2. What’s in this Report?
Table of Contents
Welcome and Background
Welcome 01
From the CEO 02
Motivating Factors 03
Novus’s Background 12
Sustainable Culture 16
Sustainability in Practice
Social 24
Economic 37
Environmental 58
Quality of Life 66
GRI Index 68
Key Performance Indicators 70
Appendix 74
3. Welcome
This report summarizes the past progress and
future commitment of Novus International, Inc.
to providing innovative solutions that will help
feed the world affordable, wholesome food
and achieve a higher quality of life.
The earth’s population is increasing by 75 million
people per year. In the next 40 years, its limited
natural resources will have to bear the burden
of feeding 3 billion people more than the global
population of 6.6 billion today. The strain on
the planet’s resources makes it imperative to
protect quality of life by moving forward in
ways that support global sustainability.
Health through Nutrition is Novus’s second
sustainability report. The first report covered the
18-month period ending June 30, 2008, which
complied with the Level C guidelines of the
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
This report covers the 12-month period ending
December 31, 2009, with footnote data pertaining
to the date range of July 1 to December 31,
2008. It fulfills the more rigorous Level B GRI
guidelines. Going forward, Novus plans to publish
a sustainability report on an annual basis.
GRI: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 3.10 and 3.11 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 1
4. From the CEO
Dear Reader,
As we worked to compile Health through Nutrition, nearly the same amount of arable land and water
I was reminded that it takes planning, time and resources currently available. These astounding
thousands of small steps to make sustainable statistics highlight the relevance of establishing
changes. I am proud of the efforts and enthusiasm sustainable practices across the value chain of
that our global Novus team has shown by working nutrition. Developing sustainable practices that will
together towards our sustainability goals. support the needs of our growing population, protect
environmental resources and ensure the profitability
Novus is a participant in the farm-to-table of our customers are Novus’s highest priorities.
nutrition continuum and because of this, we have
a distinct responsibility to the communities we For our team at Novus, sustainability is a culture
serve. Novus’s Vision is To Help Feed the World that begins on an individual level. We believe that
Affordable, Wholesome Food and Achieve a innovation, education and collaboration will improve the quality of life
Higher Quality of Life. Our performance as a for people around the world and ultimately, our business performance.
company and our Vision are not separate—
each is connected inextricably with the other. Thank you for investing the time to get to know Novus a little better
This relationship is clearly expressed in the and to learn about the ways we are working to increase our positive
Novus triple bottom line: social, economic and impact on the world each day. This is our second sustainability report.
environmental (SEE). We intend to measure our continuous improvement against this report
and future reports each year.
The components of SEE comprise Health through
Nutrition and are integrated into our business At Novus, we value transparency. In this spirit, I invite you to send
approach. Our activities and goals, as they relate any questions or comments that you may have about this report to
to this triple bottom line, will continue to be sustainability@novusint.com.
shaped as we innovate, learn and collaborate.
In this way, we intend to maintain our long-term Sincerely,
commitment to Novus’s sustainable culture and
global Vision.
During the reporting period for Health through
Nutrition, the United Nations announced that Thad W. Simons
by 2050 we will have to feed our world double President and Chief Executive Officer
the amount of food that we do today, using Novus International, Inc.
GRI: 1.1 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 2
5. Our Motivating Factors
Working within a framework of Core Values, Novus employees have collectively brought to market
more than 100 new products over the past few years. This innovation and agility would not be possible
without a culture that combines entrepreneurial thinking with organized structure and the motivating
Vision to Help Feed the World Affordable, Wholesome Food and Achieve a Higher Quality of Life.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 3
6. Vision To help feed the world affordable, wholesome food and achieve
a higher quality of life.
Novus has a clearly defined Vision. Feeding the world over the next four
decades will require producing more food than in the previous 4,000 years.
Satisfying this increasing demand without straining, depleting or polluting
the earth’s natural resources will continue to be a complex challenge.
It will require innovative solutions in nutrition, combined with a solid
commitment to global sustainability.
Mission Make a clear difference in sustainably meeting the growing
global need for nutrition and health.
Our core expertise and experience in health and nutritional research
empower Novus to move toward our Mission.
Together, our Vision and Mission form the solid bedrock that supports
Health through Nutrition.
GRI: 1.2 and 3.13 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 5
7. Core Values Global sustainability is a fundamental imperative at Novus. It is the common denominator
between our corporate Vision, Mission and Core Values.
As you read the first section of this report, Novus’s Background and Sustainable Culture, please note the
icons below—they are meant to provide examples of how we integrate our Core Values into our work each day.
Seek excellence from Provide products with Maximize long-term
every employee demonstrable value customer satisfaction
Protect our employees, Act with integrity
the public and the environment
GRI: 1.2, 3.13, 4.8 and 4.11 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 6
8. Novus’s Core Values bring our Vision and Mission to life. The Core Values define, in practical terms, how our
600-plus employees conduct business with each other, with customers and with other stakeholders. They guide all
business strategies, plans and objectives. They shape our company’s culture, which begins at the individual level
and carries through to the marketplace.
We seek excellence from every We strive to provide products with It is critical that we maximize long-
employee. We encourage, expect demonstrable value. Our research term customer satisfaction. Whether
and support alignment, diversity, focuses on leading-edge concepts, related to products, services
individual growth, initiative and and we are committed to supplying or innovation, we must always
teamwork. preferred products and services. anticipate our customers’ needs and
exceed their expectations.
We protect our employees, We act with integrity. We treat all These Core Values are of
the public and the environment. of our stakeholders—including
Specifically, we make health, safety employees, customers, suppliers, profound importance to each
and environmental considerations a business partners, our owners and Novus employee. They are
priority in everything we do. the public—in a fair and ethical
manner. essential to the way we
work each day and to
Health through Nutrition.
GRI: 1.2, 2.8, 3.13, 4.8 and 4.11 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 7
9. Each of the preceding Core Values affects the way we measure our progress in terms
Critical Success Factors
of our triple bottom line of social, economic and environmental (SEE) considerations.
They also provide a basis for our four Critical Success Factors—growth, profitability,
people and reputation. Novus’s Critical Success Factors provide the framework for
the way we set our business goals and align towards our long-term strategy.
