SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrantþx

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto¨

Check the appropriate box:

o¨Preliminary Proxy Statement

o¨Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

þxDefinitive Proxy Statement

o¨Definitive Additional Materials

o¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

[NOT APPLICABLE]

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

þxNo fee required.

o¨Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

[Not Applicable]

o¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o¨Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

[Not Applicable]


LOGO

(CONAGRA FOODS LOGO)
Proxy Statement
September 24, 2010
Notice of 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

and Proxy Statement


LOGO 
CONAGRA FOODS LOGO

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, NE68102-5001

Phone:(402) 240-4000

August 9, 2010

12, 2013

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

It is my pleasure to invite you to join us for the ConAgra Foods Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in Omaha, Nebraska on September 24, 2010 at 1:30 p.m., Omaha Time,27, 2013 at the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

Please note the new time for our Annual Meeting this year is 8:30 a.m., Central Daylight Time.

The meetingAnnual Meeting will include a report on our business, discussion and voting on the matters described in the accompanying noticeNotice of annual meeting2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and proxy statement,Proxy Statement, and aquestion-and-answer session.

We look forward

Whether or not you plan to seeing you in Omaha. If you cannot be withjoin us in person, please be sure to vote your shares by proxy. Just mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope. Or, voteVote on the Internet or by telephone according to the instructions you will find in the following pages. Or, if you received a paper copy of the materials, mark, sign and date the enclosed Proxy Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope. Your prompt response is appreciated.

Thank you for your continued investment in ConAgra Foods.

Sincerely,

-s- Gary M. Rodkin

LOGO

Gary M. Rodkin

Chief Executive Officer & President

We are pleased again this year to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow us to furnish proxy materials via the Internet and mail a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. We believe this approach helps us expedite your receipt of our materials, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting.If you receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail, you will not receive a paper copy of our proxy materials unless you specifically request a copy. You may request a paper copy be sent to you in the mail by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.


LOGO

CONAGRA FOODS LOGOConAgra Foods, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, NE68102-5001
Phone:(402) 240-4000
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TheNotice of 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of ConAgra Foods, Inc. will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010, in the Witherspoon Concert Hall of the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The meeting will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. Omaha Time. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m.
What matters will be voted on?Stockholders

Date:  Election as directorsFriday, September 27, 2013
NEW TIME:8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time(Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. CDT)
Place:

The Witherspoon Concert Hall of the eleven nominees identified in the attached proxy statementJoslyn Art Museum

2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Audiocast:If you cannot attend the meeting in person, you may join a live audiocast of the meeting on the Internet by visitinghttp://investor.conagrafoods.comat 8:30 a.m. CDT, on September 27, 2013.
At the meeting, stockholders will:

•     vote on the election of directors for the ensuing year;

Ratification

•     vote on the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditor for fiscal 20112014;

Items of Business:

•     vote on the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of our named executive officer compensation;

Any

•     vote on a stockholder proposal described in the attached Proxy Statement, if properly presented; and

•     transact any other business properly brought before the meeting.

Who May Vote:Stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 31, 2013 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting in accordance withand at any postponements or adjournments thereof.
Date of
Distribution:
We mailed our bylawsNotice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about August 12, 2013. For stockholders who previously elected to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, we mailed the Proxy Statement, our Fiscal 2013 Annual Report and the Proxy Card on or about August 12, 2013.
Electronic
Availability of Materials:
The Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013 are available electronically athttp://investor.conagrafoods.com.
August 12, 2013LOGO
Omaha, NebraskaColleen Batcheler
Corporate Secretary
Who may vote?
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 2, 2010 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting and at any postponements or adjournments.
How do I vote?
You may vote by marking, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the postage-paid envelope. You may also vote by telephone or through the Internet. See the first page of the accompanying proxy statement for more information on voting procedures.
What if I want to attend the meeting?
We encourage you to vote as soon as possible even if you plan to attend the meeting. An admission ticket or brokerage statement reflecting ownership of ConAgra Foods stock, in each case along with some form of government-issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport, will be required for admission to the annual meeting.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can hear the meeting via live audiocast athttp://investor.conagrafoods.com. An archive of the webcast will be available on our website following the meeting.
-s- Colleen Batcheler
Colleen Batcheler
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
August 9, 2010
Omaha, Nebraska


Table of Contents

  Page

Proxy Statement Summary

 i

Proxy Statement

 1

Voting Item #1:Election of Directors

 2
1
1
4
5
5
6
6

 7
7
8
8

 12
13

 15

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 15
18
19
19

 33

 34

 36
37

 3837

Pension Benefits —Option Exercises and Stock Vested – Fiscal 20102013

 39
39

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Fiscal 20102013

 41

 4344

Non-Employee Director Compensation

 54

Information on Stock Ownership

 56

Proposals for 2011 Annual MeetingAudit / Finance Committee Report

 58
53

Voting Item #2:Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Auditor for Fiscal 2014

 59

Voting Item #3:Approval of Named Executive Officer Compensation

60

Voting Item #4:Stockholder Proposal: Bylaw Change in Regard to Vote-Counting

61

Additional Information

63


PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

We have included this Proxy Statement summary to assist as you review the proposals to be acted upon. The following information is only a summary, and you should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting. For more complete information on these topics, please review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013 and this Proxy Statement.

VOTING ITEMS:

Board
Recommendation

Pages

Item #1 – Election of 11 directors

FOR all nominees2 – 7

Item #2 –Ratification of the appointment of our independent auditor for fiscal  2014

FOR59

Item #3 – Approval of named executive officer compensation

FOR60

Item #4 – Stockholder Proposal: Bylaw Change in Regard to Vote-Counting

AGAINST61 – 62

Transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting

FISCAL 2013 HIGHLIGHTS AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Fiscal 2013 was a transformational and successful year for ConAgra Foods. We delivered against our financial goals and made bold moves in support of our long-term strategy, which we call our Recipe for Growth. In addition to already being one of the largest food companies in North America, we became the largest private brand food company in North America during fiscal 2013, following completion of our acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. We also announced plans to contribute our milling business – ConAgra Mills – to a new joint venture to create a premier flour milling company. In our base business, we grew segment profits, led by Commercial Foods, while investing significantly in our brands. We also continued to return value to stockholders directly, raising our dividend to an annualized rate of $1.00 per share.

The Human Resources Committee of our Board of Directors was guided by these results in determining the compensation of our senior leaders. The fiscal 2013 pay packages for our named executive officers consisted of salary, short- and long-term incentive opportunities and other benefits discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) section of this Proxy Statement (starting on page 15). You can read about our Human Resources Committee’s methodology for setting pay opportunities and approving actual payouts, and learn more about our compensation plans and programs, in that section. In summary, however, it is worth noting that in determining the amount of compensation paid to our named executive officers, the Human Resources Committee focuses intently on aligning pay and performance. As such, you will read in our CD&A that:

our fiscal 2013 performance results were strong. Payouts under our fiscal 2013 annual incentive plan reflected that performance, and ranged from 113% to 118% of targeted opportunities, with most awards paying out at 116% of targeted opportunities; and

from a three-year perspective, fiscal years 2011 through 2013 represented a period of varied business performance. Payouts under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan reflected that performance and these awards paid out at 66% of targeted opportunities.

In setting pay programs, the Human Resources Committee considered the strong support received from stockholders in 2011 and 2012 for its compensation decisions. The Human Resources Committee also recognizes that our compensation programs need to continue to align with leading corporate governance practices to maintain that support and has a practice of continually reviewing the program components, targets and payouts to ensure alignment.


i


Proxy Statement

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

One ConAgra Drive

Omaha, NebraskaNE 68102-5001

PROXY STATEMENT

Meeting Information

We are mailingfurnishing this proxy statementProxy Statement to our stockholders in connection with the solicitation by our Board of Directors of proxies to be used at the 20102013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ConAgra Foods, Inc. The meeting will be held in the Witherspoon Concert HallWe mailed our Notice of the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 on Friday, September 24, 2010, and begin promptly at 1:30 p.m., Omaha Time. DistributionInternet Availability of this proxy statement is scheduled to beginProxy Materials on or about August 9, 2010.

Help Reduce Our Mailing Expenses.  You can help us reduce the cost of printing and mailing proxy statements and annual reports by opting12, 2013. For stockholders who previously elected to receive futurea paper copy of our proxy materials, electronically. To enroll, please visitwe mailed the websitehttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/cagProxy Statement, our Fiscal 2013 Annual Report and follow the instructions provided. Have your proxy card in hand when accessing this website.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability ofa Proxy Materials
This proxy statement and our annual report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2010 are available electronically at:http://investor.conagrafoods.com.
Voting Information
Record Date
Card on or about August 12, 2013.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 2, 2010 will beJuly 31, 2013 are entitled to vote at the meeting and at any postponements or adjournments. On August 2, 2010,July 31, 2013, there were 439,666,347422,076,161 voting shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.

How to Vote

Your vote is very important. For this reason, the Board of Directors is requesting that you vote your shares in advance of the meeting by proxy. Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 for shares held in the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan and through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 23, 2010 for all other shares.

Record Holders.

If you hold shares of ConAgra Foods common stock in your own name (also known as “of record” ownership), you can come to the meeting and vote your shares in person, or you can vote your shares by proxy in one of the following manners:

By completing, signing, dating and returning (in the postage-paid envelope provided) the Proxy Card enclosed with paper copies of our proxy materials;

 

By visiting the Internet atwww.proxyvote.comand following the instructions

•      By calling1-800-690-6903instructions; or on a touch-tone telephone and following the recorded instructions
•      By signing and returning the enclosed proxy card using the enclosed postage-paid envelope

By calling 1-800-690-6903 on a touch-tone telephone and following the recorded instructions.

Street Name Holders.

Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 for shares held in the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan and through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 26, 2013 for all other shares.

If a broker, bank or other nominee holds your stock (“street(also known as “street name” ownership), it will send you a voting instruction form. FollowYou may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the instructions on the form it provides to have your shares voted by proxy.form. If you wish to attend the meeting and vote in person, you must obtain a “legal proxy,” executed in your favor, from the broker, bank or nominee.

See “Additional Information” at the end of this Proxy Statement for more voting information.

Voting Item #1 – Election of Directors

ConAgra Foods’ business is managed under the direction of our Board of Directors, which is currently comprised of 11 members. For the 2013 Annual Meeting, all 11 members have been re-nominated by the Board for election to hold office until the 2014 Annual Meeting and until their successors have been elected and qualified. Each nominee is a current member of the Board who was elected by stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting. In case any nominee becomes unavailable for election to the Board of Directors for any reason not presently known or contemplated, the proxy holders will have discretionary authority in that instance to vote the proxies for a substitute.

The Board’s Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee recommended, and the Board determined, that each individual identified below be re-nominated for election. We refer to this Committee as the N/G/PA Committee throughout this Proxy Statement. A short biography, together with key experience, qualifications and skills considered by the N/G/PA Committee is noted for each nominee. The N/G/PA Committee also considered whether the slate of nominees, taken as a whole, has the skills and qualifications that the Board considers essential and desirable.

Name, Age, Occupation,
Date First Elected
Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

MOGENS C. BAY

Age – 64

Mr. Bay has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc. (products for water management and infrastructure) since January 1997, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont from 1993 through 1996. He has served as a director of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. (construction and mining company) since 1999.
Chairman & CEO,Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Bay:

Valmont Industries, Inc.

• Broad Leadership Experience: Broad leadership capabilities and insights from service as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Valmont

Director Since

December 12, 1996

• Operations Acumen and Agricultural Background: From vast knowledge of U.S. and global operations and manufacturing, including agricultural based operations

Independent

• International Experience: From extensive involvement in U.S. and global operations and manufacturing

STEPHEN G. BUTLER

Age – 65

Mr. Butler served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG LLP (national public accounting firm) from 1996 until his retirement in June 2002, and Chairman of KPMG International from 1999 until his retirement in 2002. He has served as a director of Ford Motor Company (motor vehicles manufacturer) since 2004 and served as a director of Cooper Industries plc (electric lighting and wiring company) from 2002 until 2012.
Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Butler:
Retired Chairman & CEO, KPMG LLP

• Broad Leadership Experience: Strong leadership capabilities and insights from service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG as well as service as a managing partner of several KPMG offices

Director Since

May 16, 2003

Independent

• Financial Acumen and International Experience: Expertise in accounting and finance and international experiences from knowledge of a wide range of U.S. and international business practices based on a 34-year career with KPMG

• Corporate Governance: Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies and valuable insights to the consumer markets from his board service to other public companies

Name, Age, Occupation,
Date First Elected
Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

STEVEN F. GOLDSTONE

Age – 67

Mr. Goldstone has served as non-executive Chairman of the ConAgra Foods Board since October 1, 2005. He has been a manager of Silver Spring Group (private investment firm) since 2000. From 1999 until his retirement in 2000, Mr. Goldstone served as Chairman of Nabisco Group Holdings (food company). He also previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RJR Nabisco, Inc. (consumer products company). He has served as a director of Greenhill & Co., Inc. (financial advisory services) since 2004. Mr. Goldstone also served as a director of Merck & Co., Inc. (pharmaceutical company) from 2006 until 2012 and American Standard Companies (former manufacturer of air conditioning systems and bath and kitchen products) from 2002 until 2008.

Manager, Silver Spring

Group

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Goldstone:

Director Since

December 11, 2003

• Broad Leadership Experience: Strong leadership capabilities and insights from his broad range of management experiences, including prior service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Independent

• CPG Experience:Understanding of strategic and marketplace challenges for consumer products companies from his tenure with RJR Nabisco and Nabisco Group Holdings

• Corporate Governance and M&A Experience: Broad understanding of legal and governance issues facing public companies and deep transactional experience from his board service to other public companies, including as Chairman of the Board at other companies, and earlier career in law

JOIE A. GREGOR

Age – 63

Ms. Gregor served as the Vice Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (executive search firm) from 2002 until 2007. From 1993 until 2006, she served in a number of senior leadership roles with that firm, including President, North America, managing partner of the firm’s Global Board of Directors Practice and managing partner of the New York office. From 2007 to 2008, Ms. Gregor served as assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel under President George W. Bush. From time-to-time, Ms. Gregor provides strategic consulting services, including, since 2012, serving as an advisor to G100 Network (peer learning community of senior leaders of global companies). From 2009 to 2012, she served as a senior advisor to Notch Partners (human capital consulting services).

Retired Vice Chairman of

Heidrick & Struggles

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Ms. Gregor:

Director Since

February 6, 2009

Independent

• Broad Leadership and Human Capital & People Leadership Experience: Strong leadership capabilities and human capital insights, including from her service to Heidrick & Struggles, and significant experience in the assessment and recruitment of corporate executives, public company directors, and senior officials across a wide range of industries and government

• Public Policy and Corporate Governance Experience: Strong public policy and government experience from her service as assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel under President George W. Bush

• Growth Creator:Proven ability to create new channels for services based on expertise in aligning leadership teams to drive operating results

Name, Age, Occupation,

Date First Elected

Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

RAJIVE JOHRI

Age – 63

Mr. Johri served as President and Director of First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO, a banking institution), from 2006 until his retirement in 2009. From September 2005 to June 2006, he served as President of First National Credit Cards Center for FNBO. Prior to that, he served as an Executive Vice President for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (banking institution) from 1999 until 2004. Mr. Johri served as a director of Charter Communications, Inc. (cable and pay television services) from 2006 to 2009.

Retired President &

Director, First National

Bank of Omaha

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Johri:

• Broad Leadership Experience: Strong leadership capabilities and insights, including through his service as President of FNBO

Director Since

January 1, 2009

Independent

• Financial Acumen and Risk & Compliance Oversight Experience:Significant expertise in finance, accounting and risk and compliance oversight from his service to banking organizations, including risk assessment and risk management experience

• International Experience:Substantial international business and management experience from prior service to banking institutions with responsibility over various geographic regions

W.G. JURGENSEN

Age – 62

Mr. Jurgensen served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Nationwide Financial Insurance Services, Inc. (insurance company) from 2000 until his retirement in 2009. He also served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of several other companies within the Nationwide enterprise, which is comprised of Nationwide Financial, Nationwide Mutual, Nationwide Mutual Fire and all of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Mr. Jurgensen served as a director of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (agricultural chemicals company) from 2009 until 2013, and as a director of American International Group, Inc. (insurance company) since 2013.

Retired CEO & Director, Nationwide Financial Insurance Services, Inc.

Director Since

August 2, 2002

Independent

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Jurgensen:

• Broad Leadership Experience:Strong leadership capabilities and insights, including from his service as Chief Executive Officer of several Nationwide companies

• Financial Acumen and Risk & Compliance Oversight Experience:Significant expertise in finance, accounting and risk and compliance oversight from his service to insurance companies, including risk assessment and risk management experience

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from his board service to other public companies

Name, Age, Occupation,
Date First Elected
Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

RICHARD H. LENNY

Age – 61

Operating Partner,

Friedman, Fleischer &

Lowe

Director Since

March 17, 2009

Independent

Mr. Lenny has been an operating partner with Friedman, Fleischer & Lowe (private equity firm) since 2011. He served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company (confectionery and snack products company) from 2001 through 2007. Prior to joining Hershey, Mr. Lenny was group vice president of Kraft Foods, Inc. (food company) and President, Nabisco Biscuit Company (food company), following Kraft’s acquisition of Nabisco in 2000. Mr. Lenny has served as a director of McDonald’s Corporation (retail eating establishments) since 2005 and Discover Financial Services (direct banking and payment services) since 2009. Mr. Lenny also served as a director of The Hershey Company from 2001 until 2007 and Sunoco, Inc. (petroleum refinery) from 2002 until 2006.

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Lenny:

• Broad Leadership and CPG Experience:Strong leadership capabilities and insights, particularly with major consumer brands, from role as Chief Executive Officer for The Hershey Company and board member of consumer products companies

• Growth Creator:Proven ability to create development based on knowledge of strategy and business development, finance, marketing and consumer insights, supply chain management, sustainability and other social responsibility matters pertinent to a global consumer products food company

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from his board service to other public companies

RUTH ANN MARSHALL

Age – 59

Ms. Marshall was President of the Americas, MasterCard International (payments industry) from October 1999 until her retirement in June 2006. She has been a director of Global Payments Inc. (currency validation systems manufacturer) since 2006 and Regions Financial Corp. (banking industry) since 2011. Ms. Marshall also served as a director of American Standard Companies (former manufacturer of air conditioning systems and bath and kitchen products) from 2003 until 2008.

Retired President of the

Americas, MasterCard

International

Director Since

May 23, 2007

Independent

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Ms. Marshall:

• Broad Leadership Experience:Strong leadership capabilities and insights from her service to MasterCard International, a large consumer brand company, including marketing, account management and customer service

• International Experience and Growth Creator:Significant domestic and international experience in growing the MasterCard business and experience in product development

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from her board service to other public companies

Name, Age, Occupation,
Date First Elected
Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

GARY M. RODKIN

Age – 61

Mr. Rodkin has been our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board since October 1, 2005. Previously, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America (food and beverage company) from February 2003 to June 2005. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America in 2002, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi-Cola North America from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Rodkin has served as a director of Avon Products, Inc. (beauty and related products company) since 2007, and is also Chair of the Board of Boys Town (charitable organization) and Chair of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Prosper Omaha economic development campaign. He is past Chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (trade association).
CEO & President,
C onAgra Foods, Inc.

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Rodkin:

Director Since

October 1, 2005

• Broad Leadership Experience:As our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rodkin has a deep understanding and commitment to our success, and thoroughly understands and impacts our day-to-day operations, financial success, strategies and growth opportunities, and the development of our leaders

• CPG Experience and Growth Creator:Strong leadership capabilities and insights from service to other food companies with an extensive career focused on and committed to building leading consumer brands in the food industry

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from his board service to another public company

ANDREW J. SCHINDLER

Age – 69

Retired Chairman & CEO,

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco

Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Schindler served as Chairman of Reynolds American, Inc. (tobacco products company) from July 2004 until his retirement in December 2005 and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. (tobacco products company) from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Schindler achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Army, where he held command and staff positions in the United States and in Vietnam. Since 2006, he has served as a director of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (retail food establishments) and Hanesbrands, Inc. (consumer products company). Mr. Schindler also served as a director of Arvin Meritor, Inc. (motor vehicle parts company) from 2004 until 2008, Reynolds American Inc. from 2004 until 2005 and Pike Electric Corporation (energy solutions company) from 2006 until 2007.

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Schindler:

Director Since

May 23, 2007

• Broad Leadership Experience:Extensive management and leadership experience through his service to R. J. Reynolds and military roles, including as a Captain in the U.S. Army

Independent

• CPG Experience and People Leadership Experience:Strong people leadership, risk-management, consumer brands marketing, operations, strategic change, and personnel development experience and skills developed through his career and military service

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from his Board service to other public companies

Name, Age, Occupation,
Date First Elected
Business Experience, Other Directorships and Qualifications

KENNETH E. STINSON

Age – 70

Mr. Stinson is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. (construction and mining company) and served as Chairman from 1998 to 2012. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. from 1998 until 2004. Mr. Stinson has served as a director of Valmont Industries, Inc. since 1996, and a director of McCarthy Group, L.L.C. (private equity firm) since 2008. He was a director of Kiewit Investment Fund LLP from 2004 until 2012.

Chairman Emeritus,

Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.

Summary of experience, qualifications and skills considered in re-nominating Mr. Stinson:

Director Since

December 12, 1996

Independent

• Broad Leadership Experience:Extensive management and leadership experience through service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.

• Growth Creator and International Experience:International experience and growth creation from extensive management responsibilities over U.S. and global infrastructure business

• Corporate Governance:Broad understanding of governance issues facing public companies from his board service to other public companies

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the listed nominees.

Corporate Governance

The Board of Directors is committed to performing its responsibilities in a manner consistent with sound governance practices. It routinely reviews its processes to ensure they support informed, competent and independent oversight on behalf of our stockholders. Our Corporate Governance Principles provide a summary of these practices, and are available on our website athttp://investor.conagrafoods.comthrough the “Corporate Governance” link. For your convenience, we have detailed here a variety of practices that may be of interest.

Annual Elections for Directors

To promote greater accountability to stockholders, all of our directors stand for election annually.

Majority Voting in Director Elections

To be elected in an uncontested election, a director nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in the election. If an incumbent nominee is not elected, he or she is required to promptly tender a resignation to the Board of Directors. The Board will act on the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days after certification of the election results.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Board of Directors believes that independent Board leadership is a critical component of our governance structure. Our Corporate Governance Principles require us to have either an independent Chairman of the Board or a lead independent director if the positions of Chairman and CEO are held by the same person. Since 2005, our Chairman and CEO roles have been separate. With separate Chairman and CEO roles, our CEO can focus his time and energy on setting the strategic direction for the company, overseeing daily operations, engaging with external constituents, developing our leaders and promoting employee engagement at all levels of the organization. Meanwhile, our independent Chairman leads the Board in the performance of its duties by establishing agendas and

ensuring appropriate meeting content, engaging with the CEO and senior leadership team between Board meetings on business developments, and providing overall guidance to our CEO as to the Board’s views and perspectives, particularly on the strategic direction of the company.

Director Independence

The Board has determined that ten of our 11 Board members – directors Bay, Butler, Goldstone, Gregor, Johri, Jurgensen, Lenny, Marshall, Schindler and Stinson – have no material relationship with ConAgra Foods and are independent within the meaning of our independence standards.

