ConAgra Foods Commits to Using Sustainably Sourced Palm Oil

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that ConAgra Foods, Inc., one of the largest food manufacturers in the U.S., has committed to using only sustainably-sourced palm oil that is grown and harvested in ways that do not contribute to rainforest destruction. As a result of the company's new policy, the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) has withdrawn its sustainable palm oil shareholder proposal, which it co-filed with Green Century Capital Management. (Read the full press release.)

In response to this announcement, ConAgra Foods made the following statement:

“We’re delighted that the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) and Green Century Management support ConAgra Foods’ commitment to the responsible sourcing and sustainable production of palm oil.  We’re also very appreciative of their effort to let others know about this important issue, and citing ConAgra Foods’ initiative as an example of what can be done to address it.” 

Read more about ConAgra Foods' approach to supplier engagement in their 2013 Citizenship report.