, including reducing nutrient runoff, implementing nutrient management plans, managing manure and protecting riparian areas located on farms.1
✓ By 2030, reduce GHG emissions by 40% from a 2015 baseline.1
Targets
→ Water used per pig recorded, and measured by in-barn water use.
→ Percentage of pigs reported produced at locations where nutrient application plans are being implemented.
→ Area of land used for pork production per year.
→ Area of land under conservation practices per year.
→ Area of land protected or restored, including riparian areas.
→ Tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per pound of pork.
1. National Pork Board. NPB Announces Pork Industry Sustainability Goals and Targets. 17 Feb. 2022.
Progress
Farmers have long embraced methods to improve and conserve environmental resources. Pork producers are committed to continuous improvement and transparent tracking of sustainability efforts.
Through the Pork Cares Farm Impact Report program, they are now documenting and sharing their ongoing practices, striving to set even higher benchmarks.
This initial progress report highlights the pork industry’s dedication to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. By reporting third-party verified data, producers are committed to building on these practices through partnerships that drive continuous improvement for the planet.
2. Eocene Environmental Group. Sustainability Analysis. 2022 Pork Cares Snapshot Report. 2024.
Measuring Our Progress
2022 Results
554 Hog Sites
3.3 Million Sows and Finished Pigs
3,280 Fields
170,660 Acres
79%
Producers who used reduced tillage or no-till practices2
17%
Producers who plant cover crops to improve soil health, minimize erosion and increase water holding capacity2
0.28 tons
Carbon sequestered per acre2
-0.44 tons
Net green-house gas emissions CO2 equivalent per acre2
1.14 tons
Soil erosion rate per acre2
Environment + UN SDGs
Our commitment to the environment aligns with four of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in ways that resonate with our values. We seek to exceed their benchmarks where possible and reimagine solutions where we believe they fall short or overreach.
- 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
- 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13 – Climate Action
- 15 – Life On Land
By setting and exceeding our own high standards, we aim to lead by example and foster meaningful change.
Advancing Pork Sustainability
The pork industry’s approach to sustainability is rooted in the We Care® principles and aligned sustainability goals. Grounded in a One Health approach, we seek to balance and optimize the health of pigs, people and the planet.
For pig farmers, sustainability isn’t a new idea—it’s a way of life. Explore our six key commitments and how we work to make pork a more sustainable protein.
