Dairy Processing - March/April 2024 - 43

He said while the company's ESG framework has always
existed, it has become formalized in recent years. In 2017, the
company voted a stewardship charter into effect that directs
management to prioritize the needs, stresses and pressures of
six stakeholders - thriving farms, healthful cows, enduring
ecosystems, fulfilled employees, enriched communities and
inspired consumers.
" We don't work on behalf of shareholders, " Snyder said.
" We work on behalf of stakeholders ... It's been part of how
we've acted since the beginning. "
In terms of specific initiatives, Tillamook donates 4% of
its profit to local nonprofits that focus on alleviating food
insecurity. Additionally, the company has a goal to reduce
its carbon footprint by 30% by the year 2030. The company's
climate action plan aims to improve its performance at
facilities, in its fleet and on farms. To this end, the company has
transitioned its entire fleet to renewable diesel.
The company also recently received a $4 million federal
grant for manure management interventions on farms and
has various insetting partnerships. Employee benefits and
wellness are another area of focus for the company.
Tillamook not long ago achieved B Corp recertification,
and Snyder said its B Corp distinction (first gained in 2020)
helped with its national expansion into markets where
consumers were originally unfamiliar with the brand. B Corp
Certification gives the company a quick and efficient way to
communicate company values to consumers, making new
consumers more likely to try their products for the first time.
When it comes to how initiatives have resulted in
improved profits and products, Snyder said healthier cows
naturally produce higher-quality milk, and employees care
about working for a company that values and respects them.
When employees feel connected with a company culture,
Snyder said it will attract higher levels of talent and reduce
turnover, leading to better products.
INDUSTRY-WIDE EFFORTS
Tillamook's work is representative of other efforts in the industry.
Hassel said various farmer-owned cooperatives, including
Dairy Farmers of America, California Dairies Inc., Land O'
Lakes, Foremost Farms, Michigan Milk Producers Association
and United Dairymen of Arizona, as well as a number of
processors, such as Leprino Foods and Grande Cheese,
publish materiality assessments and sustainability reports that
prioritize risks and opportunities, and establish strategies.
The alignment of sustainability metrics and reporting and
the formation of partnerships to advance research and test
practices and new technologies are common in the industry,
Hassel said.
The US Dairy Stewardship Committee was developed
through the Innovation Center for US Dairy in 2018 as
a pledge to measure and report greenhouse gas (GHG)
DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | MAR-APR 2024 43
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