In making its independence determinations, the Board applied the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, and the categorical independence standards contained in our Corporate Governance Principles. The Board considers even immaterial relationships in its decision-making process to ensure a complete view of each director’s independence. This year, the Board considered that Mr. Bay is the Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc. One of our subsidiaries was a customer for immaterial levels of environmental engineering services during fiscal 2013 from an affiliate of Valmont Industries, Inc. on an arms-length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Another subsidiary purchased irrigation equipment during fiscal 2013 from an affiliate of Valmont Industries, Inc. on an arms-length basis and in the ordinary course of business. The Board also reviewed our commercial relationships with companies on whose board’s our Board members served during fiscal 2013 (i.e., American International Group, Inc., Ford Motor Company, McDonald’s Corporation and Valmont Industries, Inc.). The relationships with these companies involved ConAgra Foods’ purchase or sale of products and services in the ordinary course of business on arm’s-length terms in amounts and under other circumstances that did not affect the relevant directors’ independence under our Corporate Governance Principles or under applicable law and NYSE listing standards.

Applying the NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Principles, the Board determined that there are no transactions, relationships or arrangements that would impair the independence or judgment of any of our non-employee directors.

In addition to satisfying our independence standards, each member of the Audit / Finance Committee must satisfy an additional SEC independence requirement that provides that the member may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from us or any of our subsidiaries other than his or her director’s compensation and may not be an “affiliated person” of ConAgra Foods. Each member of the Audit / Finance Committee satisfies this additional independence requirement.

Similarly, the SEC and NYSE have adopted rules relating to the independence of members of the Human Resources Committee, or HR Committee. These rules require consideration of the source of HR Committee member compensation, including any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees paid to the HR Committee member, and HR Committee member affiliation with us, any of our subsidiaries or any affiliates of our subsidiaries. Each member of the HR Committee satisfies these additional independence requirements.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Our senior leadership is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing our exposure to risk. A component of this work is performed through a management Risk Oversight Committee, chaired by our Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Our Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing management’s activities and ensuring management’s plans are balanced from a risk / reward perspective. The Board and its committees perform this oversight through the following mechanisms:

Board Presentations: Each fiscal year, a full Board meeting is set aside for a discussion of our strategic plan and the longer-term risks and opportunities facing us. At other times of the year, our Board receives reports from significant business units and functions. These presentations include a discussion of the business, regulatory, operational and other risks associated with planned strategies and tactics, as well as succession planning matters. The Board is also responsible for appointing the membership of

management’s Risk Oversight Committee, based on recommendations from the Audit / Finance Committee, and receives an annual report on enterprise risk management from our Senior Vice President and Treasurer.

Audit / Finance Committee Oversight:Our Audit / Finance Committee provides oversight for management’s handling of our financial risks. The Audit/Finance Committee’s Charter requires it to review our processes for assessing and controlling derivative and treasury risk and oversee our risks related to capital structure, including borrowing, liquidity and allocation of capital. The Audit / Finance Committee also oversees our management of financial risk through, among other things, reviewing our significant accounting policies and the activities of management’s Risk Oversight Committee, maintaining direct oversight of our Internal Audit function, holding regular executive sessions with our independent auditors, our Chief Financial Officer and Controller, and our head of Internal Audit, and receiving regular legal and regulatory updates. Our Senior Vice President and Treasurer also provides enterprise risk management reports to the Audit / Finance Committee on a semi-annual basis. The Chair of the Audit / Finance Committee reports to the full Board on its activities.

Human Resources Committee Oversight:The HR Committee reviews the company’s leadership development activities to ensure appropriate succession planning occurs, and also reviews the relationship between the company’s compensation programs and risk. The Chair of the HR Committee reports to the full Board on its activities.

Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee Oversight: The N/G/PA Committee assists the Board in managing risks associated with Board organization, membership and structure. It also assists management in the oversight of reputational risks for the company and key public affairs matters, and reviews the company’s policies and programs related to corporate citizenship, social responsibility, political giving and public policy issues. The Chair of the N/G/PA Committee reports to the full Board on its activities.

Because issues related to risk oversight often overlap, certain issues may be addressed at the Committee and full Board level.

Independent Director Meetings

The Board of Directors meets on a regularly scheduled basis and holds an executive session without management present at every regularly scheduled meeting. The Board holds five regularly scheduled meetings per year. The Chairman of the Board presides at all Board meetings, including executive sessions.

Attendance

During fiscal 2013, the Board met twelve times (five regular meetings and seven special meetings) and acted by unanimous written consent once. All members attended at least 75% of the total number of Board and meetings of committees on which he or she served in fiscal 2013. Our Board members are encouraged to attend the annual stockholders’ meeting. All nominees who were serving at the time of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders attended that meeting.

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Senior Leadership

Directors and senior leaders across the company are subject to stock ownership guidelines. All non-employee directors are expected to acquire and hold shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during their tenure with a value of at least $425,000. Directors are expected to acquire these shares within five years following their first election to the Board or September 25, 2014, whichever is later. Each senior leader across the company is subject to stock ownership guidelines equal to a multiple of the leader’s salary. Our Chief Executive Officer, Gary Rodkin, has a stock ownership requirement of six times his salary, and our other named executive officers have stock ownership requirements of at least three times their salaries. See pages 55 and 31 for a summary of the current stockholdings of our directors and named executive officers, respectively, compared to their ownership requirements.

Anti-Hedging Policy

Our directors and executive officers, including our named executive officers, are prohibited from hedging their ownership of ConAgra Foods stock, including trading in publicly-traded options, puts, calls, or other derivative instruments related to ConAgra Foods stock or debt.

Clawback Policy

We have a Clawback Policy that requires excess amounts paid to any of our senior officers under our incentive compensation programs to be recovered in the event of a material restatement of our financial statements for fiscal 2013 or later fiscal years, resulting from the fraudulent, dishonest or reckless actions of the senior officer.

No “Poison Pill” Rights Plan

We have not had a “poison pill” stockholder rights plan since 2004, when it was terminated by our Board of Directors.

Commitment to Investing in Our People, Sustainable Business Practices and Corporate Citizenship

We believe that we have an obligation to invest in our employees, be a good steward of the environment, give back to the communities we serve and drive economic gain for stakeholders. In fact, investing in our people and corporate citizenship are two of the five objectives in the strategic road map we announced in fiscal 2012, which we call our Recipe for Growth (described in more detail in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement). We have established clear corporate citizenship goals, and favor transparency with stakeholders on our corporate responsibility progress. A few examples of our many corporate responsibility and people achievements in recent years include the following:

During fiscal 2013, for the second time, ConAgra Foods was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, or DJSI, for North America, one of the world’s most recognizable sustainability indices; and, for the first time, ConAgra Foods was listed on the DJSI World Index.

During fiscal 2013, for the first time, ConAgra Foods was added to the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP’s) 2012 Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index, comprised of 53 companies within the S&P 500 Index which have displayed a strong approach to information disclosure regarding climate change. ConAgra Foods scored 93 of 100 and earned a “B” performance rating, representing the single-greatest improvement of all companies listed on the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index.

We continued to make strides in our employee safety performance during fiscal 2013, with 27 facilities logging no recordable injuries.

ConAgra Foods employees doubled their commitment to volunteerism in fiscal 2013. Nearly 3,000 employees volunteered more than 7,000 hours during our third annual Week of Service, helping to support communities where we live and work. In total, employees donated more than 15,000 volunteer hours in fiscal 2013, a more than two-fold increase since we started tracking hours in 2011.

For the last three fiscal years, we have engaged our consumers in our philanthropic focus area – ending child hunger. Since the fall of 2011, our Child Hunger Ends Here campaign has donated the monetary equivalent of five million meals to Feeding America, one of the largest charitable hunger relief organizations in the United States and a partner of our ConAgra Foods Foundation. For more information, seewww.childhungerendshere.com

As of February 2013, almost 1,900 employees had lost a combined total of over 9,000 pounds on the “Choose to Lose with ConAgra Foods” program, an employee weight-loss program that emphasizes reduced- calorie eating and portion control, featuring products from 20 different ConAgra Foods brands.

We are proud of our focus on our people and on corporate citizenship, and we routinely discuss these matters with the Board’s N/G/PA Committee. We also publish an annual Citizenship Report. A copy of our 2012 Citizenship

Report is available on our website atwww.conagrafoodscitizenship.com. Our 2013 Citizenship Report is expected to be available by September 30, 2013.

Political Contributions and Lobbying Expenditure Oversight and Disclosure

The N/G/PA Committee receives reports on the modest political activities of the company. Our political expenditures are limited and we focus on matters that we believe will create or preserve stockholder value. We also plan to publicly disclose a summary of our political activity on our website by September 30, 2013.

Corporate Governance Materials Available on Our Website

To learn more about our governance practices, you can review any of the following listed documents athttp://investor.conagrafoods.com through the “Corporate Governance” link:

Corporate Governance Principles

Corporate Responsibility Report

Code of Conduct, our commitment to our longstanding standards for ethical business practices

Code of Ethics for Senior Corporate Officers

Audit / Finance Committee Charter

Human Resources Committee Charter

Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee Charter

Procedures for bringing concerns or complaints to the attention of the Audit / Finance Committee

From time to time these documents are updated, and we promptly post amended documents to our website. The documents are also available in print to any stockholder who requests them from the Corporate Secretary. The information on our website is not, and will not be deemed to be, a part of this Proxy Statement or incorporated into any of our other filings with the SEC.

Interested parties may communicate with our Board of Directors, our non-management directors as a group or the Chairman by writing to: ConAgra Foods Board of Directors c/o Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc., Box 2000, One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. Communications are compiled by the Corporate Secretary and forwarded to the addressee(s) on at least a bi-weekly basis. The Corporate Secretary routinely filters communications that are solicitations, consumer complaints, unrelated to ConAgra Foods or ConAgra Foods’ business or determined to pose a possible security risk to the addressee.

Board Committees

Our Board of Directors has established various committees to assist in its responsibilities. Currently, our Board of Directors has four standing committees: the Audit / Finance Committee, the Executive Committee, the HR Committee and the N/G/PA Committee. All members of the Audit / Finance Committee, HR Committee and N/G/PA Committee are independent under the applicable rules of the SEC, NYSE and our independence standards.

CommitteeMembersFiscal 2013 Meetings
Audit / Finance Committee

Stephen G. Butler,Chair

Rajive Johri

Richard H. Lenny

Andrew J. Schindler

11

Human Resources Committee

(the “HR Committee”)

Steven F. Goldstone

Joie A. Gregor

W.G. Jurgensen

Ruth Ann Marshall

Kenneth E. Stinson,Chair

5

Nominating, Governance and

Public Affairs Committee

(the “N/G/PA Committee”)

Mogens C. Bay,Chair

Joie A. Gregor

Rajive Johri

W.G. Jurgensen

Richard H. Lenny

Ruth Ann Marshall

Andrew Schindler

3

The Executive Committee generally has the authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors between meetings. Its membership consists of Directors Butler, Goldstone, Rodkin and Stinson. Mr. Goldstone chairs the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee met one time during fiscal 2013.

Audit / Finance Committee

The Audit / Finance Committee has the following responsibilities:

Oversee the integrity of the company’s financial statements and review annual and quarterly SEC filings and earnings releases

Receive reports on critical accounting policies of the company, significant changes in the company’s selection or application of accounting principles and the company’s internal control processes

Retain the independent auditor and review the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditor and internal audit department and pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor

Receive reports on the activities of management’s Risk Oversight Committee, enterprise risk management and processes for financial risks, including management’s assessment and control of derivative and treasury risks

Review the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Review the company’s strategies and plans related to capital structure, including borrowing, liquidity and allocation of capital

Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit / Finance Committee are qualified as audit committee financial experts within the meaning of SEC regulations.

Related-Party Transactions. The Audit / Finance Committee has adopted a written policy regarding the review, approval and ratification of related-party transactions. Under the policy, all related-party transactions must be pre-approved by the Audit / Finance Committee unless circumstances make pre-approval impracticable. In the latter case, management is allowed to enter into the transaction, but the transaction remains subject to ratification by the Audit / Finance Committee at its next regular, in-person meeting. In determining whether to approve or ratify a related-party transaction, the Audit / Finance Committee will take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the company and the extent of the related-party’s interest in the transaction. No director is permitted to participate in any approval of a related-party transaction for which he or she is involved. On at least an annual basis, the Audit / Finance Committee reviews and assesses ongoing related-party transactions to determine whether the relationships remain appropriate. All related-party transactions are disclosed to the full Board of Directors.

Human Resources Committee

The HR Committee has the following responsibilities:

Review, evaluate and approve compensation plans and programs for the company’s directors, executive officers and senior employees

Annually review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation and, together with the other independent directors, evaluate the CEO’s performance in light of these goals and objectives

Review directly or with the full Board, succession plans for all senior positions

Review and discuss with the full Board whether the company’s compensation programs for employees generally are designed in a manner that does not incent employees to take inappropriate or excessive risk and whether any compensation policies or practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company

Retain and terminate consultants or outside advisors for the HR Committee, and approve any such consultant’s or advisor’s fees and other terms of engagement, including determinations regarding any conflicts of interest with such consultants or advisors

The HR Committee has retained authority over the consideration and determination of executive and director compensation, subject only to the further involvement of the other independent directors with respect to the approval of the overall compensation for non-employee directors and of the compensation of the CEO. Additional information on the HR Committee’s processes for determining executive compensation and the role of the HR Committee’s compensation consultant can be found in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.During fiscal 2013, none of the current or former executive officers of ConAgra Foods or any of its current employees served on the compensation committee (or equivalent), or the board of directors, of another entity whose executive officer(s) served on the HR Committee or the Board of ConAgra Foods.

Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee

The N/G/PA Committee has the following responsibilities:

Identify qualified candidates for membership on the Board

Propose to the Board a slate of directors for election by the stockholders at each annual meeting

Propose to the Board candidates to fill vacancies on the Board

Consider and make recommendations to the Board concerning the size and functions of the Board and the various Board committees

Consider and make recommendations to the Board concerning corporate governance policies

Assess the independence of Board members

Advise management on internal and external factors and relationships affecting our image and reputation, including those related to corporate citizenship and public policy issues significant to the company

Director Nomination Process. The N/G/PA Committee considers Board candidates suggested by Board members, management and stockholders. The N/G/PA Committee may also retain a third-party search firm to identify candidates. A stockholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for Board membership should notify our Corporate Secretary in writing at least 120 days before the annual stockholders’ meeting and include whatever supporting material the stockholder considers appropriate. The N/G/PA Committee will also consider nominations by a stockholder according to the provisions of our bylaws relating to stockholder nominations as described under “Additional Information – Stockholder Proposals to be Included in our 2014 Proxy Statement” and “Additional Information – Other Stockholder Proposals to be Presented at our 2014 Annual Meeting” at the end of this Proxy Statement.

The N/G/PA Committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of a candidate once he or she has come to its attention. This initial determination is based on whether additional Board members are necessary or desirable. It is also based on whether, based on the information provided or otherwise available to the N/G/PA Committee, the prospective nominee is likely to satisfy the evaluation factors described below. If the N/G/PA Committee determines that additional consideration is warranted, it may request a third-party search firm or other third party to gather additional information about the prospective nominee. The N/G/PA Committee may also elect to interview a candidate. The evaluation process for nominees recommended by stockholders does not differ.

The N/G/PA Committee evaluates each prospective nominee against the standards and qualifications set out in our Corporate Governance Principles, including, but not limited to: (1) background, including demonstrated high standards of ethics and integrity, the ability to have sufficient time to effectively carry out the duties of a director, and the ability to represent all stockholders and not a particular interest group; (2) Board skill needs, taking into account the experience of current Board members, the candidate’s ability to work toward business goals with other Board members, and the candidate’s qualifications as independent and ability to serve on various committees of the Board; (3) diversity, including the extent to which the candidate reflects the composition of our constituencies; and (4) business experience, which should reflect a broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government or education. Additionally, while we do not have a formal policy on Board diversity, as part of this evaluation and to further our commitment to diversity, the N/G/PA Committee assesses whether our Board, collectively, represents diverse views, backgrounds, and experiences that will enhance the Board’s and our effectiveness. The N/G/PA Committee seeks directors who have qualities to achieve the ultimate goal of a well-rounded, diverse Board as a whole.

After completing its evaluation process, the N/G/PA Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board as to who should be nominated, and the Board determines the nominees after considering the N/G/PA Committee’s recommendations.

Executive Compensation

The focus of the ConAgra Foods executive compensation program is to encourage and reward behavior that promotes attainment of our annual and long-term business goals. The business goals are set by management, under the oversight of the Board of Directors, and are designed to promote sustainable growth in stockholder value. As stockholders themselves, our senior leaders are keenly focused on achieving these goals.

The Human Resources Committee of our Board of Directors, which we refer to as the Committee throughout this Executive Compensation section, designs the executive compensation program components, targets and payouts to reflect strong alignment between pay and performance. This Executive Compensation section describes our program for fiscal 2013 (which began May 28, 2012 and ended May 26, 2013) and the Committee’s actions, with particular focus on:

Program design for fiscal 2013

The compensation of the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement (who we refer to as the “named executive officers”), namely:

¡

Gary M. Rodkin, our Chief Executive Officer and President

¡

John F. Gehring, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

¡

Colleen R. Batcheler, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

¡

Brian L. Keck, our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

¡

Paul T. Maass, the President of our Private Brands and Foodservice businesses

¡

Andre J. Hawaux, the former President of our Consumer Foods segment, who voluntarily left the company shortly after the end of fiscal 2013 and ceased to be an executive officer prior to the end of fiscal 2013

The connection between our business performance and the compensation of the named executive officers

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Fiscal 2013 was a transformational and successful year for ConAgra Foods. We delivered against our financial goals and made bold moves in support of our long-term strategy, which we call our Recipe for Growth. In addition to already being one of the largest food companies in North America, we became the largest private brand food company in North America during fiscal 2013, following completion of our acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., or Ralcorp. We also announced plans to contribute our milling business – ConAgra Mills – to a new joint venture to create a premier flour milling company. In our base business, we grew segment profits, led by Commercial Foods, while investing significantly in our brands. We also continued to return value to stockholders directly, raising our dividend to an annualized rate of $1.00 per share.

The Committee was guided by these results in determining the compensation of our senior leaders, and the following executive summary discusses this in more detail.

Fiscal 2013 Executive Summary

We began fiscal 2013 confident in our ability to deliver growth, but aware of the ongoing challenges created by the difficult consumer environment. Management committed to make investments for the long-term health of our business and deliver the following financial results for stockholders:

Growth in diluted earnings per share, or EPS, adjusted for items impacting comparability, of 6% to 8% over comparable fiscal 2012 EPS of $1.84;*

3% growth in annual net sales; and

operating cash flow in excess of $1.2 billion.

*Fiscal 2012 reported EPS was $1.12. A reconciliation for Regulation G purposes is included inAppendix A to this Proxy Statement.

We expected to achieve these results in a manner consistent with our Recipe for Growth, which focuses on three marketplace growth areas and two enablers of success:

Marketplace Growth AreasEnablers of Success

¡Core / Adjacencies: growing our core businesses and investing in faster-growing adjacent categories

¡Private Brand: achieving strong growth in our private brand business

¡International: investing in initiatives to achieve a profitable doubling of our annual revenues from our international businesses by 2017

¡Corporate Citizenship: continuing to do the right things for the sustainability of our business and the communities in which we live and work

¡People: promoting a culture of trust and empowerment among our employees to achieve high engagement on business priorities

The Committee took our performance goals and strategic focus areas into account in setting fiscal 2013 incentive compensation opportunities for our named executive officers and approved the following programs and performance measures:

Incentive ProgramTargeted Performance Measures

Fiscal 2013 Management Incentive

Plan: Cash

Fiscal 2013 net income and net sales

Fiscal 2013 – 2015 Long-Term

Incentive Plan: Stock Options

Stock price appreciation; options have an exercise price equal to the

closing market price of our stock on the date of grant

Fiscal 2013 – 2015 Long-Term

Incentive Plan: Performance Shares

Three-year average cash flow return on operations (a measure of

operating cash flow as a percentage of invested capital) and three-

year average net sales growth

Fiscal 2013 results were strong. Management is proud of the transformational results it delivered for stockholders in fiscal 2013. Key achievements include the following:

Delivering on Financial Commitments: We delivered on our financial commitments:

Targeted Performance at Start of FY13Actual FY13 Performance

Diluted EPS of approximately 6% to 8% growth,

adjusted for items impacting comparability

Diluted EPS of $2.16,* adjusted for items impacting comparability,

which represents 17% growth

3% growth in annual net sales

Annual net sales growth in our combined Commercial Foods and

Consumer Foods segments of 6.5%. With the addition of Ralcorp,

annual net sales growth totaled 15.9%.

Operating cash flow in excess of $1.2 billion

Operating cash flow exceeded $1.4 billion

*Fiscal 2013 reported EPS was $1.85. A reconciliation for Regulation G purposes is included inAppendix A to this Proxy Statement.

Growing our Private Brand Business: We became the largest private brand food company in North America during fiscal 2013, by successfully completing the $5.07 billion acquisition of Ralcorp (plus assumed liabilities) on January 29, 2013, positioning us as the clear leader in private branded packaged foods. Management began the complex and critical process of integrating the Ralcorp business in the second half of the fiscal year.

Growing our Core and Adjacencies: We continued investing in our core and expanding into adjacencies. We significantly increased brand investment and introduced innovative new products, leading to segment operating profit growth in both the Consumer Foods and Commercial Foods segments and sequential volume improvements in the Consumer Foods segment. We also acquired the Bertolli® and P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu frozen meals businesses during fiscal 2013.

Flour Milling Operations: We announced plans to contribute our milling business – ConAgra Mills – to a new joint venture to create a premier flour milling company, which we believe will help this business unlock greater innovation, customer service, efficiencies and, over time, profitability.

Smart Capital Deployment:

¡

We raised over $6 billion through debt issuances at very attractive interest rates to support the Ralcorp acquisition, and committed to repay $1.5 billion of borrowings by the end of fiscal 2015. By the end of fiscal 2013, we had made good progress on this goal, and repaid in excess of $400 million.

¡

We raised our dividend to an annualized rate of $1.00 per share during fiscal 2013 and reiterated our commitment to maintaining a top-tier payout, even as we pursue our aggressive debt repayment objectives.

Management is also proud of its ability to achieve these results with a continued focus on people and citizenship.

Investing in People: We continued investing in our people during fiscal 2013. We continued to make strides in our employee safety performance during fiscal 2013, with 27 facilities logging no recordable injuries during the year. Also, our talent management focus on recruitment, retention and development is helping us build a strong bench of talent that is “ready now” for promotion and advancement. Employee wellness remains a priority for us as well, and in fiscal 2013, almost 40 percent of our employees participated in our wellness program, with a 79 percent participation rate among our salaried employees, putting our engagement in wellness above most benchmarks for world-class participation.

Corporate Citizenship: We continued our focus on corporate citizenship during fiscal 2013 and achieved a listing on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for North America and the World. In addition, during fiscal 2013, our employees helped make a difference in their local communities as described earlier in this Proxy Statement under “Commitment to Investing in Our People, Sustainable Business Practices and Corporate Citizenship.”

Stockholders were rewarded for this performance during fiscal 2013, with significant stock price appreciation from our closing market price at the start of the fiscal year.

