NAMI Commits to Continuous Improvement

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The Protein PACT that North American Meat Institute president and CEO Julie Anna Potts was talking about at the Agricultural Business Council’s March luncheon meeting is not something to be confused with a protein bar you get at the gym. But NAMI’s Protein PACT initiative has a similar objective of promoting growth, strength, energy and durability within the animal protein industry among producers, processors and consumers. She also noted the Protein PACT has goals and provisions for the industry to “co-exist with those who oppose animal protein today.”

Specifically, Potts explained the PACT aims to enumerate shared values between the meat industry and consumers and to demonstrate how the entire animal protein value chain is aligned with consumer values in terms of socially responsible and healthy diets. She pointed out the animal protein sector has been honest, open, transparent and authentic in evaluating its practices, and expects to be seen “as such by consumers and stakeholders.” 

NAMI is on track to implement the Protein PACT (which is an acronym for People, Animals and Climate of Tomorrow). Its near-term target for 2025 sets these goals:

Animal Welfare

  • 100% of NAMI members who deal directly with animals will have passed third-party animal transport and handling audits.

  • All NAMI members will require suppliers to implement mandatory employee training and follow species-specific standards for animal care.

Health and Wellness

  • Working with USDA and Feeding America to measure and help fill the protein gap ensuring families in need have enough high-quality protein to meet U.S. dietary guidelines.

NAMI’s long-term target for 2030 lists these objectives:

Environment & Worker Safety

  • 100% of NAMI members will have an approved Science Based Target to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals.

  • Further reduce workplace injuries by 50% (2019 baseline), on top of the 75% reduction achieved from 1999-2019.

Potts stressed that the meat and poultry supply chain produces safe meat products without exception. She said, “Animal protein is recognized as the leading source of high-quality and an essential contributor to nutrition, health and wellness.”