Growth Profitability People Reputation
Continually assess and develop Implement improved business Provide an environment that enables Expand on our positive image
our portfolio of products, processes, measure and employees to bring their full capabilities by initiating and supporting
customers and suppliers. support systems that will move to bear with behaviors consistent activities and programs that
Implement performance- Novus closer to our customers with the Novus Management and demonstrate Novus’s integrity
enabling programs and and deliver increased year- Integrity Systems, in accordance with and aspirations to meet
technologies to achieve a over-year market value. the Novus Mission, Vision and Core corporate objectives in a
long-term competitive position. Values. Promote a safe and healthy responsible, sustainable
work-life balance to motivate employees manner.
to achieve our Novus Three-Year
Growth and Diversification efforts.
Long-Term Strategy
Supporting Our Long-Term Strategy
Critical Success Factors
Every Novus employee understands exactly what his or her key accountabilities
are. Each person realizes that these key accountabilities have a direct effect Three-Year Objectives
on Novus’s short-term corporate goals, three-year objectives, Critical Success
Factors and ultimately, our long-term strategy.
Short-Term Corporate Goals
Every person plays a role. And every person has the opportunity and responsibility
to make a critical contribution to the long-term success of our company.
Individual Key Accountabilities
GRI: 1.2, 3.13, 4.9 and 4.10 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 8
10. Our Triple Bottom Line
As you read the second section of this report, Novus’s Sustainability in Practice, please note the icons
below—they are meant to provide examples of how we integrate sustainability into our work each day.
Social Economic Environmental
We measure our progress in terms of our triple bottom line: social, economic and environmental (SEE).
The products we sell, the way in which we conduct business with stakeholders and our respect for
the earth’s natural resources are all interconnected, integrated and equally important.
GRI: 1.2, 3.13 and 4.16 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 9
11. “Raindrop,” Douglas Auer and Michael Hayes, 2009
Media: Glass
Novus commissioned this piece for our global headquarters. It is made of blown glass
spheres and volumetric flasks. The materials chosen and the forms created highlight the
link between scientific development and the preservation of the natural world.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 10
12. Novus’s Background and Sustainable Culture
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 11
13. Novus’s Background
Novus International, Inc. creates Health through
Nutrition products for livestock, pets and people.
Novus has employees working in over 90
countries, serving more than 2,500 customers
worldwide. Based in St. Charles, Missouri, Novus
has facilities including corporate offices, research
and development laboratories and manufacturing
operations in more than 35 countries, as well as
smaller offices with field staff in an additional
60 countries. The organization has annual
revenues approaching $1 billion.
Based on Science
Novus International, Inc. was founded in 1991,
but our scientific roots and history originated
over 50 years ago. In the 1950s, St. Louis, Novus revolutionized poultry nutrition through the development of ALIMET®, a liquid feed supplement.
Missouri-based Monsanto Company began
conducting livestock and poultry feed metabolism
studies. In 1959, one of its products received FDA
approval as an animal feed additive, which helped
launch the Monsanto division that would become world affordable, wholesome food.” At the time, this Vision statement
Novus. In 1991, in an effort to focus on its was considered a bold goal and some questioned how Novus
core businesses—seed, herbicide and could realistically make a contribution. We were a small, business-
biotechnology—Monsanto sold its Feed to-business company with two products for the poultry industry,
Ingredients division to Mitsui & Co., Ltd. but we understood that Novus’s core knowledge of health and
(www.mitsui.com) and Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. nutrition related to poultry could be beneficial to other species.
(www.nippon-soda.co.jp). The new owners
saw Novus’s strategic potential for growth. Working from a strong base of scientific understanding, we have brought
to market more than 100 new products over the past decade. Today the
In our first year, we put into place the Novus product portfolio provides a holistic approach to Health through
corporate Vision of “helping to feed the Nutrition for poultry, cattle, pigs, pets, farm-raised fish, horses and people.
GRI: 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 12
14. Working Closely with Our Customers
Novus is committed to having a genuinely We are motivated to contribute to an agriculture industry that is
global reach. We connect with our customers equipped to provide nutritious, affordable food to people everywhere
at the local level, work with them in their own in the world and to do so through sustainable, responsible practices.
communities and understand their needs in a Novus has a culture of sustainability that begins at the individual level
meaningful way. Novus customers have the and carries through to the marketplace. We approach our work through
unique experience of localized research and the lens of sustainability, and this is a requisite consideration at Novus.
development, technical support, customer service Every business project is cross-checked to ensure that our criteria for
and logistics. This commitment to working closely sustainability are achieved.
with our customers provides Novus with real-
time, hands-on knowledge of current and future The need for food is projected to grow by 100% over the next four
customer needs. decades. We have made great strides as an industry, developing
strategies to improve productivity including crop, genetic and nutritional
We work with our customers to improve technologies. However, there
their business operations through increased is still much work that needs
productivity and profitability. Novus’s Health to be accomplished. For
through Nutrition programs support healthy, example, we are currently
happy animals that are more productive and only achieving 60% of the
generate less waste, reducing their environmental genetic growth potential of
impact. Additionally, Novus products protect the broilers. Technology related
nutritional quality of feed and feed ingredients, to nutritional strategies and
which are farmers’ largest operational best management practices
investments and most important tools for can close this gap. As the
ensuring livestock health. productivity of our industry
increases, so does access to
The Importance of Agriculture affordable, wholesome food.
Novus’s history and largest market segment is
based in livestock agriculture. The importance
of achieving our Vision comes full circle when
you consider the growing demand for food
on our planet. Meeting this need can only be
achieved through the technological innovation of
companies like Novus.
GRI: 2.7 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 13
15. Health through Nutrition
Our products and programs offer Health through
Nutrition. Every day, the collective efforts of our
employees are focused on achieving a higher
quality of life, for animals and people, through
nutrition. Our heritage and core strength is
science, which will always be the bedrock from
which we continuously innovate.
Today Novus employs over 150 scientists—
more than a quarter of our entire employee
population—who have attained a Ph.D. or
Master’s degree in animal science or a Doctorate
of Veterinary Medicine. The dedication of
these employees builds on our many years of
experience in animal nutrition, and continually
strengthens our core competence in scientific
research and innovation.