From a three-year perspective, we had varied business performance in the fiscal 2011 through 2013 period. As we have discussed in prior years’ CD&As, a weak consumer environment and rapid escalation of input cost inflation were challenges of both fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and dampened profit growth during that time. We reacted to this difficult external environment with a focus on value, disciplined pricing and aggressive productivity. These efforts yielded results in fiscal 2013 as we leveraged our investments for growth.

The performance results discussed here drove the payout determinations under our fiscal 2013 management incentive plan and the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of our performance share plan. From a short-term incentive perspective, the Committee considered that certain items, like the Ralcorp acquisition and other acquisitions that occurred after the start of the fiscal year, were not incorporated into our annual operating plan for the fiscal year and should thus be disregarded in determining whether metrics for the fiscal 2013 management incentive plan were satisfied. However, because the three-year goals in the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan were intended to align with our strategic plan, which contemplated both organic growth and growth from acquisitions, the

Committee determined it was appropriate to include the benefit from the Ralcorp financial results in determining whether the metrics for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle were met. The results also impacted the Committee’s decisions regarding base salaries for our senior officers for fiscal 2014. In remaining committed to our pay for performance philosophy, the Committee took the following actions in July 2013:

awarded fiscal 2013 management incentive plan payouts to our named executive officers in amounts ranging from 113% to 118% of the targeted opportunities, in line with plan formulas and financial results and impacted by the factors described below under “Named Executive Officer Considerations”;

awarded payouts under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan at 66% of targeted opportunities, in line with plan formulas and positively impacted by the Ralcorp acquisition during the three-year performance period; and

increased the fiscal 2014 base salaries of two named executive officers as follows: Mr. Gehring: from $525,000 to $600,000, reflecting the significant growth in his role and substantial contributions to the success of the Ralcorp transaction; and Ms. Batcheler: from $460,000 to $500,000, reflecting her continued growth in her role, significant contribution to the success of the Ralcorp transaction and demonstrated results as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team and the organization in all aspects of the organization’s legal matters.

The Committee believes that these actions appropriately reflect its commitment to rewarding executives based on actual performance results and aligning management’s interests with those of our stockholders.

Objectives of Our Compensation Program

Our executive compensation program is designed to encourage and reward behavior that promotes attainment of annual and long-term goals and sustainable growth in stockholder value. The Committee believes that the program must accomplish five objectives:

1.Reward performance and be strongly aligned with stockholders, to inspire and reward behavior that promotes sustainable growth in stockholder value.

2.Incent the right results for the long-term health of the business, without creating unnecessary or excessive risks to the company.

3.Remain externally competitive to aid talent attraction and retention, because the achievement of our strategic plans requires us to attract and retain talented leaders who have the skills, vision and experience to lead our company.

4.Promote internal pay equity and consistency, recognizing that individual pay will reflect differences in experience, performance, responsibilities and market considerations, but that programs should be sufficiently similar to promote decisions that better the company as a whole.

5.Promote and reward long-term commitment,and longevity of career with ConAgra Foods.

The Committee’s design of the compensation program with multiple objectives in mind helps mitigate the risk that employees will take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the long-term health and viability of the company. Late in fiscal 2013, with the assistance of Finance, Human Resources and Legal department personnel, and Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the Committee undertook a risk review of our compensation programs for all employees. The analysis focused primarily on legacy ConAgra Foods programs since plans and practices of the recently acquired Ralcorp business were in the process of being terminated or modified. Based on the review, we believe our compensation programs encourage and reward prudent business judgment and appropriate risk-taking over the long-term. For example, our programs:

focus employees on a balance of short- and long-term goals;

consider a mix of financial and non-financial goals to prevent over-emphasis on any single metric;

allow for discretionary adjustments to ultimately determine incentive plan payouts, to ensure linkage between payouts and the “quality” of performance;

employ a greater portion of fixed pay (in other words, salaries) at less senior levels of the organization;

cap maximum incentive opportunities;

require stock ownership for approximately 185 of our most senior employees;

enable the clawback of excess amounts paid to any of our senior officers under our incentive plans in the event of a material restatement of our financial statements resulting from the fraudulent, dishonest or reckless actions of the senior officer;

prohibit directors and executive officers, including our named executive officers, from hedging their ownership of ConAgra Foods stock;

are overseen by the Committee and the Board, which have a range of strong processes and controls in place to enable diligent and prudent decision-making; and

pay incentive compensation only after our financial results are complete and the Committee has certified our performance results.

We believe our compensation policies and practices are balanced, aligned with creating shareholder value, and do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

Design and Approval of Our Fiscal 2013 Program

The Committee considered a variety of factors when approving the executive compensation program and setting pay for fiscal 2013, including the following:

strong stockholder support of our named executive officer compensation (over 89% of the shares voted) in the 2012 “say-on-pay” vote;

company and individual performance in prior years, and expectations for the future;

individual pay histories;

the general business environment in which compensation decisions were being made;

the degree of difficulty of targeted incentive performance metrics;

external and internal pay comparisons;

the level of risk-taking the program would reward;

the advice and counsel of its independent compensation consultant, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc.;

practices and developments in compensation design and governance; and

the potential complexity of each program, preferring programs that were transparent to participants and stockholders and easily administered.

Each of the factors listed above is important to the Committee. Although the Committee uses internal and external pay comparison data as a market check on its compensation decisions, the Committee recognizes that over-reliance on external comparisons can be of concern, and the Committee is mindful of the value and limitations of benchmarking data. The Committee’s first step in using external data for fiscal 2013 was thus the identification of an appropriate peer group. Shortly before the start of fiscal 2013, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. prepared a list of potential peer companies (with an emphasis on food and beverage companies) based on the following criteria:

operations (similar size and industry);

talent (similar labor and customer markets); and

investment profile (similar performance characteristics, growth orientation, similar business cycles, volatility and access to capital).

At the Committee’s direction, the consultant recommended companies with annual revenues between one-third to three times our own. If a larger or smaller company was a direct competitor for business or executive talent, and similar in business nature, the consultant was permitted to include it. To further enhance the comparability of the companies included in the peer group, the consultant used regression analysis as needed to adjust the compensation data on a comparable basis to the size of the peer group in the aggregate. The Committee also asked the consultant to ensure that the peer group would be large enough to withstand unanticipated changes in our, or an included company’s, structure or compensation programs. Ultimately, the Committee approved the following peer group for fiscal 2013:

Campbell Soup Company

The Hershey CompanyMcCormick & Company, Inc.

Clorox Company

H.J. Heinz CompanyMolson Coors Brewing Company

The Coca-Cola Company

Hormel Foods CorporationPepsiCo, Inc.

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Kellogg CompanySara Lee Corporation

Dean Foods Company

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

General Mills, Inc.

Kraft Foods Inc.

This same group was used in fiscal years 2010 through 2012. At the time of approval, the median revenue of the peer group listed above was similar to ours; all of the companies fell within a range of approximately one-quarter to three and one-half times our annual revenue, with the exception of PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and Kraft (at the time). Despite PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and Kraft (at the time) having revenues larger than three times ours, the Committee determined to keep these companies in the peer group due to their status as a direct competitor for business and executive talent.

The Committee used data from this peer group, together with general industry data, as a market check on its fiscal 2013 compensation decisions. However, this was just one of many factors, listed in the bullet points above, that played a role in compensation decisions.

Given this actual practice, the Committee recently reviewed its position on directional market positioning for our named executive officers’ salaries, annual incentive opportunities, long-term incentive opportunities, and total direct compensation levels and determined to no longer maintain specific target ranges for these compensation elements. The Committee will continue to use peer data mindfully, as one of many tools for assessing the market competitiveness and appropriateness of executive pay opportunities.

With significant changes in our company and the broader packaged food industry over the past 18 months, changes to the peer group for fiscal 2014 were approved. These changes include elimination of Sara Lee Corporation, McCormick & Company and Molson Coors and adding Altria Group, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Mondelez and Tyson Foods. Subsequent to the approval of the peer group, H. J. Heinz Company was acquired and is no longer a public company.

Management’s Role in the Design and Approval of our Programs. Mr. Rodkin, our CEO, played an important role in two key areas of the design and approval of fiscal 2013 executive compensation.

1.Helping Choose Performance Metrics and Assessing Results.A critical part of the process of designing compensation programs and making pay decisions is selecting the correct performance metrics for incentive plans and considering the extent to which the company performed against those metrics at the end of the appropriate performance periods. The Committee sought Mr. Rodkin’s input on these matters for fiscal 2013. Mr. Rodkin provided the Committee his views on the appropriate company goals to use for our fiscal 2013 incentive plans based on his understanding of investor expectations and how those expectations were reflected in our operating plans. In addition, at the end of fiscal 2013, Mr. Rodkin offered the Committee his views of the company’s actual performance against expectations. The Committee had sole authority to approve the program metrics and payouts, but found Mr. Rodkin’s input valuable.

2.Assessing Individual Performance.With respect to individual performance, which also informed fiscal 2013 compensation decisions, the Committee relied on regular performance evaluations of the senior leadership team and focused on the outcome of strategic projects and initiatives, whether organizational goals were met, and the leadership behaviors exhibited. The full Board participated in a formal evaluation of Mr. Rodkin’s performance for fiscal 2013. As a part of this process, Mr. Rodkin provided the Board with a self-assessment. For the other named executive officers, none of whom reports directly to the Board, Mr. Rodkin shared his assessment of their individual performance with the Committee. As part of this assessment, Mr. Rodkin provided his view on the level of salary and incentive compensation that the Committee should consider awarding to the individuals. Neither Mr. Rodkin nor any other named executive officer played a direct role in his or her own compensation determination for fiscal 2013.

Key Elements of our Fiscal 2013 Executive Compensation Program

The fiscal 2013 pay packages for our named executive officers consisted of the following primary components:

TypeComponent
Incentive

Annual incentive opportunity (cash)

Long-term incentive opportunity (equity)

FixedSalary
Retirement
Benefits

The Committee believes that using a mix of compensation types (salary, cash incentives, and equity) and performance periods (one-year and three-year periods) promotes behavior consistent with our long-term strategic plan and minimizes the likelihood of executives having significant motivation to pursue risky and unsustainable results.

By design, targeted incentive compensation for the named executive officers for fiscal 2013 was a significant percentage — more than 76% — of total compensation. The Committee’s general policy is to provide the greatest percentage of the incentive opportunity in the form of long-term compensation payable in shares of our common stock. The Committee believes the emphasis on stock-based compensation is the best method of aligning management interests with those of our stockholders.

LOGOLOGO

Named Executive Officer Considerations. The Committee, and in the case of our Chief Executive Officer, the independent directors, specifically considered the following when setting compensation opportunities and determining final payouts for each of our named executive officers for fiscal 2013:

Mr. Gary M. Rodkin. Mr. Rodkin has been our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors since 2005. The Committee believes that within the company, Mr. Rodkin should have the highest ratio of incentive pay to salary and largest aggregate compensation opportunity. For fiscal 2013, consistent with this belief, the independent directors set Mr. Rodkin’s salary, annual incentive opportunity under the Management Incentive Plan, or MIP, and long-term incentive opportunities (comprised of performance shares and stock options) at a level higher than the comparable opportunities for the other named executive officers. The Committee also took into account Mr. Rodkin’s leadership, particularly in connection with developing and successfully executing the strategy to enhance our private brands presence and acquire Ralcorp, value to the company and accountability for the performance of the entire organization, and external market data.

Mr. John F. Gehring. Mr. Gehring has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2009. Since he joined ConAgra Foods in 2002, Mr. Gehring has held roles with increasing responsibilities within our Finance organization, including responsibilities over key areas such as Accounting, Treasury, Risk, Investor Relations, Information Technology, Enterprise Business Services and Aviation. The Committee considered the significant growth in his role, the broad scope of his responsibilities, his tenure and performance against individual objectives, his key role and substantial contributions in completing the Ralcorp acquisition, internal equity, and external market data in setting his compensation opportunities and determining actual incentive payouts for fiscal 2013.

Ms. Colleen R. Batcheler: Ms. Batcheler has served as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since September 2009. Since she joined ConAgra Foods in June 2006 as Vice President, Chief Securities Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary, she quickly progressed through leadership roles within the Legal organization, being named Corporate Secretary in September 2006 and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in February 2008. During fiscal 2010, she assumed responsibility for the company’s Government Affairs function. When setting Ms. Batcheler’s compensation opportunities and determining actual incentive payouts for fiscal 2013, the Committee considered Ms. Batcheler’s continued demonstrated growth in her role, leadership as an advisor and significant contributor to the Ralcorp acquisition, her achievement in controlling administrative cost, and demonstrated results as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team and the organization in all aspects of the organization’s legal matters.

Mr. Brian L. Keck. Mr. Keck has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since 2010, when he joined the company. During fiscal 2013, he had responsibility for our Human Resources, Communication & External Relations, Facilities and Real Estate functions. In connection with the Ralcorp acquisition, which Mr. Keck contributed to completing, Mr. Keck also assumed responsibility for leading a dedicated, cross-functional integration team. The Committee considered Mr. Keck’s contributions to the Ralcorp transaction, extensive responsibilities, performance against individual objectives, market data and internal pay equity in setting his compensation opportunities and determining actual incentive payouts for fiscal 2013.

Mr. Paul T. Maass. Mr. Maass was the President of our Commercial Foods business until May 2013 and interim president of its Lamb Weston operation from 2010 until January 2013. In February 2013, Mr. Maass hired a new president of Lamb Weston, reporting to him. Following the end of fiscal 2013, Mr. Maass added significantly to his existing responsibilities, taking over management of the company’s private brands and foodservice businesses. His title was changed to President, Private Brands and Foodservice in June 2013. Since he joined ConAgra Foods in 1988 as a commodity merchandiser, he quickly progressed through leadership roles within our Commercial Foods businesses and assumed roles of increasing importance to the company. The Committee considered Mr. Maass’ significantly increased responsibilities, tenure and growth in a senior leadership role, business unit performance, internal equity, and external market data in setting his compensation opportunities and determining actual incentive payouts for fiscal 2013.

Mr. Andre J. Hawaux. Mr. Hawaux, who voluntarily resigned from the company shortly after the end of fiscal 2013, received the second highest overall compensation opportunity for fiscal 2013. At the start of fiscal 2013, Mr. Hawaux

was serving as President of our Consumer Foods business, a position he held since 2009. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Hawaux was our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. In setting Mr. Hawaux’s compensation opportunities for fiscal 2013, the Committee considered the significant responsibilities held by Mr. Hawaux, including the size of the business he led, as well as his tenure, fiscal 2012 business performance, internal equity, and external market data. Mr. Hawaux received a salary increase for fiscal 2013, as a result of the Committee’s consideration of the size and strategic importance of the Consumer Foods business and his performance in the face of challenging business conditions during 2012. Mr. Hawaux ceased to be an executive officer of the company on May 2, 2013. Mr. Hawaux’s fiscal 2013 MIP payout was made in accordance with plan terms and paid at a level equal to the funded amount. Mr. Hawaux forfeited any payout under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan.

Below is a more detailed analysis of each element of the fiscal 2013 compensation program for our named executive officers, as well as actual fiscal 2013 payouts under the programs.

Salaries. We pay salaries to our named executive officers to provide them with a base level of fixed income for services rendered. On average, 24% of each named executive officer’s total compensation opportunity for fiscal 2013 was provided in the form of base salary. During July 2012, the Committee increased fiscal 2013 base salaries of several named executive officers as follows: Mr. Rodkin to $1,100,000 per year; Mr. Gehring to $525,000 per year; Ms. Batcheler to $460,000 per year; and Mr. Maass to $525,000 per year. In connection with increasing Mr. Maass’ scope of responsibility to include leading the company’s private brands and foodservice businesses in May 2013, the Committee increased Mr. Maass’ salary to $600,000. These increases were made after the Committee considered the factors further described above in “Named Executive Officer Considerations”.

Incentive Programs. Consistent with its overall compensation objectives, the Committee aligned management compensation with company performance through a mix of annual and long-term incentive opportunities for fiscal 2013. Opportunities under these programs combined to represent an average 76% of the named executive officers’ compensation opportunity. Financial targets disclosed in this section are done so in the limited context of these incentive plans and they are not statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. We specifically caution investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.

Annual Incentive Plan. The fiscal 2013 MIP provided a cash incentive opportunity to approximately 2,150 employees. As described below under the heading “Tax and Accounting Implications of the Committee’s Compensation Decisions,” the Committee implemented a framework for the fiscal 2013 MIP that was intended to allow annual incentive awards to be tax deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code through the use of an overarching diluted EPS goal. The Committee established fiscal 2013 MIP performance metrics that closely align with the company’s growth goals. Actual fiscal 2013 MIP payments were based on:

our fiscal 2013 performance against pre-established financial goals for company-wide net income and net sales;

the method in which we delivered actual financial results; and

each participant’s target award (expressed as a percentage of salary) and performance against individual objectives.

Below is a discussion of how each of these considerations was applied to the fiscal 2013 awards earned by the named executive officers.

First Consideration: Were Pre-Established Performance Goals Met? At the start of fiscal 2013, the Committee approved a change to the design of the fiscal 2013 MIP from prior year MIP programs to provide for performance metrics that more closely aligned with the company’s growth goals. The Committee approved net income and net sales goals under the fiscal 2013 MIP, and developed corresponding threshold, target and maximum incentive opportunities. The named executive officers were eligible to earn a payout equal to:

75% of their approved target incentive if the company achieved the target level of performance in net income; and

25% of their approved target incentive if the company achieved a target level of performance in net sales.

No portion of the incentive was guaranteed. Higher levels of financial performance were designed to result in payouts of up to 200% of targeted amounts.

The goals for the fiscal 2013 MIP applicable to the named executive officers were:

Net IncomeNet Sales

(weighted at 75%)

  (weighted at 25%)
Threshold:³$691.4 million³$13,448.6  million
Target:³$813.4 million³$14,156.4  million
Maximum:³$935.4 million³$14,864.2  million

The following table shows the ranges of authorized payments (expressed as a percentage of salary) for the named executive officers for the target and maximum net income and net sales goals approved for the fiscal 2013 MIP. If threshold net income and threshold net sales were not met, no payments would be made under the fiscal 2013 MIP.

Target MIP Award

Maximum MIP Award

(Net income ³$935.4 million (75%) and net

sales³ $14,864.2 million (25%))

  Named Executive Officer  

(Net income³$691.4 million

and£$813.4 million (75%):

Net sales including and

between $13,448.6 million

and <$14,156.4 million (25%))

Mr. Rodkin (1)

Up to 200% of salaryUp to 400% of salary

Mr. Gehring

Up to 100% of salaryUp to 200% of salary

Ms. Batcheler

Up to 80% of salaryUp to 160 % of salary

Mr. Keck

Up to 100% of salaryUp to 200% of salary

Mr. Maass

Up to 100% of salaryUp to 200% of salary

Former Executive Officer

Mr. Hawaux

Up to 100% of salaryUp to 200% of salary
1.Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement leaves his MIP opportunity uncapped, but he agreed to a cap of two times target (400% of base salary) for fiscal 2013, as he has done in prior years. His agreement does not establish a guaranteed MIP payment.

To incent management to make decisions that have positive long-term impacts, even at the expense of shorter term results, and to prevent one-time gains and losses from having too great of an impact on plan payouts, the Committee retained discretion to exclude items impacting comparability from company-wide results and adjust the performance metrics for specific items that occurred during the fiscal year. For fiscal 2013, the Committee approved adjustments to eliminate the impacts during the year of several items, including items that were not contemplated in our fiscal 2013 annual operating plan. The most notable adjustment was the removal of financial results of Ralcorp and other acquisitions that occurred after the start of fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, the Committee also approved adjustments to eliminate the impacts during the year of restructuring events, net hedge gains recognized within general corporate expenses, costs associated with the acquisition and integration of Ralcorp and with the proposed Ardent Mills transaction, an impairment related to assets acquired in connection with the bankruptcy of a former supplier, the net benefit of settlements relating to certain legal and environmental contingencies, the impact of certain components of pension expense that do not represent the current incremental cost of pensions, and, from net sales, the impact of volatility in wheat prices, since those prices are passed directly onto customers.

The company achieved fiscal 2013 net income of $865.9 million for MIP purposes, which was between target and maximum performance levels, and fiscal 2013 net sales of $13,904.3 million for MIP purposes, which was between threshold and target performance levels. According to the pre-established goals, this performance level equated to a payout of 119% of target MIP awards, subject to the Committee’s discretion to increase or decrease final payouts as described next.

Second Consideration: How was the Business Plan Delivered? Once the performance metrics review was complete, the Committee considered the manner in which management executed the operating plan during the year. The fiscal 2013 MIP gave the Committee discretion to increase or decrease final payouts by up to 25% based on this assessment.

Mr. Rodkin provided his views to the Committee during this process. Mr. Rodkin communicated his belief that pay levels should be commensurate with the above target performance. Mr. Rodkin emphasized the strong profit performance in the Commercial Foods segment and the sequential volume improvement in the Consumer Foods segment. He also advised the Committee of his recommendation that payouts should fund at the level earned - 119% of target - but that, consistent with the company’s pay for performance philosophy, a portion of this funded amount be set aside to reward the highest performers within the organization (at all incentive eligible levels) and that payouts at levels equal to 113% of target amount be authorized for the named executive officers prior to considering individual performance. The Committee concurred with Mr. Rodkin’s assessment.

Third Consideration: How Did Each Named Executive Officer Perform? The Committee’s final consideration in determining each named executive officer’s fiscal 2013 MIP payout was an assessment of individual performance. Mr. Rodkin’s input on the individual contribution of these leaders assisted the Committee in approving specific MIP payouts. In line with the company’s strong pay for performance philosophy, Mr. Rodkin shared his perspective that given the overall performance of the company, at a minimum, the formulaically derived payouts were appropriate for each of the named executive officers. Additionally, he recommended that several of the named executive officers be paid at slightly above the funded amount. Mr. Rodkin’s recommendation was in recognition of the significant time and efforts dedicated by Messrs. Gehring and Keck and Ms. Batcheler to successfully completing the Ralcorp transaction, and in recognition of the significant time and efforts dedicated by Mr. Maass to the proposed Ardent Mills transaction. The Committee agreed, and approved MIP payouts to the named executive officers ranging from 113% to 118% of the targeted opportunities. The full Board’s performance evaluation of Mr. Rodkin was used in determining his payout, and the Board concluded that a payout of 113% of target was appropriate for Mr. Rodkin. Under the terms of our fiscal 2013 MIP, Mr. Hawaux was entitled to an award under the plan. His actual award was paid based solely on company financial results and paid out at 113% of target.

The Committee believes that the MIP awards paid to the named executive officers for fiscal 2013 are consistent with the level of accomplishment by the company and each named executive officer.

        Named Executive Officer        

    Award Authorized at 113% of Target      Actual MIP Payout  

Mr. Rodkin

  $2,486,000  $2,486,000

Mr. Gehring

  $593,250  $610,750

Ms. Batcheler

  $415,840  $433,340

Mr. Keck

  $593,250  $610,750

Mr. Maass

  $599,071  $616,570

Former Executive Officer

    

Mr. Hawaux

  $745,800  $745,800

Long-Term Incentive Plan. The long-term incentive plan for senior officers includes an annual award of stock options and an annual award of performance shares that are settled in shares of common stock based on results over a three-year performance period. The performance shares reward the achievement over the three-year performance period of metrics likely to have a significant impact on enterprise value. The program also rewards stock price appreciation directly through the granting of stock options. The ultimate value of earned performance shares, which are paid in stock, is also impacted directly by stock price.

