The ASAE Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that leverage their unique ability to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change. Through innovative programs, partnerships and advocacy efforts, award recipients exemplify how associations create lasting impact that extends well beyond the members they serve.

Consumers, retailers and policymakers have been asking important questions about animal protein’s sustainability, animal welfare and community impacts, but until 2021 no cross-sector framework existed for the industry to speak with one voice, set shared benchmarks or verify progress. The Meat Institute spearheaded the Protein PACT to close that gap, uniting the animal protein value chain around the affirmative premise that meat sustains healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.

The Protein PACT—led by 17 international organizations representing sectors across farming, meat and poultry processing, dairy, and animal feed and ingredients—built a platform for sharing progress across sectors, developed with industry leaders and supply chain partners, so that each partner organization's individual commitments could be shared collectively.

Since launching in 2021, the Protein PACT has helped drive measurable progress across the sector. The initiative has also inspired an annual Solutions Summit that brings together hundreds of industry leaders each year and has expanded its reach to universities and registered dietitians to help the next generation of consumers and health professionals understand the value of animal protein production.

By giving the animal protein sector a common vehicle for transparent communication and continuous improvement, the Protein PACT advances the Meat Institute's mission of supporting a safe, wholesome and sustainable meat and poultry industry while building broader public trust in how America's food is produced. The initiative shows how a supply chain that spans farmers, processors and feed producers can align around shared goals for healthy people, animals, communities and environment.

"ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the very best of what our community can accomplish," said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason. "This recognition honors organizations that don't simply advance their own missions - they bring people together to solve complex challenges, strengthen industries and professions, and create lasting benefits for society. The Meat Institute has demonstrated the vision, leadership, and commitment to make a meaningful difference, and we are proud to recognize the Protein PACT for the People, Animals and Climate of Tomorrow as one of this year's outstanding achievements."

Source: Meat Institute