Novus scientists work in laboratories around the
world, including Brazil, China, Vietnam and the
United States. By establishing research facilities
at the local level, where our customers live and
“Slides,” Julia Dibner, Cell Biologist and Photographer
work, we are able to better understand and serve David Burt, Artistic Director, 2009
their needs. Media: Digital Photography
Cells from the organs and bones of animals were prepared and stained for scientific analysis,
Our entire organization is oriented towards then photographed microscopically. The artists then isolated forms and compositions present
collaborative innovation. Novus continually in the images, and cropped and manipulated the photographs to create a finished piece.
expands our global partnership network of
universities, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and industry associations. Through
these relationships, we engage in joint research
projects with students, professors and subject
matter experts to adapt best-in-breed solutions
for local challenges.
GRI: 2.7 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 14
16. A Standard for Sustainability
Major Milestones
Novus’s first product defined a standard for sustainability for the more than 100 products
that the company has since developed. ALIMET® feed supplement was first introduced to In 2009, we celebrated the 25th anniversary
the poultry industry by Monsanto in 1979. The product helped farmers feed their animals of ALIMET production at our facility in
more efficiently, enabling them to raise healthier chickens while lowering feed costs. Chocolate Bayou, Texas, and the 50th
Thanks to ALIMET, farmers were more productive, more profitable and better able to anniversary of SANTOQUIN®, the first
provide the world with greater quantities of wholesome food at an affordable price. feed additive approved by the FDA.
ALIMET also helps animals digest feed more efficiently, which has important benefits to These two livestock feed additives have
the environment. Nitrogen, a chemical component in animal waste, is a pollutant to both helped improve animal health and enhance
land and water. Poultry fed ALIMET produce waste with lower nitrogen levels. ALIMET business operations for producers around
demonstrates that a leap forward in agricultural productivity can be achieved without
the world for many decades.
increased strain on the environment.
Additionally, as a liquid methionine source, ALIMET helps feed mills operate more Over the last 25 years, we have grown the
efficiently, reducing energy requirements. The organic acid effect of ALIMET, particularly ALIMET production facility in Chocolate
in combination with other organic acids, is successful in reducing harmful bacteria, Bayou into the largest liquid methionine
such as Salmonella, in feed. manufacturing plant in the world.
Novus’s nutrition solutions for the poultry industry resulted in dramatic productivity SANTOQUIN helps farmers get the
increases that are one of the great agricultural success stories of our time. In the next greatest return on their largest operating
wave of innovation, Novus research scientists discovered ways to apply our company’s investments: feed and feed ingredients.
core expertise in health and nutrition to other animal species and industry segments. SANTOQUIN protects feed from the
They found ways that other animals could benefit from Novus’s insights into poultry damaging effects of oxidation, which is
nutrition, leading to a range of products that bring Health through Nutrition to cattle, beneficial to animal health and to farmers’
pigs and farm-raised fish. sustained business operations.
Our extensive experience with production livestock has proven to be equally important to The quality of feed ingredients has a direct
improving the health of pets and their owners. Novus’s Arenus® division offers nutrition and measurable impact on the health of
solutions for dogs, horses, ornamental fish and birds. Arenus delivers products through animals. Animals who are fed a quality diet,
retail channels directly to pet-owner consumers, creating a business-to-consumer sales
balanced with the proper levels of amino
channel that supplements Novus’s primary business-to-business sales model.
acids, have a lower incidence of health
Novus recognizes that many of the challenges faced in animal health and nutrition are challenges and are more productive.
similar to the challenges we face as humans, such as increasing bone strength, reducing
joint-related lameness and building lean muscle mass. So we applied our core expertise
to the area of human nutrition, and in 2009 launched Stratum™ Nutrition, which offers a
range of specialty and functional ingredients to the food supplement, food and beverage
industries.
GRI: 2.7 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 15
17. Sustainable Culture
Novus’s company culture of global sustainability When a holistic system functions at optimum efficiency,
is expressed through three basic principles: output is maximized and waste is minimized. Taking an integrated
viewpoint is characteristic of a Novus-style solution. This point of
Maximize Output, Minimize Waste view takes into consideration not only the intended result, but also
Collaborate by Sharing Information the by-product of that result. As part of our culture, we strive to
Local Solutions for a Global Marketplace conduct our work in ways that minimize our environmental footprint.
Novus products are geared towards maximizing output and minimizing
waste. Leveraging a broad product portfolio, we take a comprehensive
approach to optimizing the health of animals. This approach maximizes
farmers’ outputs, fortifies livestock against disease and ultimately
leads to the production of higher quality food. Novus’s Health
through Nutrition programs support healthy, happy animals who
generate less waste for the environment and are more productive.
On June 3, 2009, the Governor of the State of Missouri, Jay Nixon, along with 450
other guests, participated in a ribbon release ceremony, commemorating the
opening of Novus’s Platinum LEED Certified global headquarters facility. Platinum
LEED is the highest energy and environmental designation available in the U.S.
GRI: 2.7 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 16
18. Sustainable Culture
At Novus, sustainability begins at the individual level and is
evident in the daily activities of each employee. It is demonstrated
in the way that employees put into practice our collective
aspirations, Novus’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 17
19. Collaborate by Sharing Information
Novus’s culture is shaped by the spirit of discovery and
innovation on which our rich history is based. Our collaborative
work style encourages the open flow of information among
a community of colleagues who share common interests in
scientific progress and improving the markets we serve.
At Novus, a collaborative approach is also typical of our
relationships with customers. We freely share our industry
knowledge with customers in an open dialogue about their
most important business challenges. We consult with them to Chief Sustainability Officer
develop innovative solutions that meet their specific needs. Joyce Cacho, Ph.D.
Our open culture is also reflected in the relationships we
have developed with students and professors at universities
around the world. We have something to learn from
everyone and, in turn, we want to share all that we can.
Our office and meeting spaces are open to encourage discussion This past year, we formalized our commitment to
and collaboration. People know each other on a first-name sustainability at Novus, adding the role of Chief
basis and respect one another as individuals. This sustainability Sustainability Officer. In January 2009, Novus
report to stakeholders, Health through Nutrition, is another welcomed Joyce Cacho, Ph.D. to coordinate and
example of Novus’s commitment to sharing information openly. synergize our sustainability efforts. Cacho leads
the planning and implementation of Novus’s global
Local Solutions for a Global Marketplace corporate social responsibility program and
initiatives. Her extensive background in managing
At Novus, we place a high priority on understanding our customers’ international agribusiness initiatives and projects
needs and believe that living and working in their specific with The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and U.S.
geographies are key to building this knowledge. Additionally, International University (USIU) have prepared her to
we have found that working directly with our customers, globally, lead Novus’s sustainability efforts around the globe.
is a critical differentiator for Novus in our industry. For these
reasons, we are committed to having a genuinely global reach.