The number of stock options and targeted performance shares granted, per named executive officer, has generally been flat in recent years, other than in connection with promotions. Instead of determining performance share grant sizes using a targeted dollar value, and then dividing that value by our stock price on the date of grant, the Committee has historically used a fixed share approach to determine target awards. The number of stock options granted was based on a determination that each full value share opportunity was equivalent to five options. Fiscal

2013 was a transformational year for ConAgra Foods, and the value of our stock increased significantly as a result. For fiscal 2014 and forward, the Committee has determined to use a value approach to setting performance share grant sizes. Grant sizes will be determined by dividing the dollar value of the targeted opportunity by the average of the closing market price of our common stock for the 30 trading days prior to, and not including, the date of grant. The Committee also intends to use a six-to-one ratio in determining stock option grant sizes.

The Committee firmly believes in aligning our senior officers’ interests with those of our stockholders. The significant extent to which equity is included in both the executive pay program overall and this program in particular evidences this belief. We describe each component of the plan below.

Stock Options. The use of stock options directly aligns the interests of the named executive officers with those of our stockholders. All options granted for fiscal 2013 have an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, a ten-year term, and vest 40% on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the executive’s continued employment with the company. The remaining portion of the award vests in equal installments on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the executive’s continued employment. The grant date fair value of the stock options awarded to our named executive officers is included in the “Option Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. The number of options granted to each named executive officer under the fiscal 2013 option program is set forth below. The Committee considered the factors discussed above under the heading “Named Executive Officer Considerations” when determining grant sizes by individual. All grants were made on July 16, 2012 with an exercise price of $24.74 per share.

            Named Executive Officer            

Stock Options

Granted For Fiscal 2013 Program

Mr. Rodkin

500,000

Mr. Gehring

160,000

Ms. Batcheler

120,000

Mr. Keck

160,000

Mr. Maass

160,000

Former Executive Officer

Mr. Hawaux

160,000

Performance Shares. Performance shares represent an opportunity to earn a defined number of shares of our common stock if we achieve pre-set, three-year performance goals. For each of the three performance cycles in effect during fiscal 2013, the targeted number of performance shares for each named executive officer was as set forth in the table that follows.

      Named Executive Officer      

  Performance Shares
Granted for Fiscal
    2013 to 2015 Cycle    
  Performance Shares
Granted for Fiscal
    2012 to 2014 Cycle    
  Performance Shares
Granted for Fiscal
    2011 to 2013 Cycle    

Mr. Rodkin

  100,000  100,000  100,000

Mr. Gehring

  32,000  32,000  32,000

Ms. Batcheler

  24,000  24,000  24,000

Mr. Keck

  32,000  32,000  32,000

Mr. Maass

  32,000  24,000  24,000

Former Executive Officer

      

Mr. Hawaux

  32,000  32,000  32,000

The grant date fair value of the performance shares, granted in July 2012 for the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle, is based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions, and is included in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. The Committee considered the factors discussed above under the heading “Named Executive Officer Considerations” when determining grant sizes by individual.

Fiscal 2011 to 2013 Cycle: The actual number of shares of common stock earned for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 performance share cycle was determined based on the company’s performance against goals for earnings before income taxes, or EBIT, growth and return on average invested capital, or ROAIC. The Committee selected these financial metrics at the beginning of the cycle because it believed these metrics have a positive impact on stockholder value. These metrics are calculated as follows:

EBIT: Net interest expense + income tax expense + income from continuing operations. Similar to the MIP, adjustments may be made for unusual items.

ROAIC: (EBIT x (1- the company’s tax rate)) / average invested capital. Average invested capital is the twelve-month rolling average of total assets less cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing liabilities. Adjustments may be made to these calculations for unusual items.

The table below includes performance targets for a payout of 100% of the targeted shares granted for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 performance share cycle. Targets for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle were designed such that lower levels of combined EBIT growth and ROAIC would be rewarded at significantly less than a full payout of the granted performance shares. The fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle required EBIT growth of at least 4.0% for a payout to occur, regardless of ROAIC performance.

Fiscal 2011 to 2013 Cycle Growth Targets

Minimum EBIT Growth for Payout to Occur

(regardless of ROAIC performance)

4%    

3-Year Compound EBIT Growth Target

8%    

3-Year Average ROAIC Target

13%    

The maximum number of shares that could have been earned under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan was 200% of the targeted number of performance shares. No awards were guaranteed under this cycle and the number of shares that could have been earned under this cycle interpolates between zero and two times target.

At the end of fiscal 2013, the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the long-term program concluded. We delivered a combined level of three-year compound EBIT growth and three-year average ROAIC over the performance period (after adjustments) that equaled a funding level of approximately 66% of target. This funding level was achieved through the delivery of three-year compound EBIT growth of approximately 5.5%, and a three-year average ROAIC of approximately 12.6%. EBIT growth and average ROAIC for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle were calculated taking into account the adjustments to net income discussed above under the fiscal 2013 MIP, as well as adjustments to eliminate gains from (1) the accounting impact of acquiring a majority interest in our Indian affiliate and (2) the sale of assets during the three-year period. In addition, Ralcorp’s EBIT for the period that we owned the business, and one-third of Ralcorp’s capital for the period that we owned the business were included in the calculation. Because the cycles are intended to take into account long-term performance, including benefits from capital allocation decisions such as completing acquisitions, the Committee determined it was appropriate to include the Ralcorp financial results in determining whether the goals for this cycle were met.

The table below lists the number of shares of common stock that were issued to the named executive officers following fiscal 2013 for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle (amounts include dividend equivalents, which were paid in additional shares). Pursuant to the terms of the performance share plan, Mr. Hawaux did not receive a payout of performance shares under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle as he resigned from the company prior to the date financial results were certified and payouts made.

        Named Executive Officer        

  

Target Performance Shares Granted for

Fiscal 2011 to 2013 Cycle

  Actual Performance Shares Earned
for Fiscal 2011 to 2013 Cycle

Mr. Rodkin

  100,000  73,571

Mr. Gehring

  32,000  23,543

Ms. Batcheler

  24,000  17,657

Mr. Keck

  32,000  23,543

Mr. Maass

  24,000  17,657

Fiscal 2012 to 2014 and Fiscal 2013 to 2015 Cycles: For the fiscal 2012 to 2014 and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles of the performance share plan, the Committee approved a change to the performance metrics. In lieu of EBIT and ROAIC goals, the Committee approved goals based on our three-year average cash flow return on operations, which we refer to as CRO, and three-year average net sales growth. The Committee made this change following a review with management and its compensation consultant of financial metrics that would have strong alignment between participant incentives and the behaviors necessary to drive business success in line with investor expectations.

Primary Metric Based on CRO.The primary metric for the fiscal 2012 to 2014 and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles, CRO, is calculated by dividing operating cash flow by average invested capital as follows:

Operating Cash Flow

=Net income from continuing operations + Depreciation and amortization expense +/- change (current fiscal year vs. prior fiscal year) in average “Trade Working Capital” (13 point average)

Average Invested Capital

=Interest bearing debt + Equity (13 point average)

The maximum number of shares that can be earned under the primary metric of CRO for each of these cycles is 200% of the targeted number of performance shares. Achievement of a threshold level of three-year average CRO of 12.0% for each of the fiscal 2012 to 2014 cycle and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle results in a threshold payout equal to 25% of each participant’s approved target opportunity. For the fiscal 2012 to 2014 cycle, target CRO is 14.4% and could result in a payout equal to 100% of each participant’s approved target opportunity, and maximum CRO of 15.6% could result in a payout equal to 200% of each participant’s approved target opportunity, in each case subject to application of Committee discretion. For the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle, target CRO is 15.1% and could result in a payout equal to 100% of each participant’s approved target opportunity, and maximum CRO of 16.4% could result in a payout equal to 200% of each participant’s approved target opportunity, in each case subject to application of Committee discretion.

Secondary Metric Based on Net Sales Growth.If CRO of 13.2% is achieved in the fiscal 2012 to 2014 cycle, and if CRO of 13.3% is achieved in the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle, an additional payout may be made based on the secondary metric of three-year average net sales growth. The additional payout under this secondary metric can be up to a maximum of 20% of target, if average net sales growth of 6% or more is achieved for each cycle. Average net sales growth below 2% during the respective cycles would not be rewarded.

As a result of the two-metric structure, high levels of financial performance can result in payouts up to a total of 220% of targeted shares under each of these cycles, 200% based on the primary metric, CRO, and 20% based on the secondary metric, average net sales growth.

For all cycles, the Committee maintains the ability to adjust financial metrics to account for items impacting comparability. The recent Ralcorp acquisition and financing activities related thereto are a likely source of future adjustments given the performance share plan’s focus on our return expectations pre-Ralcorp. The Ralcorp transaction has already been accretive to our EPS but, as previously discussed with investors, we have downwardly

revised our expectations for return on invested capital for the next several years because of the acquisition. Management made the decision to accept near-term returns that are below long-term targets because of the strategic significance of this transaction, a trade-off frequently made in strategic M&A. Specific impacts are currently being analyzed although increasing complexity is expected as management continues the critical process of integrating the Ralcorp business and its financial systems and results into ConAgra Foods’. The integration will make it difficult to identify and adjust for Ralcorp specific items impacting CRO and net sales for the outstanding fiscal 2012 to 2014 and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles of the performance share plan. However, because management’s decision to acquire Ralcorp has significantly, positively affected stockholder value, the Committee, with the aid of its compensation consultant, will continue to evaluate the impact of the Ralcorp transaction and its financing on these metrics. The Committee’s goal will continue to be aligning pay and performance and incenting senior leaders to make decisions that advance our long-term, sustainable growth.

The fiscal 2012 to 2014 and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles of the performance share plan are ongoing and thus no payouts have yet been earned.

Other Features. Performance shares that have not been paid at the time of a participant’s termination of employment are forfeited. An exception allows for pro-rata payouts in the event of death, disability or retirement. The Committee has also retained the discretion to provide for payouts on termination when it finds it appropriate and in the best interest of the company. To date, however, the Committee has not used this discretion. Both this exception and discretion are subject to satisfaction of the performance goals. Dividend equivalents are paid on the portion of performance shares actually earned, and are paid at the regular dividend rate in shares of our stock.

Other Fiscal 2013 Compensation. The additional elements of our compensation program for the named executive officers during fiscal 2013 were as follows:

Discretionary Bonus or Equity Grant. The Committee may choose to approve a sign-on or discretionary bonus or equity grant for a senior officer if it deems it necessary as a recruitment tool or to recognize extraordinary performance. Discretionary cash bonuses are included in the “Bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013 and the grant date fair value of a sign-on or discretionary equity award is included in either the “Stock Awards” or “Option Awards” column of the table, as appropriate. During fiscal 2013, the Committee granted restricted stock units to three named executive officers who were instrumental to the acquisition of Ralcorp. The grants were in recognition of the significant time and effort these executives dedicated to successfully completing the transaction and the terms on which the transaction was completed: Mr. Gehring: 4,601 restricted stock units; Ms. Batcheler: 4,601 restricted stock units; and Mr. Keck: 3,068 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest 100% one year after the date of grant of February 26, 2013, as described further in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – Fiscal 2013 table below. In connection with increasing Mr. Maass’ scope of responsibility to include leading the company’s private brands and foodservice businesses in May 2013, the Committee granted him 15,000 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest 100% three years after the date of grant of May 15, 2013, as described further in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – Fiscal 2013 table below. No sign-on or discretionary cash bonuses were made to named executive officers during fiscal 2013.

Benefit Programs. We offer a package of core employee benefits to our employees, including our named executive officers. With respect to health and welfare benefits, we offer health, dental and vision coverage, and life and disability insurance. The company and employee participants share in the cost of these programs. We also offer a matching-gifts program through our ConAgra Foods Foundation. To maximize community impact, the ConAgra Foods Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, donations employees make to eligible organizations, up to $1,000 in a calendar year. Donations made by the Foundation on behalf of a named executive officer are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013.

With respect to retirement benefits, we maintain qualified 401(k) retirement plans (with a company match on employee contributions) and qualified pension plans. The named executive officers are entitled to participate in these plans on the same terms as other employees.

Some of the named executive officers and other employees at various levels of the organization participate in a non-qualified pension plan, non-qualified 401(k) plan and/or voluntary deferred compensation plan. The non-qualified pension and non-qualified 401(k) plans permit us to pay retirement benefits in amounts that exceed the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code under our qualified plans. With respect to the non-qualified pension plan, the employment agreement entered into with Mr. Rodkin upon his hiring in 2005 provided that, as long as he remained employed until age 60, years of service for purposes of calculating benefits will be credited at a three-for-one rate until he has service credit of thirty years. Mr. Rodkin’s agreement also provides that the annual earnings amount to be used in the pension benefit formula under the non-qualified pension plan will be no less than $3.0 million. Any benefits payable to Mr. Rodkin under the Non-Qualified Pension are subject to offset for benefits paid or payable to him under supplemental pension plans his prior employer may have maintained for his benefit. The Committee has not offered additional years of credited service under the pension plan to other named executive officers.

The company’s deferred compensation plan allows the named executive officers, as well as a broader group of approximately 800 employees, to defer receipt of up to 50% of their base salary and 85% of their annual cash incentive compensation. The program permits executives to save for retirement in a tax-efficient way at minimal administrative cost to the company. Executives who participate in the program are not entitled to above-market (as defined by the SEC) or guaranteed rates of return on their deferred funds.

We include contributions made by the company to the named executive officers’ 401(k) plan and non-qualified 401(k) plan accounts in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. We provide a complete description of these retirement programs under the headings “Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2013” and “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2013” below.

Perquisites. The Committee’s philosophy on perquisites for senior officers has been consistently communicated over the years. Members of senior management are not eligible for indirect pay except in limited circumstances. In particular, each of the named executive officers was entitled to participate in an executive physical program during fiscal 2013. The company covered the cost of the physical, although the executive was responsible for the taxes associated with the program. As an alternative to participation in the executive physical program, each of the named executive officers was entitled to elect participation in a medical access program, with the cost of the program imputed to the executive as taxable income. The incremental cost to the company of providing these benefits is included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013.

The Committee has determined it appropriate to cover Mr. Rodkin by our security policy. As a result, he is required to take corporate aircraft for all business and personal air transportation. To offset a portion of the incremental cost to the company of Mr. Rodkin’s personal use of corporate aircraft, in 2007 we entered into an aircraft time share agreement with Mr. Rodkin. Under the agreement, Mr. Rodkin is responsible for reimbursing us, in cash, in amounts to help offset a portion of our incremental costs of personal flights, consisting of the cost of fuel and incidentals such as landing and parking fees, airport taxes and catering costs for such flights. We do not charge Mr. Rodkin for the fixed costs that would be incurred in any event to operate company aircraft (for example, aircraft purchase costs, maintenance, insurance and flight crew salaries).

Change of Control / Severance Benefits. We have agreements with our named executive officers that are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management in the event of a change of control. The Committee routinely evaluates participation in this program and its benefit levels to ensure their reasonableness.

Following a review of market practices during fiscal 2012, the Committee adopted a policy that any future change in control benefits will be structured without any excise tax gross-up protection. For example, if the company promotes or hires an individual to a position that is, in the Committee’s view, appropriate for change of control program participation, the individual will not be entitled to any excise tax gross-up protection. Although the Committee continues to believe in the importance of maintaining a change of control program, it believes that offering excise tax gross-ups to future participants would be inappropriate relative to best executive pay practices. We provide a complete description of the amounts potentially payable to our named executive officers under these agreements under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”.

We have also adopted a broad severance plan applicable to most salaried employees, including the named executive officers. In some circumstances, as part of negotiations during the hiring or recruiting process, we have supplemented this plan with specific severance arrangements with our named executive officers (Messrs. Rodkin and Keck). Our existing severance arrangements with the named executive officers are also described under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”.

Employment and Letter Agreements. We are a party to an employment agreement with Mr. Rodkin. Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement generally describes his duties and responsibilities, provides for a minimum base salary and vacation allowance, and subjects Mr. Rodkin to our stock ownership guidelines and to customary confidentiality and one-year non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions. The agreement also provides for indemnification, participation in our annual incentive program at a minimum target opportunity of 200% of base salary, and participation in our long-term incentive programs, our employee and executive pension and deferred compensation plans, our 401(k) plan and our welfare benefit plans and programs. For more information about the terms of Mr. Rodkin’s participation in our pension plans and deferred compensation plans, as provided for in the agreement, see below under the headings “Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2013” and “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2013”. The agreement also provides for severance, termination and change of control benefits further described below under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”.

We are also a party to a letter agreement with Mr. Keck. Mr. Keck’s 2010 letter agreement provides for a minimum base salary and his participation in our annual and long-term incentive programs, our employee pension plan, our 401(k) plan and our welfare benefit plans and programs. The letter agreement also provides for severance, termination and change of control benefits further described below under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”. Mr. Keck’s letter agreement also provided for a grant of 40,000 restricted stock units that vest over three years, as described further in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – Fiscal 2013 table below, and subjects him to our stock ownership guidelines.

Committee’s Views on Executive Stock Ownership

The Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines applicable to approximately 185 of our senior employees and the guidelines, represented as a percentage of salary, increase with greater responsibility within the company. The Committee has adopted these guidelines because it believes that management stock ownership promotes alignment with stockholder interests. The named executive officers are expected to reach their respective ownership requirement within a reasonable period of time after appointment. Shares personally acquired by the executive through open market purchases or through our 401(k) plan or employee stock purchase plan, as well as restricted stock units and shares acquired upon the deferral of earned bonuses are counted toward the ownership requirement. Neither unexercised stock options nor unearned performance shares are counted. The following table reflects ownership as of July 31, 2013.

      Named Executive Officer      

  Stock Ownership Guideline
(% of Salary)
 Actual Ownership
       (% of Salary) (1)      
 

Mr. Rodkin

  600%  2,462

Mr. Gehring

  400%  864

Ms. Batcheler

  300%  587

Mr. Keck (2)

  400%  348

Mr. Maass (2)

  400%  340

1.Based on the average daily price of our common stock on the NYSE for the 12 months ended July 31, 2013 ($31.478) and executive salaries in effect on July 31, 2013.

2.Mr. Keck joined the company in September 2010 and Mr. Maass became an executive officer in October 2010.

Committee’s Practices Regarding the Timing of Equity Grants

We do not backdate stock options or grant equity retroactively. We do not coordinate grants of equity with disclosures of positive or negative information. All equity awards are granted with an exercise price (if applicable)

equal to the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. The vast majority of our stock option grants for a fiscal year are made in July, at a regular Committee meeting.

In most instances, when management proposes an off-cycle award or sign-on grant for a non-executive officer, the Committee considers approval of the grant at a regularly scheduled Committee meeting. In connection with the integration of Ralcorp, the Committee delegated authority to Mr. Rodkin and our Chief Human Resources Officer, to approve small equity grants to non-senior officers who are being given roles in the newly combined organization. Governance protocols have been approved to ensure appropriate Committee oversight of this limited delegation.

In the event management proposes a sign-on grant for a senior officer and a grant-related decision is necessary between regularly scheduled Committee meetings, the Committee may hold a special meeting to consider the grant. If approved, the grant date will be the first trading day of the month on or following the officer’s date of hire. The Committee has not delegated any authority to approve equity grants to senior officers.

Additional Information on the Committee’s Compensation Consultant

The Committee engages Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. directly to assist it in obtaining and reviewing information relevant to compensation decisions. The independence and performance of the consultant are of the utmost importance to the Committee. Committee policy prevents management from directly engaging the consultant without the prior approval of the Committee’s Chair. Given the focused scope of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc.’s services, no management-generated fees are expected with this firm. For fiscal 2013, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. did not provide any additional services to us or our affiliates. The Committee reviews the types of services provided by the consultant and all fees paid for those services on a regular basis, and conducts a formal evaluation of the consultant annually. The Committee has assessed the independence of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., as required under NYSE listing rules. The Committee has also considered and assessed all relevant factors, including those required by the SEC, that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest with respect to Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. during fiscal 2013. Based on this review, the Committee did not identify any conflict of interest raised by the work performed by Frederic W. Cook & Co, Inc.

Tax and Accounting Implications of the Committee’s Compensation Decisions

U.S. federal income tax law prohibits the company from taking a tax deduction for certain compensation paid in excess of $1 million to the company’s chief executive officer or any of the company’s three other most highly compensated executive officers, other than the chief financial officer, who are employed as of the end of the fiscal year. This limitation does not apply to qualified performance-based compensation under federal tax law. Generally, this is compensation paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established, objective goals based on performance metrics approved by our stockholders. The Committee’s intent is to structure our executive compensation programs so that payments will generally be fully tax deductible.

For fiscal 2013, all annual incentive and performance share awards to covered employees were subject to, and made in accordance with, performance-based compensation arrangements that were intended to qualify as tax deductible. In order to achieve this result, the Committee approved a framework in which (1) maximum awards under these incentive programs would be authorized upon attainment of diluted EPS of $0.50 per year of the performance period (compared to actual fiscal 2013 diluted EPS of $1.85) and (2) negative discretion would be applied by the Committee to decrease authorized awards based upon the program frameworks described above (that is, based on net income and net sales results for the MIP, and EBIT and ROAIC, or CRO and net sales growth results for the performance share plan). The Committee intends to continue using this type of approach to preserve the tax deductibility of its compensation arrangements in the future. However, the Committee does retain the discretion to make payments or grants of equity that are not fully deductible (for example, a portion of Mr. Rodkin’s salary) when, in its judgment, those payments or grants are needed to achieve its overall compensation objectives.

Compensation Committee Report

The Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. Human Resources Committee

Steven F. GoldstoneJoie A. Gregor
W.G. JurgensenRuth Ann Marshall
Ken Stinson, Chairman

Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013

The table below presents compensation information for individuals who served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal 2013 and for each of the other three most highly-compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal 2013, as well as for Mr. Hawaux, who ceased to be an executive officer prior to the end of fiscal 2013 but who otherwise would have qualified to be a named executive officer. Because Mr. Maass was not a named executive officer for fiscal 2011, information about his compensation for fiscal 2011 is not included. The amounts in the following Summary Compensation Table for Messrs. Rodkin and Keck are based in part on written agreements in place between ConAgra Foods and these individuals as discussed in the CD&A and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”. For more information about the material terms of our employment agreement with Mr. Rodkin, our letter agreement with Mr. Keck and our change of control agreements with each of our named executive officers, see “Employment Agreement and Letter Agreements” in the CD&A above and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control” below. For more information about our named executive officers’ mix of base salary and annual incentive compensation to their total compensation, see the discussion under “Key Elements of our Fiscal 2013 Executive Compensation Program” in CD&A above.

