Pork industry says ‘We Care’

DES MOINES, Iowa — The pork industry’s commitment to sustainability and ethical management is more important than ever.

Brett Kaysen, vice president of sustainability of National Pork Board, said the “We Care” principles are critical for 2021 and beyond.

“Essentially, we set up six ethical principles over a decade ago that we still rely on today,” he said. “They’ve always been important. But when we talk about building trust in the supply chain, they’re more important than ever — words matter.”

The We Care commitment was launched in 2008 as a way to promote responsibility across every aspect of pork production. It’s a promise to continuously evaluate and improve production methods.

Now is the time to show customers how pork producers care, Kaysen said.

6 Ethical Principles

1. Food Safety. “Providing safe, nutritious food is our most important responsibility,” the commitment states. “Food safety is top of mind in everything we do on the farm.”

2. Animal well-being. Pig farmers are committed to animal well-being. Safe food begins with healthy, safe animals and the best possible care.

3. Our people. Effective employee education and training are crucial in creating a safe, ethical workplace.

4. Public health. Pig Farmers use rigorously tested technologies to ensure that pork is high quality and safe.

5. Environment. Over the past six decades, pig farming has significantly reduced its environmental impact.

6. Our community. As good neighbors and responsible citizens, pig farmers are dedicated to giving back and making our communities even stronger.

Learn more at www.pork.org/about/we-care.