Novus customers have the unique experience of localized
research and development, technical support, customer
service and logistics. We understand that our customers’ needs
vary based on their location in the world. Local resources
enable us to provide support with agility and in a way that
brings demonstrable value to our customers’ businesses.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 18
20. Corporate Governance Statement
Corporate governance at Novus is the The Novus Compliance Committee
responsibility of the Board of Directors.
In 2005, the Board chartered the Novus Compliance Committee (NCC),
The Board represents the interests of
comprised of all members of Novus’s senior management team as well as
our shareholders and stakeholders, including
shareholder representatives. The purpose of the NCC is to review and evaluate
employees, customers and the public. The Board,
compliance issues and concerns throughout the organization. It also focuses
with the advice of the executive management
on prevention, detection, response and security and proposes actions for the
team, determines the company’s long-term
continuous improvement of Novus’s business management and operations.
strategy, while the Novus management team
defines the company’s short-term strategies
The matters within the scope of the NCC’s review include all legal and
and handles day-to-day business operations.
regulatory matters that affect or may affect Novus’s operations worldwide.
It also oversees conformity by Novus with the requirements of organizations
The Novus Integrity System
in which the company maintains memberships and with standards,
In 1998, the Board approved and adopted policies or programs to which Novus subscribes. The NCC manages
the Novus Integrity System (NIS). The NIS is compliance issues and reports to the Board on a periodic basis.
comprised of written policies to ensure that all
employees understand that good ethics and good
business are synonymous when viewed from
moral, legal and practical standpoints.
The NIS is reflective of the Board’s commitment
to corporate and personal integrity, and prompts
every employee to conduct the business
of Novus within an ethical framework.
GRI: 3.13, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.11 The Novus Board of Directors Meeting in Tokyo, Japan | 19
21. Novus’s Global Headquarters
Our new 90,000 square-foot (8,361 square-meter) encourage communication and collaboration among employees. A
headquarters is Platinum LEED certified, the floor ventilation system allows employees to adjust the temperature
highest energy and environmental designation of their personal workspaces. The facility includes a fitness center
available in the United States. It is the fourth that is open to employees at no charge and also offers employees
building in Missouri and one of only 150 in the free fitness classes and training. The company allocates reserved
entire United States to achieve this distinction. parking spaces close to the building as an incentive for employees
to carpool or to drive low-emission or fuel-efficient vehicles.
In recognition of our design and building efforts,
in 2009, Novus President and CEO, Thad Simons, Novus provides employees with wholesome, healthy lunches at
won the “Heroes of the Planet” award for no charge each day. Lunch menus for the Novus Café are planned
Sustainable Employee Programs. This award by a licensed nutritionist and are low fat, low sodium and portion
recognizes the achievement of a company that controlled. Employees benefit by learning about good nutrition,
has outperformed its industry in promoting and having healthy options to eat for lunch and many have even
advancing environmental sustainability. reported weight loss. Novus benefits because employees stay
on-site to eat their lunches, eliminating the commute time to and
The building has multiple skylights that provide an from restaurants. Additionally, employees collaborate with one
outdoor view and natural light to 90% of employee another over their lunch breaks in the Novus Café, which is great
workspaces. The open floor plan is designed to for our culture and for advancing the goals of our organization.
Our headquarters has a wide range of green features, including
5,000 square feet (464 square meters) of solar panels, a storm water
system, bamboo floors and energy-efficient flat screen televisions
in community areas.
The facility was built out of materials derived from rapidly
renewable, recycled and salvaged resources. Additionally, we
have incorporated native Missouri flora into our landscaping. We
are also working with the Missouri Department of Conservation to
create habitats on our property for wildlife, including birds, reptiles
and fish.
GRI: 2.9; KPI: EN3 and EN26 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 20
22. “As a company, we believe that our commitment
to global sustainability begins at home.”
–Dr. Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales
GRI: 2.9; KPI: EN3 and EN26 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 21
23. Sustainability in Practice
We approach our work through the lens of sustainability, a requisite consideration at Novus.
Every business project is cross-checked to ensure that our criteria for sustainability—
social, economic and environmental (SEE)—are achieved.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 23
24. Corporate Social Responsibility
Novus employees are integrated into the fabric Novus has direct relationships in more than 90 countries on six continents with
of the communities and countries in which we customers, suppliers, consumers, students, teachers and neighbors. We believe
live and work. Ultimately, we are all citizens our diverse employee base and inclusive work environment are essential to
of the planet and the natural environment innovation and central to how we differentiate ourselves in the marketplace.
that provides the basic resources that fuel
our businesses and sustain our lives. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement
and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender,
For Novus, Corporate Social Responsibility sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status or
(CSR) begins with a commitment to and by each any other status protected under federal, state or local law. We comply with
individual employee. Each employee brings the law, but mere compliance is not our motivation. We aspire to a higher
a unique perspective and knowledge to the standard, based on a deeply-rooted sense of integrity and social responsibility.
company—skills, talents and experience—
that are the essential elements of the value
we are able to deliver to the marketplace.
Each year, Novus
CSR at Novus is not “charity” work or employees volunteer
their time, in partnership
a contribution. It is the way we engage with the United Way, to
with the world around us to develop the support organizations
relationships that can make a long-term, such as the St. Louis
Area Food Bank.
positive impact. CSR at Novus is about
taking the responsibility and concerted
action to seek out synergistic collaborations.
Giving a charitable donation to an organization
or funding the construction of a building at a
university are finite activities. Building synergistic
relationships requires a commitment and an
investment of time, but the positive effects
are ongoing. Relationship building is the
Novus approach to CSR. To learn more about the CSR activities of our parent companies, please visit
Mitsui CSR report: www.mitsui.co.jp/en/csr/report/index.html
Nippon Soda annual report: www.nippon-soda.co.jp/e/index.htm
GRI: 2.5 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 24
25. Employee Development
As a knowledge-based company, we recognize that our
greatest return on investment in employees comes from our
employee development programs—education and training.
The next few pages provide examples of the many
development programs we offer at Novus.