Name and Principal

Position

  Fiscal
Year
   Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)(1)
   Option
Awards
($)(2)
   

Non-Equity
Incentive

Plan
Compen-
sation
($)(3)

   Change in
Pension
Value and
Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compen-
sation
Earnings
($)(4)
   All Other
Compen-
sation
($)(5)
   Total
($)
 
                  

Gary M. Rodkin

   2013     1,086,538    -   2,474,000     1,465,000     2,486,000     3,058,770     141,477     10,711,785  

CEO and

   2012     1,000,000    -   2,615,000     1,630,000     1,560,000     3,384,557     76,570     10,266,127  

President

   2011     1,000,000    -   2,136,000     1,675,000     440,000     3,081,026     174,954     8,506,980  
                                            

John F. Gehring

   2013     521,635    -   947,286     468,800     610,750     200,278     37,693     2,786,442  

EVP and Chief

   2012     500,000    -   836,800     521,600     390,000     234,903     30,690     2,513,993  

Financial Officer

   2011     494,231    -   683,520     536,000     110,000     221,123     45,019     2,089,893  
                                            

Colleen R. Batcheler

   2013     456,635    -   749,366     351,600     433,340     29,204     13,629     2,033,774  

EVP, General Counsel and

   2012     435,000    -   627,600     391,200     271,440     27,843     13,186     1,766,269  

Corporate Secretary

   2011     429,615    -   512,640     402,000     76,600     15,301     11,012     1,447,168  
                                            

Brian L. Keck

   2013     525,000    -   895,440     468,800     610,750     36,133     37,547     2,573,670  

EVP and Chief

   2012     525,000    -   836,800     521,600     409,500     49,588     67,984     2,410,472  

Administrative Officer

   2011     381,635    100,000   1,476,480     440,000     115,500     -    299,918     2,813,533  
                                            

Paul T. Maass

   2013     523,173    -   1,334,080     468,800     616,570     122,978     18,043     3,083,644  

President, Private

   2012     475,000    -   627,600     391,200     475,000     332,138     18,092     2,319,030  

Brands and Foodservice

                  
                                            

Former executive officer

                                           

Andre J. Hawaux

   2013     657,308    -   791,680     468,800     745,800     207,628     56,287     2,927,503  

Former President,

   2012     640,000    -   836,800     521,600     450,000     189,806     34,438     2,672,644  

Consumer Foods

   2011     629,231    -   683,520     536,000     140,800     188,675     63,624     2,241,850  
                                            

1.Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, or FASB ASC, Topic 718 for the stock awards granted during the reported fiscal years. For the performance shares awarded in fiscal 2013, the amounts reported are based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date. Assuming the highest level of performance is achieved for the performance shares awarded in fiscal 2013, the grant date fair value of these awards would have been: Mr. Rodkin, $5,442,800; each of Messrs. Gehring, Keck and Maass $1,741,696; and Ms. Batcheler, $1,306,272. Because Mr. Hawaux departed the company prior to the payout of performance shares, he forfeited all performance shares awarded under outstanding cycles of the performance share plan. Mr. Gehring, Mr. Keck, and Ms. Batcheler were each awarded a grant of restricted stock units in February 2013 in recognition of their contributions to the Ralcorp transaction. Mr. Maass was awarded a grant of restricted stock units in May 2013 in recognition of his increased scope of responsibility to include leading the company’s private brands and foodservice businesses. A description of the performance share plan and grants of restricted stock units is included in our CD&A.

2.Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for the stock options granted during the reported fiscal years. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013. A description of stock option grants under our long-term incentive plan is included in our CD&A.

3.For fiscal 2013, reflects awards earned under our annual incentive plan. A description of the fiscal 2013 MIP is included in our CD&A.

4.The measurement date for pension value for fiscal 2013 was May 26, 2013. We do not offer above-market (as defined by SEC rules) or preferential earnings rates in our deferred compensation plans. For fiscal 2013, the entire amount reflects change in pension amounts rather than non-qualified deferred compensation earnings. For Mr. Rodkin, the change in pension value does not reflect the offset from his former employer. If included, the estimated value would be negative $869,211.

5.The components of fiscal 2013 “All Other Compensation” include nominal recognition awards made through an internal employee-driven recognition program in the amount of $25 provided to each of Mr. Rodkin and Ms. Batcheler, in addition to the following:

     Perquisites and Personal Benefits (a)              

Named 

Executive

Officer

    (Column 1)

Personal
Use of
Aircraft

$

  (Column 2)

Exec
Physical /
Security
Costs /
Home Office

$

  (Column 3)

Matching
Gifts

$

  (Column 4)

Company
Contribution
to Defined
Contribution
Plans

$

  (Column 5)

Group Term Life
Insurance

$

  Mr. Rodkin

    49,827  (b)  -  77,339  (b)

  Mr. Gehring

    (b)  (b)  -  25,951  (b)

  Ms. Batcheler

    -  (b)  -  10,423  (b)

  Mr. Keck

    -  (b)  -  27,773  (b)

  Mr. Maass

    (b)  (b)  -  (b)  (b)

  Former executive officer

            

  Mr. Hawaux

    (b)  (b)  (b)  32,832  (b)

(a)All amounts shown are valued at the incremental cost to us of providing the benefit. With respect to Mr. Rodkin’s use of company aircraft (Column 1), Mr. Rodkin is a party to an aircraft time share agreement with us. Under this agreement, Mr. Rodkin reimbursed us, in cash, amounts to help offset a portion of our incremental costs of personal flights, consisting of the cost of fuel and incidentals such as landing and parking fees, airport taxes and catering costs for such flights. We did not charge Mr. Rodkin for the fixed costs that would be incurred in any event to operate company aircraft (for example, aircraft purchase costs, maintenance, insurance and flight crew salaries). The amount shown for Mr. Rodkin in Column 1 reflects the company’s incremental cost of conducting such personal flights, reduced by the amounts billed and paid under the time share arrangement.

(b)For Columns 1 through 3, inclusive, a (b) notation in lieu of a dollar amount indicates that the named executive officer received the benefit but at an incremental cost to us of less than $25,000. For Columns 4 and 5, a (b) notation in lieu of a dollar amount indicates that the named executive officer received the benefit but at an incremental cost to us of less than $10,000.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards – Fiscal 2013

The following table presents information about grants of plan-based awards (equity and non-equity) during fiscal 2013 to the named executive officers. All equity-based grants were made under the stockholder-approved ConAgra Foods 2009 Stock Plan.

    Name Grant
Date
  Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (1)
   Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2)
  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#) (3)
  All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securi-
ties
Under-
lying
Options
(#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
  Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($) (4)
 
  Thres-
hold
($)
 Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
   Thres-
hold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     

Mr.

  7/16/2012   -  2,200,000    4,400,000           N/A  

Rodkin

  7/16/2012       25,000    100,000    220,000       2,474,000  
   7/16/2012                           500,000    24.74    1,465,000  

Mr.

  7/16/2012   -  525,000    1,050,000           N/A  

Gehring

  7/16/2012       8,000    32,000    70,400       791,680  
  7/16/2012           160,000    24.74    468,800  
   2/26/2013                       4,601            155,606  

Ms.

  7/16/2012   -  368,000    736,000           N/A  

Batcheler

  7/16/2012       6,000    24,000    52,800       593,760  
  7/16/2012           120,000    24.74    351,600  
   2/26/2013                       4,601            155,606  

Mr.

  7/16/2012   -  525,000    1,050,000           N/A  

Keck

  7/16/2012       8,000   32,000    70,400       791,680  
  7/16/2012           160,000    24.74    468,800  
   2/26/2013                       3,068            103,760  

Mr.

  7/16/2012   -  488,942    977,884           N/A  

Maass

  5/02/2013   -  41,209    82,418           N/A  
  7/16/2012       8,000    32,000    70,400       791,680  
  7/16/2012           160,000    24.74    468,800  
   5/15/2013                       15,000            542,400  

Former Executive Officer

  

Mr.

  7/16/2012   -  660,000    1,320,000           N/A  

Hawaux

  7/16/2012       8,000    32,000    70,400       791,680  
   7/16/2012                            160,000    24.74    468,800  

1.Amounts reflect grants made under the fiscal 2013 MIP discussed in our CD&A. Failure to achieve threshold performance would mean no payout under the MIP. Actual payouts earned under the program for fiscal 2013 for all named executive officers were slightly above target, and can be found in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. In connection with Mr. Maass’ increase in scope of responsibility to include leading the private brands and foodservices businessesin May 2013, the Committee increased his salary. Accordingly, we show two grant dates for Mr. Maass in this column. The first, July 16, 2012, reflects approximately 11 months of MIP opportunity at his prior salary, and the second, May 2, 2013, reflects approximately one month of MIP opportunity at his increasedsalary.

2.

Amounts reflect the performance shares granted under our long-term incentive program for the fiscal 2013 to 2015 performance cycle. All awards under the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle, including any above-target payouts, will be earned based on our cumulative performance for the three fiscal years ending May31, 2015. The grant date fair value of these awards, based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) is included in the amount reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. A

payout of 25% of target will be made if threshold three-year average CRO is met; if threshold is not met, no payout would be earned for the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle.

3.Amounts reflect restricted stock units granted in recognition of contributions to the successful close of the Ralcorp transaction for Mr. Gehring, Mr. Keck, and Ms. Batcheler. For Mr. Maass, reflects a restricted stock unit grant made in recognition of increasing his scope of responsibility to include leading the private brands and foodservice businesses. The grant date fair value of these awards (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) is included in the amount reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013.

4.Amounts are computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For performance shares, the amounts disclosed are computed based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – Fiscal 2013

   Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  Name  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
(1)
   Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested

(#)

  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (5)
   Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units, or
Other Rights that
Have Not Vested
(#) (6)
   Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units, or Other
Rights that Have Not
Vested
($) (7)
 

Mr.

   1,000,000     -    22.83  8/30/2015      

Rodkin

   480,000     -    22.72  5/25/2016      
   500,000     -    26.80  7/16/2014      
   500,000     -    21.26  7/15/2015      
   500,000     -    19.05  7/14/2016      
   350,000     150,000    23.93  7/24/2017      
   200,000     300,000    26.15  7/11/2018      
   -     500,000    24.74  7/15/2022      
             220,000     7,649,400  
                         220,000     7,649,400  

Mr.

   80,000     -    23.14  7/24/2015      

Gehring

   80,000     -    26.80  7/16/2014      
   40,000     -    21.26  7/15/2015      
   80,000     -    19.05  7/14/2016      
   112,000     48,000    23.93  7/24/2017      
   64,000     96,000    26.15  7/10/2018      
   -     160,000    24.74  7/15/2022      
           4,601 (2  159,977      
             70,400     2,447,808  
                         70,400     2,447,808  

Ms.

   28,000     -    26.80  7/16/2014      

Batcheler

   40,000     -    19.05  7/14/2016      
   40,000     -    21.74  9/23/2016      
   84,000     36,000    23.93  7/24/2017      
   48,000     72,000    26.15  7/10/2018      
   -     120,000    24.74  7/15/2022      
           4,601 (2  159,977      
             52,800     1,835,856  
                         52,800     1,835,856  

        

 

Option Awards

  

        Stock Awards  

Name

   
 
 
 
 

 

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)

Exercisable

  
  
  
  
  

  

  

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
(1)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 

 

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

  
  
  

  

   
 
 
Option
Expiration
Date
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That Have
Not
Vested

(#)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($) (5)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units, or
Other Rights that
Have Not Vested

(#) (6)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units, or Other
Rights that Have Not
Vested

($) (7)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Mr.

   112,000     48,000     22.13     9/30/2017         

Keck

   64,000     96,000     26.15     7/10/2018         
   -     160,000     24.74     7/15/2022         
           40,000 (3)     1,390,800     
           3,068 (2)     106,674     
              70,400     2,447,808  
              70,400     2,447,808  

Mr.

   40,000     -     19.05     7/14/2016                     

Maass

   28,000     12,000     23.93     7/24/2017         
   56,000     24,000     22.61     10/13/2017         
   48,000     72,000     26.15     7/10/2018         
   -     160,000     24.74     7/15/2022         
           15,000 (4)     521,550     
              70,400     2,447,808  
              70,400     2,447,808  

Mr.

   80,000     -     21.26     7/15/2015                     

Hawaux

   100,000     -     16.99     1/15/2016         
   160,000     -     19.05     7/14/2016         
   112,000     48,000     23.93     7/24/2017         
   64,000     96,000     26.15     7/10/2018         
   -     160,000     24.74     7/15/2022         
              70,400     2,447,808  
                                 70,400     2,447,808  

1.All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. Mr. Hawaux’s unvested options were cancelled upon his termination of employment; his vested options can be exercised through August 30, 2013. The vesting schedule for options that were outstanding but that could not be exercised at fiscal year-end for the named executive officers is as follows:

   

Unexercisable

at FYE

   Vesting Schedule         

Unexercisable

at FYE

   Vesting Schedule 
      # of Shares   Vesting Date            # of Shares   Vesting Date 

Rodkin

   150,000     150,000     7/25/13      Keck   48,000     48,000     10/1/13  
   300,000     150,000     7/11/13         96,000     48,000     7/11/13  
     150,000     7/11/14           48,000     7/11/14  
   500,000     200,000     7/16/13         160,000     64,000     7/16/13  
     150,000     7/16/14           48,000     7/16/14  
     150,000     7/16/15           48,000     7/16/15  

Gehring

   48,000     48,000     7/25/13      Maass   12,000     12,000     7/25/13  
   96,000     48,000     7/11/13         24,000     24,000     10/14/13  
     48,000     7/11/14         72,000     36,000     7/11/13  
   160,000     64,000     7/16/13           36,000     7/11/14  
     48,000     7/16/14         160,000     64,000     7/16/13  
     48,000     7/16/15           48,000     7/16/14  

Batcheler

   36,000     36,000     7/25/13           48,000     7/16/15  
   72,000     36,000     7/11/13      Hawaux   48,000     48,000     7/25/13  
     36,000     7/11/14         96,000     48,000     7/11/13  
   120,000     48,000     7/16/13           48,000     7/11/14  
     36,000     7/16/14         160,000     64,000     7/16/13  
         36,000     7/16/15           48,000     7/16/14  
                   48,000     7/16/15  

2.Reflects restricted stock units awarded to Mr. Gehring, Mr. Keck, and Ms. Batcheler in recognition of their contributions to the successful close of the Ralcorp transaction. These restricted stock units vest 100% one year after the date of grant of February 26, 2013. In the event of death, involuntary termination due to disability, position elimination or reduction in force (each of disability, position elimination or reduction in force shall be as determined in the company’s sole discretion) prior to February 26, 2014, all restricted stock units will vest on the date of such involuntary termination. In the event of termination for any other reason, all restricted stock units will be immediately forfeited.

3.Reflects 40,000 restricted stock units awarded to Mr. Keck in connection with his hiring, which vest on October 1, 2013, or earlier on a pro-rata basis upon certain circumstances resulting in his departure from the company (described more fully on page 46).

4.Reflects 15,000 restricted stock units awarded to Mr. Maass in recognition of his increased scope of responsibility to include leading the private brands and food service businesses. These restricted stock units vest 100% three years after the date of grant of May 15, 2013. In the event of death or normal retirement, all restricted stock units will vest on the date of death or such normal retirement. In the event of early retirement, involuntary termination due to disability, position elimination or reduction in force (each of disability, position elimination or reduction in force shall be as determined in the company’s sole discretion) prior to May, 15, 2016, all restricted stock units will vest one-third for each full year of service on the grant date anniversary. In the event of termination for any other reason, all restricted stock units will be immediately forfeited.

5.The market value of unvested or unearned units is calculated using $34.77 per share, which was the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on the last trading day of fiscal 2013.

6.Reflects, on separate lines, as of May 26, 2013, the maximum number of shares that could be earned under each of the fiscal 2012 to 2014 and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles of the performance share plan. The performance shares are not earned unless we achieve the performance targets specified in the plan. Shares earned under the fiscal 2012 to 2014 cycle will be distributed, if earned, following fiscal 2014, and shares earned under the fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycle will be distributed, if earned, following fiscal 2015. Mr. Hawaux will not receive a payout for these two cycles due to his departure from the company.

7.The market value of unearned shares is calculated using $34.77 per share, which was the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on the last trading day of fiscal 2013.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested – Fiscal 2013

The following table summarizes the option awards exercised during fiscal 2013 for each of the named executive officers and the performance shares that were earned and paid out for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan. The performance period for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle of the performance share plan ended on May 26, 2013. The column entitled “Stock Awards” below includes shares earned under that cycle for cumulative three-year performance. Mr. Hawaux separated from the company prior to the payout of the performance shares and was not entitled to a payout of performance shares under the fiscal 2011 to 2013 cycle.

   Option Awards      Stock Awards 

Name

  Number of Shares
Acquired on  Exercise

(#)
   Value Realized on
Exercise

($)
      Number of Shares
Acquired on  Vesting

(#) (1)
   Value Realized
on Vesting

($)
 

Mr. Rodkin

   500,000     3,408,100       66,000     2,294,820  

Mr. Gehring

   160,000     2,272,090       21,120     734,342  

Ms. Batcheler

   120,000     850,359       15,840     550,757  

Mr. Keck

   -     -       21,120     734,342  

Mr. Maass

   140,000     1,293,933       15,840     550,757  

Former Executive Officer

          

Mr. Hawaux

   340,000     2,451,336        -     -  

1.Under the plan’s terms, dividend equivalents on earned shares, paid in additional shares of common stock, were also distributed to the named executive officers. The shares distributed to the named executive officers through this dividend equivalent feature (and not shown in this table) were: 7,571 shares for Mr. Rodkin; 2,423 shares for each of Mr. Gehring and Mr. Keck; and 1,817 shares for Ms. Batcheler and Mr. Maass.

Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2013

ConAgra Foods maintains anon-contributory defined benefit pension plan for all eligible employees, which we refer to as the Qualified Pension. Employees eligible to participate in the Qualified Pension are salaried employees, including the named executive officers, and certain hourly and union employees.

Employees hired before June 1, 2004 were given a one-time opportunity during 2004 to choose between (A) the benefit formulas in the Qualified Pension and qualified 401(k) plan at that time and (B) effective October 1, 2004, a new Qualified Pension formula plus an enhanced company match in our qualified 401(k) plan. Employees hired on or after June 1, 2004

were automatically enrolled in option (B) effective upon their date of hire. With respect to the named executive officers, Ms. Batcheler and Messrs. Hawaux and Keck joined the company after June 1, 2004 and were automatically enrolled in option (B). Messrs. Gehring and Maass were employed prior to June 1, 2004 and were enrolled in option (A). Although Mr. Rodkin is enrolled in option (B) for purposes of the Qualified Plan (due to commencement of employment after June 1, 2004), his employment agreement entitles him to a total pension benefit equal to the option (A) calculation. Any difference between the option (A) and (B) pension benefits would be provided to him through the Non-Qualified Pension (described below).

Under both option (A) and option (B), the pension benefit formula is determined by adding three components:

A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings (up to the integration level) multiplied by years of credited service (up to 35 years of credited service). This multiple is 1.0% for option (A) and 0.9% for option (B).

A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings (over the integration level) multiplied by years of credited service (up to 35 years of credited service). This multiple is 1.44% for option (A) and 1.3% for option (B).

A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings multiplied by years of credited service over 35 years. This multiple is 1.0% for option (A) and 0.9% for option (B).

“Average Monthly Earnings” is the monthly average of the executive’s annual compensation from the company for the highest five consecutive years of the final ten years of his or her service. Only salary and annual incentive payments (reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013) are considered for the named executive officers in computing Average Monthly Earnings. The integration level is calculated by the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, by averaging the last 35 years of Social Security taxable wages, up to and including the year in which the executive’s employment ends.

Participants are vested in the pension benefit once they have five years of vesting service with the company. Pension benefits become payable for option (A) participants at the normal retirement age of 65, or age 60 if the participant has 25 or more years of service. Normal retirement age for option (B) participants is 65. Under either option, the Qualified Plan defines early retirement as age 55 with 10 years of service. There is no difference in the benefit formula upon an early retirement and there is no payment election option that would impact the amount of annual benefits any of the named executive officers would receive.

Certain of the named executive officers also participate in a supplemental retirement plan (which we refer to in the table below as the Non-Qualified Pension). To the extent that a named executive officer’s benefit under the Qualified Pension exceeds the limit on the maximum annual benefit payable under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or such officer’s Average Monthly Earnings exceeds the limit under the Internal Revenue Code on the maximum amount of compensation that can be taken into account under the Qualified Pension, payments are made under the Non-Qualified Pension. The retirement age and benefit formulas are the same as those used for the Qualified Plan except as described in the following paragraphs.

Generally, an executive’s benefit under the Non-Qualified Pension is payable in installments beginning in January following the executive’s separation from service or disability, but the executive may also elect to receive payment as a lump sum and elect a specified year in which payment will be made or commence, or elect to receive his or her benefit in the form of annuity payments. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.

Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement with the company, entered into in 2005, entitles him to participate in the Non-Qualified Pension with years of service, for purposes of calculating benefits under the plan, credited at a three-for-one rate (as long as he remained employed until age 60) until he has service credit of thirty years. He is entitled to annual pensionable earnings for use in calculating his benefit of no less than $3 million. If Mr. Rodkin is terminated at any time for “cause,” he will forgo all benefits under the Non-Qualified Pension. Any benefits payable to Mr. Rodkin under the Non-Qualified Pension are subject to offset for benefits paid or payable to him under supplemental pension plans his

prior employer may have maintained for his benefit. The Committee has not offered additional years of credited service under the pension plan to other named executive officers.

            Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2013     
Name Plan Name (1) 

Number of Years
Credited Service

(#) (2)

 

   

Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit

($) (3) (4)

 

 

Mr. Rodkin

 Qualified Pension  7.7     $244,899   
 Non-Qualified Pension  23.2     $15,982,305   

Mr. Gehring

 Qualified Pension  11.4     $278,692   
 Non-Qualified Pension  11.4     $767,335   

Ms. Batcheler

 Qualified Pension  6.9     $97,435   
 Non-Qualified Pension  -       

Mr. Keck

 Qualified Pension  2.7     $85,721   
 Non-Qualified Pension  -       

Mr. Maass (5)

 Qualified Pension  25.0     $702,774   
 Non-Qualified Pension  25.0     $116,901   

Former executive officer

    

Mr. Hawaux

 Qualified Pension  6.5     $146,941   
  Non-Qualified Pension  6.5     $686,160   

 

1.     Qualified Pension refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees and Non-Qualified Pension refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified Pension Plan. There were no plan payments for fiscal 2013.

 

2.     The number of years of credited service is calculated as of May 26, 2013, which is the pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes.

 

3.     As of the pension plan measurement date, under the Non-Qualified Pension, Mr. Rodkin had 7.7 years of actual service. The enhanced crediting rate provided to Mr. Rodkin in his employment agreement with the company resulted in an augmentation in benefits at May 26, 2013 of $11,898,450 (15.5 additional years). This amount does not include any offset for benefits from his prior employer. The amount of enhanced benefit after this offset is $11,115,369.

 

4.     The valuation methodology and all material assumptions applied in quantifying the present value of the accumulated benefit are presented in footnote 15 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013.

 

5.     Mr. Maass is eligible for a non-qualified pension benefit that was closed and grandfathered in 2001. This benefit is calculated based on earnings of up to $280,000 per year under the terms of the grandfathered plan and is calculated based upon actual years of service.

         

         

           

          

          

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2013

The table following this summary of our non-qualified deferred compensation plans shows the non-qualified deferred compensation activity for each named executive officer during fiscal 2013. The amounts shown include amounts deferred under the non-qualified 401(k) plan, which we refer to as the Non-Qualified ConAgra Retirement Income Savings Plan, or Non-Qualified CRISP, and voluntary deferred compensation plan, which we refer to as the Voluntary Deferred Comp plan. The amounts shown for the Non-Qualified CRISP include company contributions during fiscal 2013.

