What's Happening?
Perdue Farms recently convened its 11th Annual Animal Care and Sustainability Summit in Salisbury, MD, marking the first time the company combined these two critical topics into a single program. The event brought together approximately 100 farmers, retail
and foodservice customers, animal welfare advocates, scientists, sustainability leaders, and other food and agriculture stakeholders. The summit featured firsthand farm experiences near Georgetown, Del., where participants observed work within the Perdue Farms supply chain. Discussions covered a range of topics including regenerative agriculture, soil health, emerging technologies for field data collection, pollinator habitat and biodiversity, pasture-raised poultry, responsible pork and beef production, and the independent verification behind Perdue’s USDA Process Verified Program for poultry care. Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms, stated that integrating animal care and sustainability reflects the company's commitment to stewardship and responsible food production, acknowledging the complexity of challenges in food and agriculture.
Why It's Important?
This summit is important because it signals a growing recognition within the U.S. food and agriculture industry of the interconnectedness between animal welfare and environmental sustainability. By bringing diverse stakeholders together, Perdue Farms is fostering a collaborative environment to address complex challenges that impact consumer trust and the future of food production. The focus on regenerative agriculture and soil health highlights a shift towards practices that can enhance ecological resilience and long-term productivity, which is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring food security. Furthermore, discussing emerging technologies and independent verification programs underscores a commitment to transparency and data-driven improvements in animal care and environmental performance. This integrated approach can lead to more holistic solutions that benefit animals, the environment, and the economic viability of farming operations, ultimately influencing industry standards and consumer choices.
What's Next?
During the summit, Perdue Farms also released its 2026 Animal Care Report, detailing progress on 121 animal care initiatives since 2016 and outlining future priorities. The company will continue to focus on science updates, experiences, and partnerships to shape the future of food and agriculture, with ongoing conversations around antimicrobial resistance, the relationship between animal welfare and environmental performance, and resilient food systems. The insights gained from discussions on regenerative agriculture, soil health, and biodiversity are expected to inform future operational strategies and supply chain practices. Perdue Farms aims to build on the collaborative spirit of the summit to find practical solutions across the food system, emphasizing transparency and listening to those closest to the work to earn and maintain consumer trust.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of animal care and sustainability at Perdue Farms' summit reflects a deeper societal demand for ethical and environmentally responsible food systems. This move goes beyond mere compliance, indicating a strategic effort to embed these values into the company's core identity and operations. The emphasis on regenerative agriculture, for instance, suggests a shift from conventional farming to practices that actively restore ecosystems, potentially leading to broader adoption across the U.S. agricultural landscape. This holistic approach could also influence policy discussions around agricultural subsidies and environmental regulations, pushing for incentives that reward sustainable and humane practices. Ultimately, by fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, Perdue Farms is contributing to a more transparent and accountable food industry, where the well-being of animals and the planet are increasingly seen as integral to business success and consumer confidence.