Green Team
The Novus Management System
Our Green Team is a volunteer-based employee team
All employee development at Novus is rooted in the responsible for integrating environmentally sound practices
Novus Management System (NMS)—a living set of into our day-to-day activities at Novus. From office supplies to
principles that guide us in most effectively structuring, recycling, the Green Team helps us live our Mission by engaging
staffing and managing our organization. in and providing education about environmental conservation.
Activities of the Green Team include:
Among the tenets of the NMS are honesty, respect and fairness.
Novus managers have many difficult decisions to make, and Nature Conservation
often there are no clear answers. NMS principles help guide Green Team members address site-specific opportunities
our decision-making process so that we keep these tenets in to improve Novus’s footprint on water, soil and energy
mind, always striving for trust—whether between managers conservation.
and subordinates, or throughout the organization as a whole.
Community Involvement
The Novus Online Learning System Our Team collaborates with organizations that are working to
The Novus Online Learning System is a comprehensive improve our local communities, including Habitat for Humanity
training resource that is available to every Novus employee. and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
There is a wide range of online training available, including
modules based on the Novus Management System, the Global Engagement
Novus Integrity System and our products and markets. Novus Green Teams are currently being established at our
facilities throughout the world.
In addition to modules that are specifically about Novus’s
business, the system also provides a wider selection of
professional development tools, including foreign language
courses from Rosetta Stone® and value-added sales training.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 25
26. The Novus Speakers Series Video Diaries and Podcasts
The Novus Speakers Series creates opportunities More and more, we are using technology to share information, learn and
for our employees to become better informed stay connected globally. For example, when our EVP, Marketing and Sales,
about issues affecting their communities and our Dr. Giovanni Gasperoni, recently visited Kenya, he captured photographs
industry. Speakers from both inside and outside and maintained a video diary to document the trip. To share his experiences
the company address employees. One of our goals with his fellow employees, he posted the media to NovusConnect, so that
for this program is to capitalize on the diversity all employees would have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the
of our workforce by fostering opportunities for significance of our work in Africa.
employees to learn from one another.
Speakers over the past year have included
representatives from the United Nations
Association, Habitat for Humanity,
Stray Rescue, Missouri Department of
Conservation and the United Way. We post
videocasts of the Novus Speaker Series on our
company intranet, NovusConnect.
NovusConnect
Through NovusConnect, we provide the
opportunity for all employees around the
world to learn and collaborate with one
another. NovusConnect serves as a central
location for sharing information, from
research data to corporate forms, in an
organized and searchable environment.
NovusConnect also provides a variety of tools
to support global communication, such as
announcements, alerts, presentation libraries
and MySites (our version of Facebook). These
tools allow employees to share information about More and more, we are using technology to share
themselves and access information about other
peers in the organization. Novus employees can
information, learn and stay connected globally.
create blogs, join discussion forums and use
a survey center to create polls about matters
important to their roles in the organization.
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 26
27. The Novus Art Program All Hands
The Novus Art Program provides our employees an opportunity to select Each quarter, Novus gathers for an all-hands
art created by living artists in their local regions, without any restriction on communications meeting. These meetings include
the artist’s medium or subject of choice. The pieces selected by employees updates from various departments across the
are then displayed at our global headquarters in St. Charles, Missouri. organization and typically feature presentations by
our personal trainers, nutritionists and Green Team.
To date, our collection includes pieces from Brazil, China, Haiti, the All communications meetings are video recorded
United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. The program gives our employees and available for viewing by all Novus employees,
the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of our global culture. At Novus, globally.
we value art and its contribution to our shared humanity.
Special Events
As part of the Novus Art Program, we host a fundraising campaign and
event each year to support the Arts and Education Council. As part of this Novus hosts a variety of special events for employees
campaign, we host the Annual Novus Art Walk. Last year, more than 20 each year. For example, this past November, we
local artists showed and sold their work at the Art Walk. More than 300 hosted a Healthy Thanksgiving at our headquarters
people attended this festive event at our global headquarters and enjoyed for all employees and their families. The event
art, live music and food. featured many traditional Thanksgiving delicacies,
such as stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed
This past year, we added an potatoes, but with a healthy preparation (low fat, low
“Arts” component to the Novus sodium, portion controlled). As a special gift, Novus
Global Scholars Program. Our gave families a copy of a cookbook featuring many
first recipients will be dancers of the dishes prepared for the event.
in the St. Louis Ballet. Each year,
the St. Louis Ballet recruits Snapshot Newsletter
top-quality talent based on
artistic merit. The Novus program Novus provides education on health, nutrition and
will help support the living sustainable practices for everyday life to employees
expenses of these talented artists. through many platforms. For example, we send the
All dancers from the St. Louis Novus Snapshot newsletter to each employee on a
Ballet give back to the community monthly basis. The Snapshot provides educational
through education programs information on current events both inside Novus
for local children. Additionally, and the industries in which we work. Each issue
Novus will sponsor the creation also includes a healthy recipe provided by Novus’s
of a modern dance piece that will approved nutritionist.
be part of the St. Louis Ballet’s
upcoming performance season.
“A Nice Day,” Zhou Renkang, 2009 (China)
Media: Chinese Brush Painting on Rice Paper
Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 27
28. Sustainability Projects Around the World
We encourage our employees, in each region of the world, to seek out Latin America North
and engage in sustainability programs. We invite you to read about a Agriculture producers experience various nutritional challenges,
few of these over the next few pages. often highly specific to their local conditions and production
infrastructure.
Latin America South
Through a partnership with industry leaders in the state of Alagoas, To help address the challenges of our customers in Latin
Brazil, Novus is working with more than 1,000 family farmers to create America, we constructed a manufacturing plant in Mexico City.
and improve sustainable farming systems. Novus has partnered This facility allows us to offer our Latin America North (LAN)
with local government leaders, Globoaves (Brazil’s largest producer customers smaller product packages and custom blends or
of day-old chicks and fertile eggs for the production of broilers and premixes. These blends include a variety of products such as
laying hens) and Sebrae (a small business development organization) MHA®, MINTREX® and AGRADO®. Through the use of Novus
to offer poultry farmers a way to improve their quality of life. We are blends and premixes, our customers can address specific
transferring our experience in poultry nutrition and animal husbandry production challenges by purchasing smaller quantities of
to help the farmers produce more affordable protein. The goal is to multiple products in one package. These smaller-quantity
expand this program to reach 16,000 families within the next five years. packages also provide savings for our customers in terms of
For more information, visit www.alimentos-en.globoaves.com.br transportation and warehousing costs. Our carbon footprint
and www.sebrae.com.br is reduced, as products are produced locally in appropriate
China quantities, and transportation distance is drastically reduced.
