North American Meat Institute Announces Ambitious Climate Target Alongside Sustainability Framework; Julie Anna Potts Comments

If our future selves could see us now, what would they say? In the case of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), they would be singing high praises as the organization's members achieved their greenhouse gas reduction targets in 2030. NAMI recently announced that this future is well within its grasp, as it is taking a science-based approach to meeting the Paris Climate Agreement goals.

"Our comprehensive sustainability framework will drive momentum and generate technical support for meat packers and processors of all sizes to establish independently approved science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while producing the leading source of safe, high-quality protein in Americans' diets, sustaining healthy animals and a thriving workforce along the way," Meat Institute President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Anna Potts commented.

NAMI's five new targets released alongside its sustainability framework are the latest commitments launched through the Protein PACT for the People, Animals, and Climate of Tomorrow. According to a press release, NAMI will support members in setting greenhouse gas reduction targets to be approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

In addition, NAMI will collect data on metrics establishing transparent baselines and verifying progress toward ambitious goals for animal care, food safety, labor and human rights, and health and wellness.

Other targets include:

• In 2022, companies representing 90 percent of meat produced by NAMI members will report data in its sustainability framework, with 100 percent of members reporting data on all metrics by 2030
• By 2025, 100 percent of members who handle animals will pass third-party audits for animal care during transportation and handling, and all members will require suppliers to implement mandatory employee training and follow species-specific standards for animal care
• By 2025, working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Feeding America, NAMI will measure and help fill the protein gap to ensure families in need have enough high-quality protein to meet U.S. dietary guidelines
• By 2030, members will further reduce workplace injuries by 50 percent (2019 baseline), on top of the 75 percent reduction achieved from 1999-2019

NAMI's sustainability framework was developed through extensive collaboration with external sustainability experts, supply chain partners, and members.

The Deli Market News team's future selves will release new reports as these goals continue to be met, so stay tuned.