The Non-Qualified CRISP is a benefit provided to certain of the named executive officers and other eligible executives. The program supplements our qualified 401(k) plan available to a broad base of salaried and hourly employees. Under our qualified 401(k) plan, for employees enrolled in option (A) under the Qualified Pension, the company will match the first 50% of the first 6% of salary and bonus the employee contributes to the qualified 401(k) plan. For employees enrolled in option (B) under the Qualified Plan, the company will match 66 2/3% of the first 6% of salary and bonus the employee contributes to the plan. However, the Internal Revenue Code limits the annual before-tax contributions that an individual can make to a qualified retirement plan. If a named executive officer reached this maximum, he or she would lose the ability to receive the full extent of the available company match. The Non-Qualified CRISP is used to enable the company to provide this population with the company match. Under the plan, the company makes a

contribution equal to 3% of the named executive officer’s eligible earnings less the maximum employer contribution the named executive officer could have received from the qualified 401(k) plan.

The company contribution to the Non-Qualified CRISP is made annually on or about December 31st and a participant must be employed on that date to receive the contribution. The value of each account is automatically linked to the value of our common stock. Account values are updated daily based on the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on such day.

Generally, an executive’s account balance under the Non-Qualified CRISP is payable in cash in a lump sum in January following the executive’s separation from service, but executives meeting certain qualifications may also elect to receive payment in the form of installments. Executives may also elect to receive payment within 90 days following the earlier of separation from service or either the occurrence of a change of control or 18 months following the occurrence of a change of control. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of “specified employee” under Section 409A will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.

Our Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan also allows management-level employees (those above a certain salary grade, which includes the named executive officers) whose salary is $125,000 or more per year to defer receipt of 5% to 50% of their salary and up to 85% of their annual incentive payment. The investment alternatives for deferred amounts are an interest bearing account (with interest accruing at a rate equal to 25 basis points over the one-year H15 Treasury constant maturity rate), a ConAgra Foods stock account, or other investment options mirrored from our qualified 401(k) plan, which we refer to as the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan, or the Qualified CRISP. Amounts deferred into the interest bearing account, together with earnings thereon, are ultimately distributed in cash. The stock account includes a dividend reinvestment feature that converts dividends into additional shares. Amounts deferred into the stock account, together with earnings and dividends thereon, are ultimately distributed in shares of ConAgra Foods common stock. Amounts deferred into accounts mirroring the Qualified CRISP funds, together with any dividends, are ultimately distributed in cash. An election to participate in the plan must be timely filed with the company in accordance with IRS requirements.

On December 10, 2012, the Committee approved an amendment to our Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan, effective as of January 1, 2013, designed to provide non-qualified matching contribution retirement benefits to those employees who were not receiving such benefits, including the named executive officers who do not participate in the Non-Qualified CRISP. The amended Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan provides for company matching contributions and company non-elective contributions to the Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan for eligible participants for amounts of salary and bonus that are above IRS limits. In calendar year 2013, the company will credit, at the end of calendar year 2013, an eligible participant’s account in the Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan with a one-time non-elective contribution equal to 9% of an eligible participant’s compensation in excess of the IRS limit. Thereafter, starting in calendar year 2014, the company will credit, at the end of each calendar year, an eligible participant’s account in the Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan with (1) a matching contribution equal to a dollar for dollar match, limited to 6% of compensation earned by the participant and paid by the company in excess of the IRS limit and (2) a non-elective contribution equal to 3% of an eligible participant’s compensation in excess of the IRS limit. Eligible participants will be allowed to defer no more than 90% of their compensation that exceeds the IRS limit. Matching contributions and non-elective contributions will be credited at the end of the calendar year if the eligible participant earns in excess of the IRS limit, even if the participant separates from service (as defined in the Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan) prior to the end of the calendar year. The amended Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan also provides that, unless the company determines otherwise with respect to a participant, the interest of each participant in his or her matching contributions and non-elective contributions will be 100% vested. Ms. Batcheler and Messrs. Keck and Maass are named executive officers who are eligible for participation. Because Messrs. Rodkin and Gehring are currently participating in other non-qualified contribution retirement plans, and because the amended Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan was designed to provide non-qualified contribution retirement benefits to those who are not currently receiving such benefits, these named executive officers are not eligible for contributions under the amended Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan.

An executive who is not retiring or eligible for early retirement under the Qualified Pension is required to take distribution of certain amounts earned and vested prior to 2005, which we refer to as grandfathered amounts, in a lump sum payment in the quarter end following the individual’s separation from service. An executive who is eligible to retire early under the Qualified Pension will receive his or her grandfathered amounts in annual installments. In general, all amounts other than the grandfathered amounts, which we refer to as the other amounts, will be distributed in cash in a lump sum in January following the executive’s separation from service. Executives may also elect to receive the other amounts at certain other times, including within 90 days following the earlier of separation from service or either the occurrence of a change of control or 18 months following the occurrence of a change of control. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of a “specified employee” under Section 409A will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service. Executives may make hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances, but no hardship withdrawals were requested by executives during fiscal 2013.

                    Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2013

Name

 

 

Plan (1)

 

  

Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($) (2)

 

   

Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)

 

   

Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(3)

 

   

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Balance
at Last
FYE
($)(4)

 

 

Mr. Rodkin

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     67,139     227,283     -     865,433  
 Voluntary Def Comp   -     -     2,015,263     -     6,748,633  

Mr. Gehring

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     19,249     53,389     -     205,122  
 Voluntary Def Comp   519,138     -     193,311     -     1,557,848  

Ms. Batcheler

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     -     -     -     -  
 Voluntary Def Comp   -     -     -     -     -  

Mr. Keck

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     17,773     6,521     -     33,169  
 Voluntary Def Comp   -     -     -     -     -  

Mr. Maass

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     -     -     -     -  
 Voluntary Def Comp   -     -     -     -     -  

Former Executive Officer

           

Mr. Hawaux

 Non-Qualified CRISP   -     22,632     59,233     -     228,247  
  

Voluntary Def Comp

 

   

 

-

 

  

 

   

 

-

 

  

 

   

 

213,212

 

  

 

   

 

-

 

  

 

   

 

937,031

 

  

 

1.Non-Qualified CRISP refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified CRISP Plan and Voluntary Def Comp refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.

2.The amount reported for the Voluntary Def Comp plan is included in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table --- Fiscal 2013. All Non-Qualified CRISP amounts are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013. These amounts, together with the company’s match on executive contributions to the Qualified CRISP, are disclosed in the column labeled “Company Contribution to Defined Contribution Plans” in the table included as footnote 5 to the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013.

3.Neither our Non-Qualified CRISP nor our Voluntary Def Comp plan offers above market earnings (as defined by SEC rules). As a result, none of these earnings or losses are included in the Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013.

4.The following amounts from this column were reported in Summary Compensation Tables for prior fiscal years: Mr. Rodkin, $487,777 (Non-Qualified CRISP) and $3,700,000 (Voluntary Def Comp); Mr. Gehring, $114,764 (Non-Qualified CRISP) and $735,000 (Voluntary Def Comp); Mr. Keck, $9,278 (Non-Qualified CRISP); and Mr. Hawaux, $126,112 (Non-Qualified CRISP) and $485,000 (Voluntary Def Comp). These amounts reflect actual amounts reported and do not include accumulated earnings or losses. For Mr. Gehring, the amount from this column includes the $519,138 reflected in the “Executive Contributions in Last FY” column, which represents contributions for compensation earned in fiscal 2013 that was actually contributed in early fiscal 2014.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

Our named executive officers’ employment may be terminated under several possible scenarios. In some of these scenarios, our plans, agreements and arrangements would provide severance benefits in varying amounts to the executive. Further, our plans, agreements and arrangements would provide for certain benefits (or for acceleration of benefits) upon a change of control. Severance and other benefits that are payable upon a termination of employment or upon a change of control are described below. The tables following the narrative discussion summarize amounts payable upon termination or a change of control under varying circumstances, assuming that the change of control occurred on or that the executive’s employment terminated on the last business day of fiscal 2013 – May 24, 2013. Other key assumptions used in compiling the tables are set forth immediately preceding them. In the event of an actual triggering event under any of the plans, agreements and arrangements discussed in this section, all benefits would be paid to the executive in accordance with, and at times permitted by, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Severance Pay Plan

We maintain a severance pay plan that provides severance guidelines for all salaried employees. Any benefits payable under the program are at the sole and absolute discretion of ConAgra Foods and for any particular employee, the company may elect to provide severance as suggested by the plan, or provide greater or lesser benefits. Ms. Batcheler and Messrs. Gehring and Maass are potentially covered by the plan. Under the plan, the severance guideline for individuals with base pay at or above $250,000 per year is payment of 52 weeks of salary continuation, plus one additional week of salary continuation for each year of continuous service prior to separation. The guidelines also provide that upon the former employee finding new employment, the company will provide him or her with a lump sum payment equal to 50% of the severance pay remaining. The other 50% would be forfeited. We are not required to make payments to any named executive officer under the severance plan if he or she is entitled to receive a severance payment under a change of control agreement (described below).

Messrs. Rodkin and Keck’s severance benefits would be paid in accordance with their agreements with the company, as further described below, and not the severance pay plan.

Agreements with Named Executive Officers

ConAgra Foods is party to an employment agreement with Mr. Rodkin and a letter agreement with Mr. Keck. In each case, the agreement addresses such matters as the executive’s salary, participation in our annual and long-term incentive plans and participation in employee and executive pension, 401(k) and welfare benefit plans and other benefit programs and arrangements. The agreements also address these executives’ severance benefits and right to participate in the company’s change of control benefit program.

Mr. Rodkin. The severance benefit provisions of our agreement with Mr. Rodkin are summarized in the following table. The definition of “Cause” in the agreement is action by Mr. Rodkin involving (1) willful malfeasance in connection with his employment having a material adverse effect on the company, (2) substantial and continuing refusal in willful breach of his agreement to perform the duties normally performed by an executive occupying his position when that refusal has a material adverse effect on the company or (3) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state. “Good Reason” in the agreement means (1) assignment of duties materially inconsistent with his position, (2) removal from, or failure to elect or re-elect Mr. Rodkin to his position (including his service on our Board), (3) reduction of his salary or annual target bonus opportunity in effect on the agreement’s date, (4) material breach by the company of the agreement or (5) a requirement that Mr. Rodkin be based at any office or location other than Omaha, Nebraska.

Since 2010, Mr. Rodkin has been early and normal retirement eligible under our non-qualified pension plan and under all welfare benefit and equity incentive plans and programs in which he is eligible to participate. We have therefore omitted discussion of the provisions of his agreement related to a voluntary separation from the company that does not include retirement or Good Reason.

Involuntary with CauseInvoluntary w/o Cause or Voluntary w/ Good ReasonRetirementDeath or Disability
SalaryPaid through month of terminationPaid through month of termination, plus lump sum equal to 24 additional monthsPaid through month of terminationPaid through month of the event
Annual
Incentive
Plan
Not eligible for a paymentPaid pro-rated award for the year of termination based on our actual results, plus lump sum equal to target bonus for the next two yearsIf approved by the HR Committee, a pro-rated award may be paid based on our actual resultsPaid a pro-rated amount based upon target (for death) or actual performance (for disability)
Performance
Shares
Unvested performance shares are forfeited“Retirement” treatment appliesPerformance shares earned based on our actual results are paid, but are pro-rated for the full years of completed service“Retirement” treatment applies in the case of disability; in the case of death, performance shares paid at target and pro-rated based on full years of completed service
Stock
Options
Options terminate; all unexercised options lapse“Retirement” treatment appliesFull vesting of all options, which remain exercisable for the remainder of their terms“Retirement” treatment applies
Non-
Qualified
CRISP
No benefits paid“Retirement” treatment appliesAccount balance paid based on participant’s advance election“Retirement” treatment applies
Non-
Qualified
Pension
No benefits paidSee discussion on pages 39 to 41. Benefit will take into account an additional 24 months of service at the salary in effect at termination and target bonusSee discussion on pages 39 to 41See discussion on pages 39 to 41
Health and
Welfare
Benefits
Benefits paid according to plan provisionsTwo years of coverage for executive and dependents unless he becomes entitled to equivalent coverage under a subsequent employer’s plan. “Retirement” treatment also availableUntil executive and spouse attain age 65, he and his covered dependents are entitled to COBRA-equivalent medical coverage, at his own expense“Retirement” treatment applies

Mr. Rodkin’s agreement provides that all cash payments are generally payable in a lump sum within fifteen days following termination of employment. However, payments under the annual incentive plan and the long-term incentive plan are payable following the end of the fiscal year or other performance period at the same time such payments are made to the other senior executive officers. If Mr. Rodkin is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal RevenueCode at the time of his separation, certain payments would be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.

Mr. Rodkin’s agreement provides him the right to participate in our change of control program as modified from time to time and provides minimum change of control benefits if a superior program is not then in place. The company

currently maintains a separate change of control program, discussed below. The agreement also provides that if benefits become payable under multiple plans, programs and agreements, the more favorable program terms must be applied.

Either party to the employment agreement may terminate the agreement at any time. Mr. Rodkin has agreed to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions extending one year after termination and confidentiality provisions.

Mr. Keck. Under Mr. Keck’s letter agreement with the company, he is provided with a severance benefit equal to 104 weeks (two years) of salary continuation. This amount is payable only in the event of termination for reasons other than “Cause” or a change of control of the company or if he terminates his employment within 45 days of the occurrence of “Good Reason”. The definition of “Cause” is materially the same as that in Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement and discussed above. “Good Reason” is defined in the agreement as (1) Mr. Keck no longer reporting to the chief executive officer or Chairman of the Board, (2) a significant contraction of Mr. Keck’s duties as set forth in the agreement, (3) a reduction of Mr. Keck’s base salary or annual incentive target in effect on the agreement’s date, or (4) Mr. Keck’s primary office moving to a location other than Omaha, Nebraska.

If Mr. Keck retires from the company with the consent of the Board or its HR Committee prior to being vested in the Qualified Pension, his options that are vested at the time of his separation will remain exercisable for the shorter of three years following his approved retirement and the original expiration date of the option.

With respect to a termination related to a change of control of the company, Mr. Keck’s severance would be governed by the change of control agreement described below.

Annual Incentive Plan (the “MIP”)

The following terms of the MIP govern the impact of specific separation events not covered by an individual agreement:

Involuntary termination due to position elimination: If a participant’s position is eliminated during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year (for business reasons not related to performance), he or she would remain eligible for award consideration. The amount of any earned award would be pro-rated for the number of days the individual was eligible to participate in the plan during the fiscal year. If a participant’s position is eliminated prior to the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, he or she will not be eligible to receive any portion of the award.

Termination due to retirement: If a participant retires (as defined in the Qualified Pension Plan) during the fiscal year, the participant will be eligible for a pro-rated award based on the number of days the individual was eligible to participate during the fiscal year.

Termination due to death: Any incentive payment for which a participant would have been eligible would be pro-rated to the date of death and paid to his or her estate.

Except as might otherwise be required by law, in the absence of one of the foregoing events (or a specific agreement with the company), a participant would forfeit his or her fiscal 2013 MIP award if he or she failed to be an active employee in good standing at the end of the fiscal year.

Any pro-rated award is based on actual performance for the fiscal year and is payable after the end of such fiscal year when payments are made to other participants.

The change of control agreements, described below, govern the payment of annual incentive awards in the event of a change of control.

Restricted Stock Units

When Mr. Keck was hired in 2010, the Committee granted him 40,000 restricted stock units as a sign-on inducement. These restricted stock units fully vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant, or earlier upon certain circumstances. Specifically, if Mr. Keck’s employment is terminated by the company for reasons other than “Cause” or a change in control, or if Mr. Keck terminates his employment within 45 days of the occurrence of “Good Reason” (with Cause and Good

Reason as defined in his letter agreement), the unvested restricted stock units will vest one-third for each full year of service on the grant date anniversary. See “– Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control– Agreements with Named Executive Officers” above for the definitions of “Cause” and “Good Reason” under Mr. Keck’s letter agreement.

During fiscal 2013, the Committee granted restricted stock units to three named executive officers who were instrumental to the acquisition of Ralcorp. The grants were in recognition of the significant time and effort these executives dedicated to successfully completing the transaction and were granted to the following named executive officers: Mr. Gehring, 4,601 restricted stock units; Ms. Batcheler, 4,601 restricted stock units; and Mr. Keck, 3,068 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest 100% one year after the date of grant of February 26, 2013. In the event of death, involuntary termination due to disability, position elimination or reduction in force (each of disability, position elimination or reduction in force shall be as determined in the company’s sole discretion) prior to February 26, 2014, all restricted stock units will vest on the date of such involuntary termination. In the event of termination for any other reason, all restricted stock units will be immediately forfeited.

In connection with increasing Mr. Maass’ scope of responsibility to include leading the company’s private brands and foodservice businesses in May 2013, the Committee granted him 15,000 restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest 100% three years after the date of grant of May 15, 2013. In the event of death or normal retirement, all restricted stock units will vest on the date of death or such normal retirement. In the event of early retirement, involuntary termination due to disability, position elimination or reduction in force (each of disability, position elimination or reduction in force shall be as determined in the company’s sole discretion) prior to May, 15, 2016, all restricted stock units will vest one-third for each full year of service on the grant date anniversary.In the event of termination for any other reason, all restricted stock units will be immediately forfeited.

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Performance Shares

The following terms of the performance share plan govern the impact of a separation from the company on the performance shares granted under the fiscal 2011 to 2013, fiscal 2012 to 2014, and fiscal 2013 to 2015 cycles of the performance share plan:

Termination for any reason other than death, disability or retirement: The participant forfeits all performance shares granted that have not been paid at the date of termination, whether the shares are earned as of that date or not. The HR Committee has the discretion to pay out some or all of the forfeited performance shares if they would have been earned based on performance and if it deems the action appropriate and in the best interests of the company.

Termination due to disability or retirement: Earned but unpaid performance shares are paid out as soon as reasonably practicable after the termination based on our actual performance for the performance period ending on or immediately before the event. No distribution would be made with respect to the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs, unless the date of termination is the last day of the applicable fiscal year.

Termination due to death: A payout would be made at targeted levels for outstanding performance shares, in each case pro-rated to reflect the number of full fiscal years in the performance period during which the employee was employed (for example, upon a June 15, 2013 death, a participant would have been eligible for a payout at actual performance for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 award, since the performance period ended prior to the death, and the participant would have been eligible for a payout at targeted levels for two-thirds of the total fiscal 2012 to 2014 award and one-third of the total fiscal 2013 to 2015 award).

Upon a change of control, the Board or HR Committee may exercise its discretion to pay a participant all or a portion of the outstanding performance shares. Change of control under this program has the same definition as in the change of control agreements described below.

Long-Term Incentive Plan – Stock Options

The following terms govern the impact of a separation from the company on outstanding stock options:

Termination for any reason other than death, disability or retirement: The participant forfeits all options unvested at the date of termination and would have 90 days to exercise vested options.

Termination due to disability: The participant forfeits all options that have not vested at the date of termination, and would have three years to exercise vested options.

Termination due to death: All unvested options would automatically vest and remain exercisable for three years following termination (but not beyond the end of the seven-year or ten-year term of such options).

Termination due to normal retirement: All unvested options would automatically vest and remain exercisable for three years following termination (but not beyond the end of the seven-year or ten-year term of such options). Upon an early retirement, the three-year exercise period for options would apply unless the Committee eliminated or shortened it, but only for vested options.

Each of the agreements evidencing outstanding awards of stock options provides that the vesting of the award will accelerate upon a change of control. The treatment of Mr. Rodkin’s equity awards and Mr. Keck’s initial restricted stock unit grant upon a separation is further governed by each individual’s agreement with the company.

Retirement Benefits

Our Qualified Pension, Non-Qualified Pension, Non-Qualified CRISP and Voluntary Deferred Comp plans contain provisions relating to the termination of the participants’ employment. These payments are described more fully in the disclosure provided in connection with the “Pension Benefits—Fiscal 2013” and “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation—Fiscal 2013” tables beginning on page 39. Benefits provided to Mr. Rodkin are further governed by his agreement with the company.

Change of Control Program

The change of control program for senior executives is designed to encourage management to continue performing its responsibilities in the event of a pending or potential change of control. During fiscal 2013, this program covered each of the named executive officers.

Generally, a change of control under these agreements occurs if one of the following events occurs:

Individuals who constitute the Board, which, for these purposes, we refer to as the Incumbent Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board. Anyone who becomes a director and whose election, or nomination for election, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board is considered a member of the Incumbent Board.

Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were our stockholders immediately prior to the transaction do not, immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company.

A liquidation or dissolution of the company or the sale of all or substantially all of the company’s assets.

The agreements provide that upon a change of control, ConAgra Foods may (at the sole and absolute discretion of the Board or HR Committee) pay each executive all or a pro-rated portion of the executive’s short and/or long-term incentive for the year in which the change of control occurs, and the terms of the company’s stock plan govern the treatment of equity awards upon a change of control. The agreements are otherwise double-trigger arrangements, requiring both a change of control event and a qualifying termination of employment to trigger benefits. A qualifying termination event occurs if, within three years of a change of control, (1) the executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated without “cause” or (2) the executive terminates his or her employment for “good reason.” Executives

entitled to severance benefits under a change of control agreement forfeit any severance compensation and benefits under our severance pay plan guidelines and receive the following:

a lump sum cash payment equal to a multiple of the executive’s base salary and annual bonus (calculated using the executive’s highest annual bonus for the three fiscal years preceding the change of control or the executive’s current target bonus, whichever is greater). The multiples range from one to three (three for each named executive officer);

continuation for three years of medical, dental, disability, basic and supplemental life insurance to the extent such benefits remain in effect for other executives, with premiums paid by the executive. ConAgra Foods must pay the executive a single lump sum payment equal to an amount to offset taxes plus the executive’s estimated cost to participate in the medical and dental plans;

benefits under our Non-Qualified Pension commensurate with the executive’s years of service, including an extra three years of service, and age (except for Mr. Rodkin, whose pension benefits are determined by his employment agreement). A lump sum equivalent to all benefits accrued for the executive will be placed in a segregated trust (that remains subject to the claims of our creditors) within 60 days following the termination of employment;

a supplemental benefit under our Non-Qualified CRISP plan equal to three times the maximum company contribution that the executive could have received under the Qualified CRISP and Non-Qualified CRISP in the year in which the change of control occurs; and

outplacement assistance not exceeding $30,000.

Generally, a termination for “cause” under the agreement requires (1) the willful failure by the executive to substantially perform his or her duties, (2) the willful engaging by the executive in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the company or (3) the executive’s conviction of a felony or misdemeanor that impairs his or her ability substantially to perform duties for the company. A right of the executive to terminate with “good reason” following a change of control is generally triggered by (1) any failure of the company to comply with and satisfy the terms of the change of control agreement, (2) a significant involuntary reduction of the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the executive immediately prior to the change of control, (3) any involuntary removal of the executive from an officer position held by the executive immediately prior to the change of control, except in connection with promotions, (4) any involuntary reduction in the aggregate compensation level of the executive, (5) requiring the executive to become based at a new location or (6) requiring the executive to undertake substantially greater amounts of business travel.

Certain payments to a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.

For agreements in place prior to July 2011, the agreements also entitle each executive to an additional payment, if necessary, to make the executive whole as a result of any excise and related taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on any change of control benefits received. If the safe harbor amount at which the excise tax is imposed is not exceeded by more than 10%, the benefits will instead be reduced to avoid the excise tax. The benefit reduction does not apply to Mr. Rodkin.