The Novus Graduate Scholars Program (www.novusscholars.com) Africa
engages eight agricultural universities in China. Each year, a panel Smallholder agriculture is fundamental to the economic growth
of Novus judges chooses four post-graduate students from each of emerging markets. From our experience, we know that
university to receive a monetary scholarship that partially funds the smallholder farmers have the power to produce the food that
students’ educations. One scholar from each university is invited to our is needed in the these regions and that access to affordable
international research center in St. Charles, Missouri to learn about the livestock inputs and technologies is essential. In Africa, more
global agriculture industry and to partner with our scientists on research than 70% of the population earns their livelihood through
relevant to their local market needs. Our purpose is to encourage strong farming. Most of these are smallholder farmers who are
research programs and help the students develop an international dependent upon unreliable rains and an uncertain agricultural
perspective on agriculture. Additionally, through this program, we have structure.
developed a network of technical collaborators in China.
North-West Agriculture & Forestry University www.nwsuaf.edu.cn One of our goals in Africa is to provide smallholder farmers
Sichuan Agricultural University http://202.115.176.32 with accessible livestock solutions to better feed their families
Huazhong Agricultural University www.hzau.edu.cn/en and increase their incomes. By providing education and Health
North-East Agricultural University through Nutrition solutions for their livestock, farmers will
www.chinatefl.com/heilongjiang/teach/neau increase their productivity and have more products to sell at
China Agricultural University www.cau.edu.cn market. This additional income can be used to feed their families
Nanjing Agricultural University www.njau.edu.cn more nutritious food, pay school fees, health expenses and
Zhejiang University www.zju.edu.cn purchase additional livestock.
South China Agricultural University www.scau.edu.cn
GRI: 4.17 | 28
29. Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is one of the most aquaculture-dependent
regions of the world, from the standpoint of economic
development and food supply.
The aquaculture and livestock industries rely heavily on
the use of fish meal, which is derived from wild, ocean-
caught fish. However, fish meal is an unsustainable and
increasingly expensive source of protein for agriculture
supplementation.
Our team in Asia Pacific has implemented a fish meal
replacement program that we employ to offer customers
a significantly lower cost of feed with optimized animal
performance. The program supports amino acid balance,
animal health and meat quality. It is environmentally
friendly, because we substitute a significant percentage
of fish meal and minimize the impact of fish caught wild
from our oceans for this purpose.
Novus works with feed mills in
Europe Africa that support the work of
At Novus, we place an emphasis on the sustainability smallholder farmers.
of our solutions for our customers. In Europe, we have
developed a program that optimizes the feed milling
process by using a surfactant.
The program utilizes our SURF·ACE™ product to improve
the efficiency of the feed production process. Feed
production can be an energy-intensive process,
especially for those using granulators or extruders.
Customers using SURF·ACE in their feed mills have
experienced a 10% reduction in energy consumption
while increasing the output of their presses. This program
improves the mills’ efficiency, reduces the impact on the
In Alagoas, Brazil, Novus is working with more than 1,000 family
environment and increases feed production. farmers to create sustainable farming systems.
GRI: 4.17 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 29
30. Novus Scholar Programs
Talent Sustainability China
Meeting the global demand for food in the future Novus provides four graduate scholarships at the eight leading agriculture-
based universities in China, with students eventually traveling to our corporate
will require people who are willing to dedicate their headquarters to participate in an internship program.
careers to the agriculture industry. At Novus, we
work to attract and develop new talent, not only for The Novus Research Fellowship in China supports the development of
internationally competitive research programs for promising young scientists
our company, but for the benefit and advancement specializing in the field of animal nutrition and health.
of the entire industry.
India
Novus Scholar Programs Our partnership with Bombay Veterinary College (www.mafsu.in) links the
scientific talents of Novus with one of the most established veterinary institutions
Through various Novus Scholar Programs, we award in Asia. This provides an important opportunity for collaboration that is mutually
beneficial, while encouraging the continued growth of agriculture-related studies
scholarships to support the research and work of in the region.
students and professors who are and will be industry
leaders in agriculture. In addition to funding their Korea
studies, we also seek to build relationships with these In 2008, we established a partnership with Pukyong National University's (PKNU)
College of Fisheries Sciences (www.pknu.ac.kr) in Busan, Korea. Through
Scholars and offer opportunities for many of the this program with PKNU, we are supporting aquaculture students who have
participants to work with us as interns in our research demonstrated promise in areas associated with nutrition, metabolism, growth,
facilities around the world. We can learn from their development, health and disease in aquaculture.
research and they can benefit from our industry
Mozambique
experience and relationships. In some cases, these Last year, we became the first private-sector company to sponsor the African
Scholars become Novus employees, customers or Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program
suppliers. (www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org), which seeks to advance the careers of African
women. We invite you to learn more about the AWARD program in the Civil
Society section, later in this report.
Goals for the program include:
Thailand
• Encourage students in animal agriculture to In 2009, we established a relationship with the Department of Animal Science,
develop strong research programs and gain Faculty of Agriculture at Kasetsart University (www.ku.ac.th) in Thailand, where
an international perspective on agriculture. we award a scholarship to a student working on a Master’s degree in Poultry
Nutrition. This student is also given the opportunity to participate in an internship
at our research headquarters.
• Build relationships with professors and students who
are and will be the future leaders in agriculture. Vietnam
In 2008, we funded the construction of a 1,000-square-meter Aqua Research
Facility at Nong Lam University Campus in Ho Chi Minh City. We fund two
• Establish a technical collaboration network scholarships through this program.
to help us develop solutions relevant to our
customers in diverse regions of the world. United States
At the University of Arkansas (www.uark.edu), we have endowed a Chair in
Poultry Science. The professor appointed to that Chair works with visiting
scientists from other universities throughout the world and teaches graduate-
level courses related to nutrition and metabolism.
