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Environmental Stewardship

At Cargill, environmental stewardship is a part of everyday life. It is engrained in our way of thinking and doing business and is supported by employees at every level and location.

When it comes to environmental issues, Cargill believes in continuous improvement. While protection of our water, air, soil and vegetation is certainly paramount, maintaining the status quo is not enough. We are confident that, with increased innovation, creativity, and teamwork, it will be possible to revitalize our natural resources and surroundings. This is a responsibility we all share —governments, businesses, communities and individuals.

Ontario’s Environmental Leaders Program

Cargill is a proud partner of Ontario’s Environmental Leaders (OEL) Program and commits to its “beyond compliance” environmental reduction steps at our Cargill Meat Solutions facility in Toronto. To be considered for the program, a facility must have an environmental management system, an emissions inventory, and must report publicly on its progress.

Partnering with Ducks Unlimited

Since 1989, Cargill has been a strong supporter of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s conservation programs delivered through the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in the community of High River, Alberta.

As part of the water-treatment plant for its beef processing operation, Cargill has worked closely with DUC to establish the Frank Lake Wetlands Project, donating $375,000 in recent years. Water from the plant is treated to tertiary levels and then diverted to rehabilitate what was once a dry lake, restoring it to a healthy ecosystem for waterfowl and other wildlife. The Highwood River has also benefited from reduced effluent flowing into its waters.

Frank Lake is now recognized as one of southern Alberta’s most important breeding and staging areas for waterfowl and other waterbirds. It is also critical to wetland education programs in the area, and a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and school tours.

Water Matters

This international Cargill Cares partnership encourages employees, retirees and their families to learn about local water-quality issues and to get involved in programs and activities addressing those issues at home, at work and in the community. To date, Cargill has contributed more than $2 million for over 250 Water Matters projects completed by Cargill employees and partner organizations. We plan to expand our efforts globally in the area of water protection and conservation.

Malton Environmental Stewardship

Cargill has also partnered with the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project (MESP) in Malton, Ontario. MESP works with schools, businesses, organizations and individuals to increase awareness of water-quality issues and the importance of aquatic habitats, while also engaging residents in habitat enhancement activities. Cargill employee volunteers join with other community members on projects such as cleanups, invasive plant removal, plantings and education programs. The Project’s mission is a strong fit with Cargill’s Water Matters program and also allows the company to actively make a difference in a community where we live and work.

Lake Cargill

Lake Cargill is a 14-acre lake at Fort Whyte Centre, an outdoor educational research centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The lake is the site of environmental and climate change studies, aquatic monitoring, wilderness survival and youth day camps. It also offers an excellent habitat for a growing rainbow trout fishery. The project was funded through Cargill’s community investment program, Cargill Cares, and its international water conservation program, Water Matters. The Fort Whyte Centre is one of Canada’s leading, privately-operated environmental education facilities, hosting over 100,000 visitors annually.

Even Greater Efforts Ahead

At Cargill, we have intensified our corporate efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. We have established the following corporate environmental goals for 2012:

• Improve energy efficiency by 20% against fiscal year 2001 baseline.
• Increase use of renewable energy to 10% of energy demand.
• Improve greenhouse gas intensity by 8% against fiscal year 2006 baseline.
• Improve freshwater efficiency by 2% against fiscal year 2006 baseline.