SMITHFIELD, Va., September 3, 2019 — Smithfield Foods, Inc. shared that the company is fully prepared for the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian, specifically in the Carolinas and Virginia.
Smithfield has numerous operations, both facilities and farms, and more than 14,000 employees across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Employees at the company's plants and on its approximately 250 company-owned farms and 1,500 contract farms in Virginia and the Carolinas are taking steps to protect people, animals, and buildings against wind and rain damage.
On its farms, the company has been closely monitoring and, as necessary, lowering lagoon levels in accordance with state regulations and farms' nutrient management plans, and encouraging its contract growers to do the same. Learn more about manure management here, which is an ongoing, year-round process.
“The safety of our employees is our top priority as we prepare for this weather event. We are actively monitoring the storm’s track and will adjust production schedules accordingly, while remaining in contact with state emergency and regulatory personnel,” said Keira Lombardo, Smithfield Foods executive vice president of corporate affairs and compliance. “Additionally, we’re standing by with our Helping Hungry Homes® initiative to swiftly support relief efforts in affected areas once the storm passes.”
For North Carolina industry updates, please click here.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories. Popular brands include Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan’s Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus®, and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Contact:
Lisa Martin
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 365-1980
lvmartin@smithfield.com