At Auburn University (www.auburn.edu), we award a scholarship to a
GRI: 2.9 and 4.12 graduate student and provide that student with a paid internship at Novus.
| 30
31. Career Development and Placement Programs Novus Matching Gift Program
We actively engage with organizations, industry and In addition to volunteering time to non-governmental organizations, our
academia to support the career development of talented employees also make financial contributions. To encourage our employees
students and develop channels for recruitment. to become engaged in civil society and to give back, we have established
the Novus Matching Gift Program. Through this program, the company
matches, dollar-for-dollar, contributions to qualifying local and global causes.
Below are a few examples of organizations that have received support from the
The mission of the Missouri Colleges Fund is to acquire Novus Matching Gift Program:
resources to help educate students in member private
liberal-arts colleges and universities, comprised of a 16-school
network. Novus has established science-specific scholarships
within the fund. During our two years of program participation, Meds & Food for Kids (MFK) is a St. Louis based non-profit organization with operations in Haiti since
Novus has hosted a “Science Day” for scholarship 2003. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Novus partnered with MFK to help raise donations and
participants. On “Science Day,” students are introduced to distribute “Medika Mamba,” a fortified, peanut-butter-based, ready-to-use-therapeutic food (RUTF)
a variety of people working in diverse occupations across to people left hungry after the disaster. For more information on MFK, visit www.mfkhaiti.org
our organization and other participating area companies.
®
Heifer International helps people change their lives from a state of hunger and poverty into
self-reliance and hope. They provide gifts of livestock and training, helping families improve
Novus has aligned with Texas A&M’s agribusiness department their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. For more information on
to establish a joint career placement program. Over the past Heifer International, visit www.Heifer.org
year, Novus has collaborated with Texas A&M to provide
full-time employment to five graduating students.
Novus employees went the extra mile for our 2009 United Way Annual Giving Campaign. We achieved
110% of our goal with an overall participation rate of 87%, with 100% participation from our Little Rock
employees. Novus employees volunteered their time to work at the St. Louis Area Food Bank, where
they packaged more than 6,000 meals for the hungry. For more information on the United Way, visit
IFAMA’s mission is achieved through providing members www.unitedway.org
with multiple vehicles for information sharing, knowledge
advancement, discussion and debate, networking and
career development. IFAMA has established a global
network of academic institutions that have agribusiness
or related departments. Students are invited to present The Arts and Education Council (AEC), through donations, supports more than 80 non-profit arts and
arts education organizations. Every year, the funds generated by the AEC provide more than five million
research about agriculture technology and best practice children and adults the opportunity to experience music, theater, dance, film, literary arts, visual arts
management at IFAMA conferences around the world. and outreach programs. For more information on the AEC, visit www.keeparthappening.org
For a complete listing of Novus Matching Gift Program recipients, visit page 81 in the Appendix.
GRI: 4.12 and 4.17 | 31
32. Community must leave school or the workforce, and are not in a position to return until
Our Vision for sustainability is global. But in later in life. Because the AWARD program has no age restriction, participating
our global reach, we touch specific cities and women have the opportunity to re-engage in and add value to the industry in
countries in which we live and work. Reflecting meaningful ways.
our triple bottom line, our employees engage
with their communities at multiple levels—social, “My goal is to help Mozambique’s farmers produce more poultry
economic and environmental (SEE). Novus at a lower cost, raising incomes and increasing food security.”
supports employees’ engagement in their –Mena dos Anjos, Novus AWARD Fellow
communities through many programs.
We have committed ourselves over the next five years to ten externships,
Civil Society through which African women will work at our headquarters, another
Novus collaborates with partners in civil society Novus facility or with one of our partner organizations such as the Missouri
whose work aligns with the Novus Vision, Botanical Garden. Participants will receive mentoring to help them move to
Mission and Core Values. We invite you to read the next level in their education.
about some of these dynamic and collaborative
relationships over the next few pages. In October 2009, we welcomed our first AWARD research fellow,
Mena dos Anjos, a Senior Lecturer in Animal Nutrition at the University
of Mondlane in Mozambique. Mena holds a Master of Science degree in
Veterinary Medicine with a specialization in poultry production and health
from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Denmark.
Mozambique is heavily dependent on poultry production. In fact, more than
Economic opportunity for women in Africa is a matter of 70% of rural families in Mozambique keep chickens, which contribute to
social justice. Almost 80% of the agricultural labor force income and food security. The cost of poultry feed is a challenge for the
in Africa is female, but only 10% to 15% of the continent’s people of Mozambique. Mena is working at Novus on a project to enhance
agricultural students are female. Last year, Novus locally available dried peas to create a more feasible and low-cost feed
became the first private-sector company in the United alternative for poultry. She is collaborating with researchers at Novus to
States to sponsor the African Women in Agricultural understand the nutritional balance requirements when utilizing these locally
Research and Development (AWARD) program and the available ingredients.
first organization to host a U.S. placement of an AWARD
fellow. AWARD seeks to advance the careers of African When she completes her program here, Mena will return to her academic
women in agricultural research. position in Mozambique. She will try to attract more young people from
Mozambique to animal nutrition research, and she will apply the research
There is no age restriction for the AWARD program. This she worked on at Novus. Her goal is to help Mozambique’s farmers produce
is important because the majority of similar programs more poultry at lower cost, raising incomes and increasing food security.
restrict participation to women 35 years or younger in
age. Due to family responsibilities, many African women For more information on AWARD, visit www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org
GRI: 4.12, 4.15, 4.16 and 4.17 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 32
33. milk dependency of calves and enables farmers to bring milk to market.
Additionally, farmers gain the ability to raise healthier and more productive
replacement heifers.
To improve cattle nutrition in Uganda, our scientists developed a dry season
supplement that also adds essential minerals and feed quality ingredients to
Every country in Africa has unique locally available protein and energy sources.
livestock industry challenges
that require specific solutions. We are planning to test both programs in additional regions of Africa in the
near future.
In Kenya, a challenge for farmers is calf
mortality. A cow provides a single source of
income for many Kenyan families. If a family’s
calf lives, it can support them in achieving a
sustainable income. Calf mortality impairs the
farmers' ability to produce a steady income
from selling dairy cows and supplying their
local communities with dairy products.
