Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division into alleged underage workers hired by a third-party contractor and placed at Perdue’s Accomac, Virginia facility between 2020 and 2023, Perdue Farms has entered into an agreement with the Department of Labor to support the greater Accomac community and unaccompanied migrant children.

Perdue fully cooperated with the Department of Labor’s investigation and the investigation did not identify any current underage workers at Perdue Farms. While we strongly disagreed with DOL’s findings of liability, and there are no admissions in the agreement to the contrary, Perdue recognized that a prolonged dispute with the Department of Labor did nothing to address the child labor crisis. Perdue will establish a $2M fund for the benefit of impacted minors. Perdue will also direct $2M in contributions to charitable organizations in the Accomac community or whose purpose is to assist unaccompanied migrant children. Perdue has selected the Eastern Shore Community College and KIND as initial recipients of these donations. We are dedicated to advancing work that helps stem the child labor crisis in America by investing in our communities, education systems and essential social support networks.

Eastern Shore Community College President Jim Shaeffer said, “Perdue Farms has been a long-time, over 25 years, and deeply committed partner of our college. The company’s support and engagement has had a direct impact on our student's lives. Perdue’s most recent commitment is simply taking our partnership to the next level, and we look forward to the benefits it will have on our community, our mission, and our students.”

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) President Wendy Young said, “Preventing child labor exploitation requires creative, well-resourced coordination among a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry leaders like Perdue. KIND is excited to work alongside these partners to implement sustainable solutions to address the circumstances and practices that contribute to workplace dangers for children, including unaccompanied children seeking safety in the United States. We are pleased that our monthslong conversation with Perdue has resulted in this partnership, which will protect the rights and wellbeing of children in the workplace. We look forward to establishing a successful and long-lasting relationship with Perdue and its leadership.”

Any instance of underaged workers in our facilities was without authorization and is unacceptable. Underage labor has no place in our business and our industry.