Following a review of market practices in July 2011, the Committee adopted a policy that any future change in control benefits should be structured without any excise tax gross-up protection. For example, if the company promotes or hires an individual to a position that is, in the Committee’s view, appropriate for change in control program participation, the individual does not become entitled to any excise tax gross-up protection. Although the Committee continues to believe in the importance of maintaining a change of control program, it believes that offering excise tax gross-ups in the future is inappropriate relative to best executive pay practices.

Each change of control agreement terminates, in the absence of a change of control, when the executive’s employment as a full-time employee of the company is terminated or the executive enters into a written separation agreement with the company. In addition, we may unilaterally terminate each agreement prior to a change of control following six months prior written notice to the executive.

Summary of Possible Benefits

The first table below summarizes estimated incremental amounts payable upon termination under various hypothetical scenarios. Mr. Hawaux voluntarily departed the company shortly after fiscal year-end, entitling him to a cash payout under the fiscal 2013 MIP of $745,800, reflecting a payout at 113% of target, and 90 days to exercise vested stock options. No other benefits were provided. He is therefore omitted from the following tables.

A second table summarizes estimated incremental amounts payable upon a hypothetical change of control and upon termination following a change of control. We have not included amounts payable regardless of the occurrence of the relevant triggering event. For example, we excluded accumulated balances in retirement plans when a terminating event would do nothing more than create a right to a payment of the balance. We also excluded death benefits where the executive paid the premium. The data in the tables assumes the following:

each triggering event occurred on May 24, 2013 (the last trading day of fiscal 2013) and the per share price of our common stock was $34.77 (the closing price of our stock on the NYSE on May 24, 2013);

with respect to salary continuation, if an executive did not have a right to salary continuation under a stand-alone agreement with the company, the severance pay plan guidelines applied;

with respect to the annual incentive plan, awards were earned at target levels and where the HR Committee had discretionary authority to award a payout, except in the cases of involuntary termination with cause and voluntary termination without good reason, it exercised that authority (including in the change of control scenario);

with respect to the annual incentive plan, in the case of an involuntary termination not for cause without a change of control, the termination was due to a position elimination in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter;

with respect to performance shares, awards were earned at target levels (these amounts also include a cash value of dividend equivalents on the number of shares assumed to have been earned);

with respect to performance shares in the change of control scenario, the Committee exercised its discretionary authority to award a pro-rata payout and did so at target levels;

Non-Qualified Pension amounts reflect the present value of benefits applicable in a scenario, less the present value of accrued benefits to which the executive was entitled under the plan at May 24, 2013;

in the normal retirement scenarios, an executive attained the normal retirement age of 65 by fiscal year end (except for Mr. Rodkin who is treated as being “normal retirement” eligible pursuant to his employment agreement with the company); and

in the disability scenarios, the disabling event lasted one year into the future.

   

Involuntary w/
Cause or Voluntary
w/o Good Reason

$

  

Involuntary w/o Cause
or Voluntary w/ Good
Reason

$

  

    Normal    

    Retirement    

$

  

Death or
Disability

$ (1)

 

Gary M. Rodkin

    

Salary Continuation

  15,068    2,215,068    15,068    15,068  

Annual Incentive Plan

  -    6,600,000    2,200,000    2,200,000  

Performance Shares

  -    7,701,381    7,701,381    7,701,381  

Accelerated Stock Options

  -    9,227,000    9,227,000    9,227,000  

Non-Qualified Pension

  -    4,814,545    -    -  

Benefits Continuation

  -    32,140    -    -  

Death Benefits

  -    2,870    -    1,000,000  

Disability Benefits

  -    2,491    -    575,000  

Total

  15,068    30,595,495    19,143,449    20,718,449  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    

John F. Gehring

    

Salary Continuation

  -    636,058    -    -  

Annual Incentive Plan

  -    525,000    525,000    525,000  

Performance Shares

  -    -    2,464,428    2,464,428  

Accelerated Stock Options

  -    -    2,952,640    2,952,640  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

  -    -    159,977    159,977  

Benefits Continuation

  -    15,579    -    -  

Death Benefits

  -    -    -    1,000,000  

Disability Benefits

  -    -    -    337,500  

Total

  -    1,176,637    6,102,045    7,439,545  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    

Colleen R. Batcheler

    

Salary Continuation

  -    513,077    -    -  

Annual Incentive Plan

  -    368,000    368,000    368,000  

Performance Shares

  -    -    1,848,304    1,848,304  

Accelerated Stock Options

  -     2,214,480    2,214,480  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

  -    -    159,977    159,977  

Benefits Continuation

  -    14,343    -    -  

Death Benefits

  -    -    -    920,000  

Disability Benefits

  -    -    -    305,000  

Total

  -    895,420    4,590,761    5,815,761  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    

Brian L. Keck

    

Salary Continuation

  -    1,050,000    -    -  

Annual Incentive Plan

  -    525,000    525,000    525,000  

Performance Shares Performance Shares

  -    -    2,464,428    2,464,428  

Accelerated Stock Options

  -    -    3,039,040    3,039,040  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

  -    927,200    1,497,474    1,497,474  

Benefits Continuation

  -    8,126    -    -  

Death Benefits

  -    -    -    1,000,000  

Disability Benefits

  -    -    -    337,500  

Total

  -    2,510,326    7,525,942    8,863,442  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    

Involuntary w/
Cause or Voluntary
w/o Good Reason

$

   

Involuntary w/o Cause
or Voluntary w/ Good
Reason

$

   

Normal
Retirement

$

   

Death or
Disability

$ (1)

 

Paul T. Maass

        

Salary Continuation

               -     876,923     -     -  

Annual Incentive Plan

   -     600,000     600,000     600,000  

Performance Shares

   -     -     1,393,373     1,393,373  

Accelerated Stock Options

   -     -     2,836,000     2,836,000  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

   -     -     521,550     521,550  

Benefits Continuation

   -     18,794     -     -  

Death Benefits

   -     -     -     1,000,000  

Disability Benefits

   -     -     -     375,000  

Total

   -     1,495,717     5,350,923     6,725,923  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        
 

1.      Amounts shown as benefits from the annual incentive plan and performance shares are payable in the event of death or disability. Amounts shown as benefits from accelerated stock options, accelerated restricted stock units and death benefits are paid only in the event of death and are not liabilities of the company. Payouts for death benefits will be made by the insurance company thatholds the policy. Amounts shown as disability benefits are payable only in the event of disability. All amounts are totaled for illustrative purposes only.

            

In the table that follows, if, following a change of control, any of Ms. Batcheler or Messrs. Gehring, Keck or Maass was terminated for “Cause” or voluntarily terminated employment without “Good Reason,” the individual would not receive any benefits incremental to those shown in the “No Termination” column. Mr. Rodkin would be entitled to salary continuation through the end of the month of the event.

Change of Control and:  No Termination ($)   Involuntary w/o Cause or
Voluntary w/ Good Reason ($)
 

Gary M. Rodkin

    

Salary Continuation

   -     3,315,068  

Annual Incentive Plan

   2,200,000     8,800,000  

Performance Shares

   7,701,381     7,701,381  

Accelerated Stock Options

   9,227,000     9,227,000  

Non-Qualified CRISP

   -     239,400  

Non-Qualified Pension

   -     4,814,545  

Benefits Continuation

   -     48,210  

Death/Disability Benefit

   -     8,042  

Outplacement

   -     30,000  

Excise Tax Gross-Up

   -     13,533,012  

Total

   19,128,381     47,716,659  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

John F. Gehring

    

Salary Continuation

   -     1,575,000  

Annual Incentive Plan

   525,000     2,100,000  

Performance Shares

   2,464,428     2,464,428  

Accelerated Stock Options

   2,952,640     2,952,640  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

   159,977     159,977  

Non-Qualified CRISP

   -     82,350  

Non-Qualified Pension

   -     397,118  

Benefits Continuation

   -     48,210  

Death/Disability Benefit

   -     8,042  

Outplacement

   -     30,000  

Excise Tax Gross-Up (1)

   -     3,348,181  

Total

   6,102,045     13,165,946  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change of Control and:  No Termination ($)   Involuntary w/o Cause or
Voluntary w/Good Reason ($)
 
    

Colleen R. Batcheler

    

Salary Continuation

   -     1,380,000  

Annual Incentive Plan

   368,000     1,472,000  

Performance Shares

   1,848,304     1,848,304  

Accelerated Stock Options

   2,214,480     2,214,480  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

   159,977     159,977  

Non-Qualified CRISP

   -     30,000  

Benefits Continuation

   -     47,442  

Death/Disability Benefit

   -     7,697  

Outplacement

   -     30,000  

Excise Tax Gross-Up (1)

   -     2,129,222  

Total

   4,590,761     9,319,122  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

Brian L. Keck

    

Salary Continuation

   -     1,575,000  

Annual Incentive Plan

   525,000     2,100,000  

Performance Shares

   2,464,428     2,464,428  

Accelerated Stock Options

   3,039,040     3,039,040  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

   1,497,474     1,497,474  

Non-Qualified CRISP

   -     84,105  

Benefits Continuation

   -     32,142  

Death/Disability Benefit

   -     8,042  

Outplacement

   -     30,000  

Excise Tax Gross-Up (1)

   -     3,320,663  

Total

   7,525,942     14,150,894  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

Paul T. Maass

    

Salary Continuation

   -     1,425,000  

Annual Incentive Plan

   600,000     2,400,000  

Performance Shares

   1,393,373     1,393,373  

Accelerated Stock Options

   2,836,000     2,836,000  

Accelerated Restricted Stock Units

   521,550     521,550  

Non-Qualified CRISP

   -     30,000  

Non-Qualified Pension

   -     146,071  

Benefits Continuation

   -     47,442  

Death/Disability Benefit

   -     8,042  

Outplacement

   -     30,000  

Excise Tax Gross-Up (1)

   -     4,547,702  

Total

   5,350,923     13,385,180  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1.As described on page 49, excise tax gross up payments for named executives other than Mr. Rodkin are triggered only when amounts exceed the Section 280G limit by greater than 10%.

Non-Employee Director Compensation

We use a combination of cash and equity-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Committee receives input from Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., its independent compensation consultant. It also considers the time commitment and skill level required to serve on our Board.

Non-Employee Director Compensation – Other than the Chairman

The following table summarizes the compensation programs for our non-employee directors other than the Chairman in effect during fiscal 2013:

Annual Cash Retainer

$85,000 per year

Annual Committee

Chair Retainer1

$15,000 for each Committee Chair

Meeting Fees

None, unless the director’s attendance is required at more than 24 total meetings in a year. A fee of $1,500 will be paid for each Board and Committee meeting attended and at which a director’s attendance was required in excess of 24 meetings.

Equity Compensation

A grant of restricted stock units with a value equal to $125,000.

1.     Excludes the Executive Committee. No retainer is paid for service to this Committee.

The number of restricted stock units is determined by dividing $125,000 by the average of the closing stock price of our common stock on the NYSE for the thirty trading days prior to the grant date (May 29, 2012 for fiscal 2013 (the first trading day of fiscal 2013)). Restricted stock units vested one year from the date of grant, and were subject to continued service during the entire term. Vesting is accelerated in the event of death or permanent disability or, in the event the director is no longer serving one year from the date of grant, vesting is prorated 25% for each fiscal quarter during which the director was serving on the first day of the fiscal quarter. Dividend equivalents are paid on the restricted stock units, and are paid at the regular dividend rate in shares of our stock.

Non-employee directors other than the Chairman who join the Board or who are elected to a Chairmanship after the start of the plan year are entitled to receive a pro-rated retainer, based on the actual number of days of service and a pro-rated restricted stock unit grant, based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year.

Compensation of the Non-Employee Chairman

In lieu of the elements described above, the Chairman’s pay for service during fiscal 2013 was a grant of restricted stock units with a value equal to $375,000, with the number of restricted stock units determined by dividing $375,000 by the average of the closing stock price of our common stock on the NYSE for the thirty trading days prior to the grant date of May 29, 2012 (the first trading day of fiscal 2013). The material terms of the restricted stock units are identical to those described above for non-employee directors other than the Chairman.

Director Stock Ownership Requirements

The Board has adopted stock ownership requirements for the non-employee directors. All non-employee directors, including the Chairman, are expected to acquire and hold shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during their tenure with a value of at least five times the amount of the annual cash retainer paid to non-employee directors other than the Chairman (in other words, $425,000). All directors must acquire this ownership level within five years following first election to the Board, or September 25, 2014, whichever is later. Shares personally acquired by the non-employee

directors through open market purchases, as well as restricted stock units, and shares acquired upon the deferral of fees are counted toward the ownership requirement. Unexercised stock options are not counted. The following table reflects non-employee director ownership as of July 31, 2013.

Director

    Stock Ownership

Guideline

     

 

Actual

Ownership (1)

  

  

Mr. Bay

    $425,000    $2,082,427  

Mr. Butler

    $425,000    $1,662,511  

Mr. Goldstone

    $425,000    $2,274,821  

Ms. Gregor

    $425,000    $1,049,225  

Mr. Johri

    $425,000    $803,444  

Mr. Jurgensen

    $425,000    $2,707,832  

Mr. Lenny

    $425,000    $770,436  

Ms. Marshall

    $425,000    $1,408,027  

Mr. Schindler

    $425,000    $877,481  

Mr. Stinson

    $425,000    $2,717,779  

1.     Based on the average daily price of our common stock on the NYSE for the 12 months ended July 31, 2013 ($31.478).

        

Other Non-Employee Director Compensation Programs

In addition to the cash payments and equity awards described above, all non-employee directors were entitled to participate in the following programs during fiscal 2013:

medical plan access, with the cost of the premium borne entirely by the director;

a matching gifts program, under which ConAgra Foods matches up to $10,000 of a director’s charitable donations per fiscal year;

a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, through which non-employee directors can defer receipt of their cash or stock compensation. This program does not provide above-market earnings (as defined by SEC rules); and

for directors elected to the Board prior to 2003, the Directors’ Charitable Award Program (which was discontinued in 2003). Participating directors nominate one or moretax-exempt organizations to which ConAgra Foods will contribute an aggregate of $1 million in four equal annual installments following the death of the director. ConAgra Foods maintains insurance on the lives of participating directors to fund the program.

Director Compensation Table – Fiscal 2013

Name

  Fees Earned

or Paid

in Cash

($)

   

 

 

Stock

Awards

($)(1)

  

  

  

  All Other

Compensation

($)(2)

   

 

Total

($)

  

  

Mogens C. Bay

  100,000   125,007    10,000   235,007  

Stephen G. Butler

  104,500   125,007    10,000   239,507  

Steven F. Goldstone.

  -   374,997    5,000   379,997  

Joie A. Gregor

  85,000   125,007    9,864   219,871  

Rajive Johri

  85,000   125,007    9,250   219,257  

W.G. Jurgensen

  85,000   125,007    -   210,007  

Richard H. Lenny

  85,000   125,007    10,000   220,007  

Ruth Ann Marshall

  85,000   125,007    10,000   220,007  

Andrew J. Schindler

  86,500   125,007    -   211,507  

Kenneth E. Stinson

  100,000   125,007    10,000   235,007  

1.This column reflects the grant date fair value (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of the stock awards made to non-employee directors during fiscal 2013. No awards of stock options were made to non-employee directors during fiscal 2013. At fiscal year-end, the aggregate number of outstanding stock awards and outstanding unexercised option awards held by each non-employee director was as set forth below:

Name    

Outstanding

Stock Awards Held

at FYE (#)

     

Outstanding

Stock Options Held

at FYE (#)

 

Mogens C. Bay

     4,867       69,000  

Stephen G. Butler

     4,867       69,000  

Steven F. Goldstone.

     14,600       482,850  

Joie A. Gregor

     4,867       15,000  

Rajive Johri

     4,867       21,750  

W.G. Jurgensen

     4,867       69,000  

Richard H. Lenny

     4,867       20,250  

Ruth Ann Marshall

     4,867       33,000  

Andrew J. Schindler

     4,867       33,000  

Kenneth E. Stinson

     4,867       69,000  

2.The amount reported reflects the amount paid to a designated charitable organization on the director’s behalf under the matching gifts program described above.

Information on Stock Ownership

Voting Securities of Directors, Officers and Greater Than 5% Owners

The table below shows the shares of ConAgra Foods common stock beneficially owned as of July 31, 2013 by: (1) owners of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (2) our current directors, (3) our “named executive officers” for purposes of this Proxy Statement, and (4) all current directors and executive officers as a group.

As discussed in this Proxy Statement, our directors and executive officers are committed to owning stock in ConAgra Foods. Both groups have stock ownership requirements that preclude them from selling any ConAgra Foods Common stock in the market (other than to cover the cost of the exercise price and minimum statutory tax withholding) until they have enough shares to meet and maintain their stock ownership guidelines pre- and post-sale.

To better show the financial stake of our directors and executive officers in the company, we have included a “Share Units” column in the table. The column, which is not required under SEC rules, shows deferred shares owned by non-employee directors through the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and deferred shares owned by executive officers through the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. Although these shares

will ultimately be settled in shares of common stock, they currently have no voting rights, nor will they be settled within 60 days of July 31, 2013.

Name    Number of Shares
Owned (4)
   Right to
Acquire
  Percent
of Class
     Share Units 

BlackRock, Inc. (1)

     22,840,973      -     5.4%       N/A  

State Street Corporation (2)

     23,589,760      -     5.6%       N/A  

Mogens C. Bay

     62,205    (5   61,975    (6  *       -  

Stephen G. Butler

     35,905    (5   61,975    (6  *       12,960  

Steven F. Goldstone

     14,489      488,492    (6  *       46,494  

Joie A. Gregor

     8,000      1,975    (6  *       21,382  

Rajive Johri

     -      23,725    (6  *       21,574  

W.G. Jurgensen

     52,180      70,975    (6  *       29,893  

Richard H. Lenny

     10,126      22,225    (6  *       10,399  

Ruth Ann Marshall

     4,647      34,975    (6  *       36,134  

Gary M. Rodkin

     664,655      4,958,488    (7  1.3%       195,534  

Andrew J. Schindler

     1,800      34,975    (6  *       22,126  

Kenneth E. Stinson

     82,389      61,975    (6  *       -  

John F. Gehring

     160,103      536,000    (7  *       -  

Colleen R. Batcheler

     88,609      252,000    (7  *       -  

Brian L. Keck

     14,978      314,667    (7  *       -  

Paul T. Maass

     49,828      284,000    (7  *       -  

Andre J. Hawaux (3)

     150,742    (5   -    (7  *       13,632  
All Directors and Current Executive
Officers as a Group (20 people)(3)
     1,407,747         7,609,522    (7  2.1%       396,851  

*      Represents less than 1% of common stock outstanding.

         

1.     Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on February 8, 2013, which Schedule specifies that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all of these shares. BlackRock’s address is listed on the Schedule 13G/A as: 40 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022.

         

2.     Based on a Schedule 13G filed by State Street Corporation and various subsidiaries with the SEC on February 11, 2013, which Schedule specifies that State Street Corporation has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to all of these shares. State Street’s address is listed on the Schedule 13G as: State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111

          

3.     Mr. Hawaux ceased to be an executive officer on May 2, 2013 and voluntary departed the company shortly after the fiscal year end. His shares are not included in the “All Directors and Current Executive Officers as a Group” calculation.

         

4.     For executive officers and directors, reflects shares that have been acquired through one or more of the following: (a) open market purchases, (b) vesting or exercise of share-based awards and (c) crediting to defined contribution plan accounts.

         

5.     For Mr. Bay, consists of 62,205 shares as to which he shares voting and investment power with his spouse. For Mr. Butler, includes 6,000 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his spouse, who resides with him. For Mr. Hawaux, includes 550 shares held by his spouse, who resides with him.

         

6.     Reflects shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 31, 2013 through the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units.

         

7.     Reflects shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 31, 2013 through the exercise or vesting of the following: Mr. Rodkin, 4,958,488 options; Mr. Gehring, 536,000 options; Ms. Batcheler, 252,000 options; Mr. Keck, 288,000 options and 26,667 restricted stock units; Mr. Maass, 284,000 options; and current executive officers not individually named in this table, 401,100 options.

          

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% owners are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of copies of these reports furnished to us or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that during fiscal 2013, all required reports were filed on a timely basis.

Audit / Finance Committee Report

The Audit / Finance Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the company, (2) the qualifications, independence and performance of the company’s independent auditor and internal audit department, and (3) compliance by the company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit / Finance Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website.

ConAgra Foods’ management is responsible for the company’s financial reporting process and internal controls. The independent auditor is responsible for performing an independent audit of the company’s consolidated financial statements, issuing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and assessing the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit / Finance Committee oversees the company’s financial reporting process and internal controls on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The Audit / Finance Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditor. The Audit / Finance Committee reviews the company’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements, and other filings with the SEC. The Audit / Finance Committee reviews reports on various matters, including: (1) critical accounting policies of the company; (2) material written communications between the independent auditor and management; (3) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures; (4) significant changes in the company’s selection or application of accounting principles; and (5) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives on the financial statements of the company. The Audit / Finance Committee also has the authority to conduct investigations within the scope of its responsibilities and to retain legal, accounting and other advisors to assist the Audit / Finance Committee in its functions.

During the last fiscal year, the Audit / Finance Committee met and held discussions with representatives of ConAgra Foods management, its internal audit staff, and KPMG LLP, independent auditor. Representatives of financial management, the internal audit staff, and the independent auditor have unrestricted access to the Audit / Finance Committee and periodically meet privately with the Audit / Finance Committee. The Audit / Finance Committee reviewed and discussed with ConAgra Foods’ management and KPMG the audited financial statements contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013.

The Audit / Finance Committee also discussed with the independent auditor the matters required to be discussed by the auditor with the Audit / Finance Committee under the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (relating to communication with audit committees) as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit / Finance Committee also reviewed and discussed with KPMG its independence and, as part of that review, received the written disclosures required by applicable professional and regulatory standards relating to KPMG’s independence from ConAgra Foods, including those of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board pertaining to the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit / Finance Committee concerning independence. The Audit / Finance Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services provided by KPMG to the company during fiscal 2013 was compatible with the auditor’s independence.

Based on these reviews and discussions, and the report of the independent auditor, the Audit / Finance Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 26, 2013 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. Audit / Finance Committee

Stephen G. Butler, Chair

Rajive Johri

Richard H. Lenny

Andrew J. Schindler

Voting Item #2: Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Auditor for Fiscal 2014

The Audit / Finance Committee has appointed KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as our independent auditor for fiscal 2014 to conduct the audit of our financial statements. KPMG LLP has conducted the audits of our financial statements since fiscal 2006. The Audit / Finance Committee and the Board of Directors request that the stockholders ratify this appointment.

Representatives from KPMG are expected to be present at the annual meeting. The representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. In the event the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit / Finance Committee will reconsider the appointment. Even if the appointed auditor is ratified, the Audit / Finance Committee may appoint a different independent auditor at any time if, in its discretion, it determines that such a change would be in the company’s and its stockholders’ best interests.

Fees billed by KPMG for services provided for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

   Fiscal 2013     Fiscal 2012   
  

  Audit Fees

  $7,423,000     $5,508,000  

  Audit-Related Fees

  83,000     105,000  

  Tax Fees

  217,000     3,000  

  All Other Fees

  6,000     69,000  
  

 

    

 

 

 

  Total Fees

  $7,729,000      $5,685,000  

Audit Fees consist of the audits of our fiscal years 2013 and 2012 annual financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements during fiscal years 2013 and 2012. Amount for fiscal year 2013 includes audit fees related to the acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings and related financings.

