How a North Carolina Poultry Plant Became Green Plant of the Year

Salisbury, Md. — Perdue Farms’ Lewiston, North Carolina, food processing facility has been named 2026 Green Plant of the Year, an honor recognizing facilities that have made significant advancements in sustainable operations.

The recognition reflects Perdue’s longstanding commitment to stewardship and continuous improvement, brought to life at Lewiston through projects that have improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. 

“Stewardship means continuously finding better ways to care for our natural resources while producing quality food and strengthening the communities where we operate; and this recognition reflects that commitment in action,” said Ben Hildebrand, Director of Environmental Sustainability. “The Lewiston team’s work demonstrates how long-term investments, innovation, and continuous improvement can create meaningful environmental progress.”

Projects contributing to Lewiston’s environmental progress include: 

• A renewable natural gas project, launched in 2022, that captures methane from covered anaerobic lagoons and converts it into a valuable energy resource.
• A 2024 LED lighting conversion project that reduced electricity consumption by 67% in key facility areas.
• A 2025 water reuse initiative expected to reduce annual water consumption by nearly 25 million gallons.

“Many of these improvements began with associates who identified opportunities to make our operations more efficient and sustainable,” said Ashton Weller, Environmental Manager at Perdue Farms’ Lewiston facility. “I’m incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum as we identify new ways to advance sustainability and operational excellence in the years ahead.”

The progress at Lewiston is part of Perdue Farms’ ongoing work to find better ways to produce food while using resources responsibly and supporting the people and communities connected to our business. Across our operations, that means continuing to invest in practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference over time.