That’s why we have developed a Sustainable Agriculture Policy that applies to our direct suppliers, contract animal producers and feed grain growers.
In 2017, we completed a high-level water risk assessment of our top suppliers through our participation in the AgWater Challenge. We have also completed our first water risk questionnaire set with key suppliers to gain additional insight into the supply chain management of water risks. In 2018, we helped launch the Cedar River Watershed Partnership — a public-private partnership aimed at improving water quality in this watershed within our supply chain. The partnership has held several events for farmers, including a field day educational event that focused on maximizing soil health. A priority of the partnership is helping farmers in the watershed become certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. We will continue to be engaged in this initiative, will promote water quality certification within our supply chain, and will continue to explore additional ways to promote sustainable agriculture.