991128 Smithfield Announces Environmental InitiativesNovember 9, 1999Smithfield, VA - Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced a four-point program continuing its commitment to responsible environmental management throughout the corporation, and with an initial emphasis on its pork production operations in the State of North Carolina. Areas of the State have been devastated by recent hurricanes. Smithfield's commitment includes: Completion of a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of Smithfield's company-owned and grower-owned pork production facilities that may be located in 100-year flood plain areas in North Carolina. This study will include recommendations for specific improvements that may be warranted and necessary to preclude future flood-related problems. Evaluation of company-owned facilities that may involve unique operational challenges warranting special attention. The company will develop a program to ensure that these facilities continue to remain in compliance in the future, with particular emphasis on the critical winter months ahead. Expansion of the company's Environmental Management System (“EMS”) program throughout its corporate operations over the next three years, with an initial focus on the company's pork production operations in North Carolina. Smithfield will establish a Corporate Environmental Management Committee and work with its various operating entities and contract growers to achieve the benefits of this EMS process both in North Carolina and nationally. Undertake a major research and development effort to address alternative animal waste management systems, including a commitment to collaborate with the State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, university researchers, pork producers and other appropriate entities on development and implementation of a new, cost-effective generation of waste management systems for the livestock industry, consistent with State and National requirements. Smithfield announced that it will make investments approaching $15 million over the next 3-5 years to carry out this program. These investments will focus primarily on implementation of the EMS program and development efforts toward cost-effective alternative waste management systems. Smithfield also announced its support of more flexible Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) approved by the North Carolina Soil and Waste Conservation Commission. The BMPs take into account the fact that many producers have been forced to manage higher than normal lagoon levels following the series of three hurricanes that struck eastern North Carolina. Announcing the initiatives on behalf of Smithfield, Robert F. Urell, vice president corporate engineering, said, “We are pleased that North Carolina officials have adopted policies that will help pork producers recover from recent devastating floods and in a manner that protects the environment.” noting that swine producers suffered substantial losses due to unprecedented flooding. Urell further stated, “Smithfield is committed to a positive, proactive approach to responsible environmental management. Smithfield's four major initiatives demonstrate our continuing commitment toward protecting the environment, both in North Carolina and the Nation.” Smithfield Foods is the largest vertically integrated producer and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States. The company's brands include Smithfield Lean Generation, Smithfield Premium, Gwaltney, John Morrell, Patrick Cudahy, Schneiders, Krakus, Lykes, Esskay, Kretschmar, Valleydale, Jamestown, Dinner Bell, Sunnyland, ReaLean, Patrick's Pride, Great, Tobin's First Prize, Peyton's, Rodeo, IQM, Curly's, Ember Farms and others.
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