Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On September 30, 2009, the Compensation Committee of the Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the "Company") Board of Directors granted an incentive award to George H. Richter, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company's Pork Group, pursuant to the performance grant component of the Smithfield Foods, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan. A description of the terms of such award is set forth in Exhibit 99.1, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

99.1 Description of Incentive Award granted to George H. Richter.

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