The second largest co-operative in the US, Land O Lakes, has cut their energy consumption by almost 10 per cent over the last four years.
This was revealed in their annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report that shows their commitment to being a more sustainable environmentally friendly organisation.
In 2008, Land O’Lakes set a goal to cut energy and water consumption at its facilities by 25 percent in 10 years. By the end of 2011, the company had cut more than 9 percent of energy consumption.
They have developed ways to reuse byproduct water in production, in some cases as much as a half million gallons of water a day and used more rail cars to transport products, saving 319 tons of greenhouse gas emissions by taking 157 trucks off the road.
"As a farmer-owned co-operative, Land O'Lakes is committed to operating openly, honestly and responsibly," said Chris Policinski, president and CEO of Land O'Lakes.
"We make quality and safety our priorities, we follow a clear code of ethical conduct, we operate with strong financial integrity, we are transparent in our dealings, and we build enduring relationships with customers, members, employees and communities."
This is the third CSR report Land O Lakes has been released.
"In the last 50 years, U.S. farm productivity has increased by about 250 percent. In 1930, the average U.S. farmer fed 10 people. Today, the average American farmer feeds more than 150," continued Policinski.
"Since 1960, corn and wheat yields have tripled while soybean yields are up 70 percent. In that same timeframe, milk production per cow has tripled, pork production per sow has more than doubled, and beef production per head of cattle is up 50 percent. We're feeding more people with less impact on the environment and using fewer resources.”
Along with environmental impact, they also help in the local community, donating $2.8 million in cash and more than $1 million in product to communities in which Land O'Lakes members and employees live and work over the last year.
Land O Lakes have also taken an active approach to reducing sodium and fat – they have managed this from 25 to 50 per cent in many of their products...
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Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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