6 November 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cargill China received the U.S. Secretary of State’s prestigious 2008 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) today. At a ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong and other dignitaries, Under Secretary Reuben Jeffery commended Cargill for exemplary leadership in corporate responsibility to promote rural development in China.
Through effective public-private partnerships, Cargill helps to increase farm, crop and livestock productivity and prevent the spread of animal disease. Cargill’s work also fosters environmental stewardship, promotes rural education, contributes to disaster relief, implements innovative food safety training and demonstrates active volunteerism in China.
The State Department initiated ACE in 1999 to recognize leadership in corporate social responsibility by U.S. companies around the world. Each year, one large and one small company are honored. Cargill China was chosen in the large company category from more than 60 nominations submitted by American ambassadors worldwide.
“We are very pleased to be able to contribute to the development of the Chinese economy and society,” Cargill Chief Executive Officer Greg Page said in receiving the award. “We recognize that our continued success is dependent upon the growth and health of our communities and partners, as well as the vitality and conservation of our natural resources. For Cargill, corporate responsibility is a process of continually improving our standards, our actions and our practices. It is a company-wide commitment to work in and with our communities to tackle complex economic, environmental and social challenges wherever we do business.”
Cargill, with its global agricultural and food expertise, is in a unique position to help address some of the key challenges and needs of China in promoting sustainable rural development. The company partners with local governments and development agencies to ensure the effective implementation of corporate responsibility programs and projects. Key highlights of Cargill’s engagement in China include:
Joining the Washington, D.C. ceremony by videoconference from Beijing were Clark T. Randt, American Ambassador to China, Cargill China Cares Council Members and Cargill’s partners in China. Cargill China President Norwell Coquillard said: “The whole Cargill China team has put a lot of effort into citizenship activities over the past years. We all are very proud that our work is recognized at the highest level. The real winners, of course, are the local communities we work with every day to help pave the way for a better future.”
About Cargill Worldwide
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 160,000 employees in 67 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.
About Cargill in China
Cargill started trade with China soon after President Nixon’s visit in 1972. Cargill’s annual trade value with China today exceeds US$ 5 billion. Currently, Cargill sells grains, oilseeds, steel products, sugar, cotton, fruit juices, essences, meats and other commodities to China while purchasing Chinese commodities such as steel products and apple juice. It also provides ocean freight carriers and risk management services to clients in the food and industrial fields. Cargill has set up 34 wholly owned companies and joint ventures in 20 provinces in China. Projects range from soybean crushing in Guangdong to corn deep processing in Jilin and animal feed production in Sichuan. Cargill and its joint ventures employ over 4,400 people in China. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.cn.