In 2009, our President and CEO, Thad Simons, was elected to the Board of
Ugandan farmers struggle to provide adequate the Corporate Council on Africa, which has the goal of improving social and
nutrition to their cattle during the dry season. economic conditions for the people of Africa by strengthening business
In Uganda, longer dry seasons and the increased relationships between African countries and the United States.
use of marginal land are compromising health
and reducing the production of cattle. It is critical that we empower African nations and farmers, through knowledge
sharing and technology, to build the capacity to meet their own requirements for
In 2009, a team from Novus traveled to Africa to food. The continent of Africa’s demand for food is expected to greatly increase
identify the priorities in these two countries and in the first half of this century. Our involvement with the Corporate Council on
to determine how we could contribute. The Novus Africa is one way to collaborate with African farmers and facilitate an exchange
team met with officials of the Nairobi-based ILRI of knowledge.
and East Africa Dairy Development (established
by Heifer International). After investing time in In the fall of 2009, Novus chaired two panels at the Corporate Council on Africa’s
both countries to understand the challenges and Biennial Summit. The panelists discussed aquaculture and the role of education
circumstances, we engaged our R&D scientists and technology in agriculture.
to work towards solutions.
For more information about the CCA, visit www.africacncl.org
To address calf mortality in Kenya, we developed
a nutritionally complete diet that reduces
GRI: 4.12 and 4.17 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 33
34. Balancing the Agricultural Bottom Line
The WAF, in cooperation with Novus, hosted the first Asia Regional
Roundtable on March 8-10, 2009, in Phuket, Thailand. The theme of the
Roundtable, “Balancing the Agricultural Bottom Line,” focused on the global
and Asia-specific economic impact of the global recession on agriculture.
Roundtable attendees were encouraged to discuss the case for creating
strategic alliances in the food chain, sustainable practices for agricultural
growth and the new paradigm in consumer requirements and food demand.
The World Agricultural Forum (WAF) is a policy More than 75 people from 19 different countries participated in the event.
neutral and internationally inclusive agriculture and Attendees included government officials, CEOs, academia, NGOs and farmers.
agribusiness-driven forum that brings together leaders
from private sectors with policy makers and key policy Novus, along with three other participating organizations, presented the
influencers to focus on providing food, fuel, fiber and insights and discussed highlights from the event at the WAF’s Sixth Biennial
water to the world’s growing population. World Congress on May 18-20, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri. Based on the
success of and interest in the Regional Roundtable model, the WAF plans to
For more information about the WAF, visit host future roundtables over the next year in Brazil, China, Uganda and India.
www.worldagforum.org
More than 75 leaders in agriculture from 19 countries attended the first World Agricultural Forum
Asia Regional Roundtable, “Balancing the Agricultural Bottom Line.”
GRI: 4.12 and 4.17 | 34
35. OASIS® Helps Protect the Red-Necked Ostrich
The largest of three species in the ostrich family, the red-necked
ostrich was once abundant in Niger. Like other ostriches,
this species’ population numbers are declining due to human
Our Arenus division has partnered with the Saint Louis Zoo’s Orthwein environmental interference and predation.
Animal Nutrition Center to study the effects of Arenus’s structural health
supplement, STEADFAST®. The partnership, in the form of a grant, placed In an attempt to rescue the red-necked
a graduate student from the University of Missouri – Columbia with the ostrich from becoming an endangered
Saint Louis Zoo for a two-year period. The primary focus of the research species, Novus developed a plan with the
is assessing the effects of STEADFAST on enhancing joint health in Saint Louis Zoo’s Saharan Wildlife Recovery
various mammals. Center. The Zoo’s Recovery Center is a world
leader in combating the extinction of Saharan
The importance of animal nutrition and its effects on treating and/or wildlife.
preventing health issues is a new undertaking in zoos. The Saint Louis
Zoo is a world-class facility and one of only a few in the United States that Upon hatching at the Wildlife Recovery
staffs an animal nutritionist and maintains a dedicated nutrition center. Center, red-necked ostriches often face a
long trip to the facility where they will grow
to adulthood. During this trip, nutrition and
For more information about the Saint Louis Zoo, visit www.stlzoo.org
hydration are frequently not available for the
hatchling.
Our OASIS hatchling supplement, originally developed for domestic
fowl, is a hydrated nutritional formulation that supports this critical
phase of life. OASIS is used during transport from the hatchery to
farms to maintain gut health and hydration.
Novus is providing OASIS to the Zoo’s Saharan Wildlife Recovery
Center. OASIS will benefit the red-necked ostrich, as it has done for
chickens, turkeys and ducks in farm environments around the world.
GRI: 4.12 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 35
36. Industry Associations
We recognize our responsibility to collaborate and cooperate with
Recognition other stakeholders in our industry. We participate in a range of
Novus is very proud of the meaningful awards and recognition industry associations as a highly effective way to integrate our
we have received over the past year. Below are a few examples: Vision into the mainstream of modern agriculture.
Below are a few examples of industry associations that Novus employees
participate in:
In 2009, we proudly became the first company in the feed-ingredient industry to
become a member of the Sustainable Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Platform. The
food industry established this organization to support agricultural practices and
HEROES OF THE PLANET production systems that preserve and promote the efficient use of resources.
SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
Awarded to Thad Simons
St. Louis Business Journal
The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) was established in 2007 to increase consumer
trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system. Its primary mission is
to promote dialogue, model best practices, address issues that are important to
consumers and serve as a resource for accurate, balanced information about the
U.S. food system.
TOP 50 PLACES TO WORK
Awarded to Novus
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is the world’s largest organization solely
devoted to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the animal
feed industry and its suppliers. The program establishes comprehensive standards of
excellence that go beyond existing regulations to maximize food and feed safety.
RESPONSIBLE CARE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARD
Awarded to Novus
The United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) represents U.S.-grown soybeans,
soybean meal, IP soybeans and soy protein isolates to international markets. USSEC
travels the world with partner companies like Novus, educating farmers on the
advantages of soybean inclusion into the rations for their animals.
For a complete listing of Novus industry association memberships, please visit
page 80 in the Appendix.
GRI: 2.10, 4.12, 4.13 and 4.14 | 36
37. Economic
The basic definition of sustainability is to “keep a
process or action going.” Healthy businesses provide
livelihoods for families, technologies that improve the
quality of our lives and the framework for innovation
that will be required to sustain our growing world.
Core to our Vision is supporting our customers
with products and services that improve and create
efficiencies in their business operations. In the fabric
of economic sustainability, we are all interwoven,
and the strength of one is dependent on the strength
of the entire community.
GRI: 2.2 and 2.7 Novus International, Inc. Health through Nutrition 2009 | 37