United Wind, the nation's leading distributed wind energy developer, announced today it has signed an agreement with Smithfield Foods Inc., a global food company and the world's largest hog producer and pork processor, to power dozens of Smithfield hog farms in Colorado with on-site wind energy. The partnership will provide Smithfield with long-term, low-cost renewable energy for its agricultural operations and contribute to its industry-leading goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2025 – the first commitment of its kind from a protein company.
"At Smithfield, we are committed to seeking out innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact, all while creating value for our company and stakeholders," said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "This partnership with United Wind is part of our efforts to produce the food needed to feed a growing world population, while minimizing our use of natural resources."