Agricultural Sustainability

Sysco is taking a leading role in support of a new vision for agricultural practices designed to protect the land and environment. This new vision is a result of farming practices that began in post World War II America. At that time, global demand for agricultural commodities placed increased pressure on agricultural practices, thus productivity gains were increased by greater mechanization and utilization of new technologies. Increased chemical use and specialized farming practices that favored maximized production were implemented, creating unintentional and unfortunate consequences.

These concerns include soil erosion, chemical contamination of the aquifer, and higher levels of pesticide residual. Additional social ramifications include the decline in the number of family farms and the economic and social erosion of rural communities.

It is Sysco's goal to ensure that highly differentiated products are successfully produced for our future generations. To that end, our ultimate goal is to foster the success of highly differentiated products that are profitable to all participants and incorporate farmer ownership and control.

Through a series of initiatives, Sysco is contributing to environmental stewardship and rural social vitality.

Integrated Pest Control …using environmentally-friendly pesticides only as necessary

Buy Local, Sell Fresh…a local food system initiative supplying organic food items

Ag-In-The-Middle Procurement … family-owned farms producing value-added products

Business Coalition for More Sustainable Food …using environmentally-friendly pesticides only as necessary