Championing Sustainable Solutions in the Poultry Industry

In an era where food sustainability is paramount, the National Chicken Council’s (NCC) recent dialogue with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sheds light on the innovative strides poultry producers are making towards reducing food waste and optimizing byproduct utilization. As outlined in their comments to the EPA’s Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, the poultry industry is at the forefront of deploying recycling practices and embracing automation to minimize waste, thereby contributing to the national goal of halving food waste by 2030.

The NCC’s approach emphasizes not only the economic benefits of reducing waste but also the potential to enhance food availability and affordability for consumers without additional expenditures. Through practices such as converting feathers into organic fertilizer or feed additive, and employing technological advancements to ensure precise cuts and higher yields, the industry exemplifies how collaboration and innovation can lead to significant environmental and economic gains.

However, the NCC also points out regulatory obstacles that inadvertently contribute to food loss, advocating for policy revisions to allow more efficient use of resources. Their comments highlight the importance of re-evaluating certain FDA and USDA regulations to prevent the unnecessary discard of viable food products, such as surplus hatchery eggs.

PJRFSI recognizes the critical role of the poultry industry in achieving sustainability goals and supports efforts towards regulatory frameworks that facilitate, rather than hinder, food waste reduction. As we continue to navigate the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability, it is imperative that industries, regulators, and stakeholders work together to find balanced solutions that advance our shared objectives for a sustainable future. For more information, reach out to PJRFSI today at [email protected].