The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy®, established under the leadership of dairy farmers, announced that McDonald’s Corporation has joined the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards program as a new silver-level sponsor in support of U.S. dairy farmers and the industry’s sustainability efforts. Tetra Pak, Inc. also has committed to a second year of sponsorship.

With two new award categories and an expanded judging panel, the 2015 awards program reflects the fact that organizations, from farm to table, are increasingly working together toward a sustainable food system.

The awards, which launched four years ago, recognize outstanding dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound practices. These practices, large and small, are steps that add up to promote the health and well-being of consumers, communities, cows, employees, the planet and business. Nominations are open through Nov. 7, 2014.

“Dairy sustainability is about more than just a carbon footprint. It is about our positive contributions to alleviate hunger, ensure the vitality of our communities, protect natural resources and more,” said Barbara O’Brien, president of the Innovation Center. “We are inspired by the powerhouse of thought leaders who also are committed to solving the country’s food, energy and water challenges, and are joining our effort.”

For 2015, gold-level sponsors are: the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, DeLaval, DVO, Inc., Elanco Animal Health, InSinkErator, Tetra Pak, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, World Wildlife Fund and Zoetis. Silver-level sponsors are: the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ChemTreat, DSM Nutritional Products, HDR, Inc., McDonald’s, Organic Solution Management and Syngenta.

“There are many integrated solutions and new partnerships emerging across the country,” O’Brien said. “No single approach will be able to solve these complex challenges, and we are pleased to provide a program that celebrates success stories and helps bridge the gap from farm to table.”

The judging panel for the 2015 awards includes new experts from food, health and community organizations as well as the return of esteemed experts from academic, government, nongovernment, media, environmental and dairy organizations.

The expanded judging panel reflects the larger role that collaboration plays in building a more sustainable food system, as does the addition of two new awards categories: Outstanding Achievement in Resource Stewardship and Outstanding Achievement in Community Partnerships. The program also will continue to recognize the “best of the best” with awards for Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability and Outstanding Dairy Processing and Manufacturing.