Audit-Related Feesin fiscal years 2013 and 2012 consisted of other attestation services.

Tax Feesin fiscal years 2013 and 2012 consisted of tax consultation and tax compliance services.

All Other Feesin fiscal year 2013 consisted of a license for accounting research software. All Other Fees in fiscal year 2012 consisted of services related to review of prescription drug contract compliance and a license for accounting research software.

The Audit / Finance Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor. The Audit / Finance Committee will periodically grant general pre-approval of categories of audit and non-audit services. Any other services must be specifically approved by the Audit / Finance Committee, and any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit / Finance Committee. In periods between Audit / Finance Committee meetings, the Chairman of the Audit / Finance Committee has the delegated authority from the Committee to pre-approve additional services, and his pre-approvals are then communicated to the full Audit / Finance Committee at its next meeting.

The Audit / Finance Committee approved 100% of the services performed by KPMG relating to audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees during fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the Ratification of the Appointment of KPMG LLP as

Independent Auditor for Fiscal 2014.

Voting Item #3: Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation

Consistent with our stockholders’ preference as indicated at our 2011 Annual Meeting, our stockholders are given an opportunity to vote, on a non-binding advisory basis, to approve the compensation of our named executive officers on an annual basis.

The 2013 vote is not intended to address any specific item of our compensation program, but rather to address our overall approach to the compensation of our named executive officers as we have described it in the “Executive Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement, beginning on page 15. At the 2012 Annual Meeting, our stockholders approved the compensation of our named executive officers, with over 89% of shares cast voting in favor of approving such compensation, following an almost 87% approval in 2011. While this vote is advisory and not binding on our company, the Board and the HR Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and expect to consider the outcome of the vote, along with other relevant factors, when considering named executive officer compensation decisions after the 2013 Annual Meeting.

We are asking our stockholders to once again indicate their support for the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this Proxy Statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the executive compensation program and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, we are asking our stockholders to vote to approve the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion in this Proxy Statement, is hereby APPROVED.”

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the Resolution Approving the Compensation of our

Named Executive Officers.

Voting Item #4: Stockholder Proposal Regarding Bylaw Change to Vote Counting

Investor Voice, 2206 Queen Anne Ave. N., Suite 402, Seattle, WA, 98109, beneficially owns 127 shares of Common Stock of the company and has given notice that a representative intends to present for action at the meeting the following proposal:

“RESOLVED, Shareholders of ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra” or “Company”) hereby ask the Board of Directors to amend the Company’s governing documents to provide that all matters presented to shareholders shall be decided by a simple majority of the shares voted FOR and AGAINST an item (or, “withheld” in the case of board elections). This policy shall apply to all matters unless shareholders have approved higher thresholds, or applicable laws or stock exchange regulations dictate otherwise.”

Supporting Statement:

ConAgra is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC dictates a specific vote-counting standard for the purpose of establishing eligibility for resubmission of shareholder-sponsored proposals. This formula is the votes cast FOR, divided only by the FOR plus AGAINST votes.

ConAgra does not follow this SEC Standard, but instead determines results by the votes cast FOR a proposal, divided by the FOR votes, AGAINST votes, and ABSTAIN votes.

ConAgra’s proxy states (for shareholder-sponsored proposals) that abstentions “will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.”

Using ABSTAIN votes as ConAgra does counters a hallmark of democratic voting — honoring voter intent. Thoughtful voters who choose to abstain should not have their choices arbitrarily and universally switched to oppose a matter.

Three Considerations:

[1] Abstaining voters consciously act to abstain — to have their vote noted, but not counted. Yet, ConAgra unilaterally counts all abstentions as against a Proposal (irrespective of the voter’s intent).

[2] Abstaining voters have consciously chosen to not follow management’s recommendation against a shareholder-sponsored item. Despite this, ConAgra ignores voter intent and unilaterally counts all abstentions to side with management.

[3] Further, we observe that ConAgra follows the SEC Standard (that this proposal requests) for director elections. In these cases, the Company excludes abstentions, stating they “are not treated as votes cast” — which boosts the vote-count for management-nominated directors.

However, when it comes to shareholder-sponsored proposals, ConAgra changes course, and does not follow the SEC Standard; instead, the Company switches to a different formula that includes abstentions. This depresses (and therefore harms) the vote-count for every shareholder-sponsored proposal, regardless of topic.

In Closing:

These practices fail to respect voter intent, are arbitrary, and run counter to core principles of fairness and democracy.

A system that is internally inconsistent is confusing, can harm shareholder best-interest, and unfairly empowers management at the expense of stockholders.

ConAgra tacitly acknowledges the inequity of these practices when it applies the SEC Standard to board elections, while applying a different formula that invariably lowers the vote on shareholder-sponsored proposals.

This Proposal calls for the democratic, fair, and consistent use — across-the-board — of the SEC Standard, while allowing flexibility for different thresholds where required.

Therefore, please vote FOR this common-sense governance Proposal that ensures fair vote-counting at ConAgra.

Board’s Statement in Opposition to this Proposal

Our corporate governance policies and practices are designed to ensure that the company is governed in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and in the best interests of its stockholders. We consider every proposed governance change carefully, taking into account company-specific facts and circumstances, together with stockholder input. We also consider the possible interaction among governance features, including recently implemented or proposed corporate governance changes, in order to avoid unintended consequences to the company and our stockholders.

In recent years, we have taken several steps to change our corporate governance policies as corporate governance standards have evolved. These actions include, but are not limited to: declassifying our Board of Directors; removing supermajority voting requirements in our Certificate of Incorporation; and implementing a majority voting standard in uncontested director elections, along with a resignation policy for incumbent directors who do not receive a majority vote. Under our current bylaws, stockholder voting matters other than director elections are decided by a majority vote of all shares represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present, unless a higher standard is required by law. This voting standard is consistent with the default voting standard established by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, where we are incorporated. The General Corporate Law of the State of Delaware also allows, in all matters other than the election of directors and certain other fundamental matters, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter to decide the matter. For matters that require a majority vote of all shares represented in person or by proxy at a meeting, abstentions, because they are not voted “for” a matter, have the practical effect of a vote against the matter under both our current bylaws and the default voting standard established by Delaware law.

We believe that our current majority voting standard is consistent with current corporate governance best practices and helps to protect against actions by short-term or private interest-driven stockholders who may, at times, pursue narrow agendas irrespective of the greater corporate good. The purpose of our majority voting standard is not to preclude change, but rather to ensure that fundamental changes to our corporate governance procedures occur only when there is a broad consensus of stockholders.

Additionally, this stockholder proposal has been drafted in a misleading manner. The stockholder proposal requests that we adopt a so-called “SEC Standard;” however, no such general standard exists for stockholder voting matters. Rather, the “SEC Standard” referenced by the stockholder proposal is not a general standard and applies only to a very specific area of stockholder voting, i.e., calculating votes for the purpose of attempting to exclude stockholder proposals that have previously been submitted for a stockholder vote pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In fact, general stockholder voting standards are governed by state law and, as outlined above, the stockholder voting standards contained in our bylaws are consistent with the default standards under Delaware law. This voting standard applies to stockholder proposals as well as management proposals (other than the election of directors). As a result, we believe that the current stockholder voting standard contained in our bylaws is consistent with applicable state law and corporate governance best practices and that the adoption of the proposed stockholder resolution is unnecessary because it would not result in any additional benefit to our stockholders.

We have also reviewed voting matters that have been presented to our stockholders over the past seven years and note that in no circumstance would application of the proposed voting standard have impacted the outcome of the vote from a failure to a passage, or vice versa.

For these reasons, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal #4.

Proxies given without instructions will be voted “AGAINST” this stockholder proposal.

Additional Information

Information About the 2013 Annual Meeting

Revoking a Proxy.

You can revoke your proxy before your shares are voted if you (1) are the record owner of your shares and submit a written revocation to our Corporate Secretary at or before the meeting (mail to: ConAgra Foods, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102), (2) submit a timely later-dated proxy (or voting instruction card if you hold shares through a broker, bank or


1


nominee), or (3) provide timely subsequent Internet or telephone voting instructions. You may also attend the meeting in person and vote in person, subject to the legal proxy requirement noted aboveon page 1 for street name owners.

For Participants in the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan.

If you hold shares in the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan, your voting instruction card covers the shares credited to your plan account. The plan’s trustee must receive your voting instructions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 21, 2010.24, 2013. If the plan trustee does not receive your instructions by that date, the trustee will vote the shares held by the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan in a single block in accordance with the instructions received with respect to a majority of the shares for which instructions are received.

Proxy Solicitation

We have engaged Georgeson Shareholder ServicesInnisfree M&A Incorporated as our proxy solicitor for the annual meeting at an estimated cost of approximately $9,500$9,000 plus disbursements. Our directors, officers and other employees may also solicit proxies in the ordinary course of their employment. ConAgra Foods will bear the cost of the solicitation, including the cost of reimbursing brokerage houses and other custodians for their expenses in sending proxy materials to you.

Quorum

To hold the meeting a quorum must be present.

A majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on the record date must be present in person or by proxy at the meeting to constitute a quorum. The inspectors of election intend to treat properly executed proxies marked “abstain” as “present” for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved. The inspectors will also treat proxies held in “street name” by brokers where the broker indicates that it does not have authority to vote on one or more of the proposals coming before the meeting (“broker non-votes”) as “present” for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved.

Vote Requirements and Manner of Voting Proxies

Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock on all matters presented at the meeting.

If a quorum is present:

 

We will hold an election of directors.directors. Each outstanding share is entitled to cast one vote for each director position. A director will be elected if he or she receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in the election. An incumbent director nominee who does not receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in the election is required to tender his or her resignation to the Board, and the resignation will be accepted or rejected by the Board as more fully described in the “Corporate Governance” section of this proxy statement.Proxy Statement. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast and therefore will not affect the outcome of the election of directors.

Important Note on the Election of Directors: The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) recently changed its rules on broker voting (for shares held in street name). Your broker, bank or other nominee can no longer vote your shares unless you provide it with voting instructions. If you hold ConAgra Foods shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee, your shares willnotbe voted in the election of directors. Your vote is important to us, so please return your voting instruction card.

 

We will vote on ratification of the appointment of the independent auditor.auditor for fiscal 2014. The appointment of the independent auditor for fiscal 20112014 will be ratified if approved by a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will be counted; they will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Because the ratification of the appointment of the independent auditor is considered a “routine” matter, there will be no broker non-votes with respect to the matter.

We will vote on the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of our named executive officers’ compensation. The non-binding advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the company’s named

executive officers, as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and tabular compensation disclosure in this Proxy Statement will be considered adopted if approved by a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions will be counted; they will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Broker non-votes will be disregarded.disregarded and therefore will not affect the outcome of the votes on this matter.

We will vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly brought before the meeting. The stockholder proposal will be approved if the proposal receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will be counted; they will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Broker non-votes will be disregarded and therefore will not affect the outcome of the votes on this matter.

The shares represented by all valid proxies received by Internet, by telephone or by mail and not properly revoked will be voted in the manner specified. Where specific choices are not indicated, the shares represented by all valid proxies received will be votedvoted: “For” eachthe election of all of the nominees for director named in this Proxy Statement; “For” the ratification of the appointment of our independent auditor for fiscal 2014; “For” the resolution to approve the compensation of the company’s named executive officers; and “Against” the stockholder proposal. If any matter not described above


2


is properly presented at the meeting, the proxy gives authority to the persons named on the proxy cardProxy Card to vote as recommended by the Board of Directors on such other matters.

Attendance at the Meeting

Only stockholders of record as of

Admission to the close of business on August 2, 2010 and their guests will be able to attend the meeting. Admissionmeeting will be by ticket or confirming bank/brokerage statement only, and those attending the meeting must bring some form of government-issued photo identification.

If your ConAgra Foods shares are registered in your name, the top half of your Proxy Card or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is your admission ticket.

If your ConAgra Foods shares are registered in your name and you received your proxy materials electronically, your admission ticket is a print-out of the e-mail that links you to the materials.

•      If your ConAgra Foods shares are registered in your name and you received your proxy materials by mail, your admission ticket is the top half of your proxy card.
•      If your ConAgra Foods shares are registered in your name and you received your proxy materials electronically, your admission ticket is a print-out of thee-mail that links you to the materials.
•      If your ConAgra Foods shares are held in a bank or brokerage account, bring a recent bank or brokerage statement to the meeting showing that you owned ConAgra Foods common stock on August 2, 2010.

If your ConAgra Foods shares are held in street name (through a bank or brokerage account), bring a recent bank or brokerage statement to the meeting showing that you owned ConAgra Foods common stock on July 31, 2013.

Multiple Stockholders Sharing an Address

We are allowed to deliver a single annual reportAnnual Report and proxy statementProxy Statement to a household at which two or more stockholders reside when we believe those stockholders are members of the same family. Accordingly, unless you elected to participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials, we will deliver to you only one copy ofWe believe this rule benefits everyone. It eliminates duplicate mailings that stockholders living at the same address receive, and it reduces our annual reportprinting and proxy statement until we receive instructions that you prefer multiple mailings.mailing costs. You will continue to receive individual proxy cards for each registered account. This procedure reduces duplicate mailings and saves printing costs and postage fees, as well as natural resources. If you receive a single set of proxy materials but prefer to receive separate copies for each registered account in your household, please contact our agent, Broadridge, at:1-800-542-1061, or in writing at: Broadridge Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Broadridge will remove you from the householding program within 30 days after it receives your request, following which you will begin receiving an individual copy of the material.material for each registered account. You can also contact Broadridge at the phone number or address above if you received multiple copies of the proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future.


3


Voting Securities of Directors, Officers and Greater Than 5% Owners
The table below shows the shares of ConAgra Foods common stock beneficially owned as of August 2, 2010 by: (1) owners of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (2) our current directors, (3) our “named executive officers” for purposes of this proxy statement, and (4) all current directors and executive officers as a group. A person has beneficial ownership of shares if he or she has or shares voting or investment power over the shares, or the right to acquire that power within 60 days of August 2, 2010.
Our directors and executive officers are committed to owning stock in ConAgra Foods. Both groups have stock ownership requirements that preclude them from selling any ConAgra Foods stock in the market until they have enough shares to meet and maintain their stock ownership guidelines pre- and post-sale.
•      All non-employee directors other than the Chairman are expected to acquire and hold at least 15,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during their tenure.
•      The Chairman is expected to acquire and hold at least 50,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during his tenure.
•      Each executive officer has a Board-established stock ownership guideline stated as a multiple of the individual’s salary.
More information on our stock ownership guidelines can be found on pages 6 and 32.
To better show the financial stake of our directors and executive officers in the company, we have included a “Share Units” column in the table. This column, which is not required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), shows deferred shares owned by non-employee directors through the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and deferred shares owned by executive officers through the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. Although these shares will ultimately be settled in shares of common stock, they currently have no voting rights, nor will they be settled within 60 days of August 2, 2010.
                 
  Number of Shares
          
  Owned
  Right to
  Percent
    
Name
 (3)  Acquire  of Class  Share Units 
 
BlackRock, Inc. (1)  29,182,637      6.6%  NA 
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
                
State Street Corporation (2)
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
  23,002,115      5.2%  NA 
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
                
Mogens C. Bay  36,100 (5)  87,000 (6)  *   
Stephen G. Butler  19,800 (5)  69,000 (6)  *  10,230 
Steven F. Goldstone  14,600   391,818 (6)  *  3,850 
Joie A. Gregor     21,000 (6)  *  4,330 
Rajive Johri     21,750 (6)  *  4,502 
W.G. Jurgensen  35,600   78,000 (6)  *  26,886 
Richard H. Lenny  4,050   20,250 (6)  *   
Ruth Ann Marshall  4,350   33,000 (6)  *  10,552 
Gary M. Rodkin  535,812   3,980,000 (6)  1.0%  175,411 
Andrew J. Schindler  1,800   33,000 (6)  *  4,999 
Kenneth E. Stinson  47,600   87,000 (6)  *   
Colleen R. Batcheler  16,258   152,000 (7)  *   
John F. Gehring  118,300 (5)  404,883 (7)  *   
Andre J. Hawaux  129,494 (5)  516,000 (7)  *  9,826 
Peter M. Perez (4)  111,744   190,000 (7)  *   
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   182,732 (5)  998,000 (7)  *   
All Directors and Current Executive Officers as a Group (17 people) (4)  1,220,676   7,219,229 (7)  2.0%  250,904 
Represents less than 1% of common stock outstanding.


4


1.Based on a Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. with the SEC on January 29, 2010, which Schedule specifies that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all of these shares.
2.Based on a Schedule 13G filed by State Street Corporation and various subsidiaries with the SEC on February 12, 2010, which Schedule specifies that State Street Corporation has shared voting power with respect to 23,002,115 of these shares, shared dispositive power with respect to all of these shares and sole voting and dispositive power with respect to none of these shares.
3.For executive officers and directors, reflects shares that have been acquired through one or more of the following: (a) open market purchases, (b) vesting or exercise of share-based awards, and (c) crediting to defined contribution plan accounts.
4.Mr. Perez ceased to be an executive officer on October 30, 2009 and resigned prior to the fiscal year-end. His shares are not included in the “All Directors and Current Executive Officers as a Group” calculation.
5.For Mr. Bay, includes 36,100 shares as to which he shares voting and investment power with his spouse. For Mr. Butler, includes 6,000 shares held in a trust for the benefit of his spouse, who resides with him. For Mr. Gehring, includes 2,500 shares as to which he shares voting and investment power with his spouse. For Mr. Hawaux, includes 550 shares held by his spouse, who resides with him. For Mr. Sharpe, includes 12,000 shares held in trust.
6.Reflects shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of August 2, 2010 through the exercise of stock options.
7.Reflects shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of August 2, 2010 through the exercise or vesting of the following: Ms. Batcheler, 152,000 options; Mr. Gehring, 404,883 options; Mr. Hawaux, 516,000 options; Mr. Perez, 190,000 options; Mr. Sharpe, 998,000 options; and executive officers not individually named in this table, 320,900 options and 5,628 restricted stock units.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% owners are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of copies of these reports furnished to us or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that during fiscal 2010, all required reports were filed on a timely basis.
Corporate Governance
ConAgra Foods’ business is managed under the direction of our Board of Directors, which currently has 11 members. The Board of Directors is committed to performing its responsibilities in a manner consistent with sound governance practices. In recent months, there has been significant publicity surrounding the recently enacted financial reform legislation known as the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.” Many of the corporate governance practices that the legislation seeks to promote have already been adopted by the ConAgra Foods Board. Whether mandated to do so by legislation or not, the ConAgra Foods Board will continue to review and refine its governance practices to ensure its processes support informed, competent and independent oversight on behalf of stockholders. Some key practices currently in place include the following:
Annual Elections for Directors. To promote greater accountability to stockholders, all of our directors stand for election annually.
Majority Voting in Director Elections. In uncontested elections, each director nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting for that director. If an incumbent nominee is not elected, he or she is required to promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors. The Board will act on the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days after the certification of the election results.
Separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our Chairman of the Board is an independent, non-employee director. See “Board Leadership Structure” below for more information.


5


Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Senior Leadership. Directors and senior leaders across the company are subject to stock ownership guidelines. All non-employee directors other than the Chairman of the Board are expected to acquire and hold at least 15,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during their tenure. The Chairman of the Board is expected to acquire and hold at least 50,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock during his or her tenure. All must acquire these within five years following election to the Board, or September 25, 2014, whichever is later. Senior leaders across the company are subject to stock ownership guidelines that are set as a multiple of the leader’s salary. For our Chief Executive Officer, Gary Rodkin, that level is six times his salary. See page 33 for a summary of the current stock holdings of our named executive officers compared to their individual ownership requirements.
No “Poison Pill” Rights Plan. We have not had a “poison pill” stockholder rights plan since 2004, when it was terminated by our Board of Directors.
Commitment to Sustainable Business Practices. In 2009, we published our inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, which addressed issues such as our performance in minimizing our impact on the environment, our commitment to food safety and quality, employee relations matters, our corporate giving focus and a wide range of other important topics related to the sustainability of our business practices. The company expects to publish an updated Corporate Responsibility Report in September 2010, which will be available on our website.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Board of Directors believes that independent Board leadership is a critical component of our governance structure. Our Corporate Governance Principles require us to have either an independent Chairman of the Board or a lead independent director if the positions of Chairman and CEO are held by the same person. Since 2005, our Chairman and CEO roles have been separate, and the Board continues to believe that this structure is appropriate at this time. By separating the roles of the Chairman and CEO, our CEO can focus his time and energy on setting the strategic direction for the company, overseeing daily operations, engaging with external constituents, developing our future leaders, and promoting employee engagement at all levels of the organization. Meanwhile, our independent Chairman leads the Board in the performance of its duties by establishing agendas and ensuring appropriate meeting content, engaging with the CEO and senior leadership team between Board meetings on business developments, and providing overall guidance to our CEO as to the Board’s views and perspectives, particularly on the strategic direction of the company.
If the positions of Chairman and CEO are held by the same person in the future, our Corporate Governance Principles provide that the Board will select a lead director from the among the independent directors.
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
Our senior leadership is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing the company’s exposure to risk. A component of this work is performed through a management Risk Oversight Committee, chaired by our Senior Vice President and Treasurer. However, our Board of Directors and its committees play an active role in overseeing management’s activities. The Board and its committees perform this oversight through the following mechanisms:
Board Presentations Address Risk. Each fiscal year, a full Board meeting is set aside for a discussion of our strategic plan and the risks and opportunities facing the company. At other times of the year, our Board receives reports from each significant business unit and function. These presentations include a discussion of the business, regulatory, operational and other risks associated with planned strategies and tactics, as well as succession planning matters. The Board is also responsible for appointing the membership of management’s Risk Oversight Committee.
Audit Committee Oversight. Our Audit Committee provides oversight for management’s handling of the company’s financial risks. For example, its Charter requires the Committee to review our processes for assessing and controlling derivative and treasury risk. The Audit Committee also oversees our management of


6


financial risk through, among other things, reviewing our significant accounting policies and the activities of management’s Risk Oversight Committee, maintaining direct oversight of our Internal Audit function, holding regular executive sessions with our independent auditors, our CFO and Controller, and our head of Internal Audit, and receiving regular legal and regulatory updates. The Chair of the Audit Committee reports on the Committee’s activities to the full Board.
Human Resources Committee Oversight. The Human Resources Committee reviews the company’s leadership development activities to ensure appropriate succession planning is occurring, and also reviews the relationship between the company’s compensation programs and risk. The Chair of the Human Resources Committee reports on the Committee’s activities to the full Board.
Nominating and Governance Committee Oversight. The Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board in managing risks associated with Board organization, membership and structure. It also assists management in the oversight of reputational risks for the company. The Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee reports on the Committee’s activities to the full Board.
Board Meetings and Attendance
The Board of Directors meets on a regularly scheduled basis and holds an executive session without management present at every regularly scheduled meeting. The Chairman of the Board presides at all meetings, including executive sessions. During fiscal 2010, the Board met eight times (five regular meetings and three special meetings) and acted by unanimous written consent once. Each Board member’s goal is to attend every meeting scheduled. However, from time to time a Board member becomes unable to attend a scheduled Board or committee meeting due to unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances, or scheduling conflicts when special meetings are called on short notice. In this instance, the company provides the director with the agenda and a copy of the materialsStockholder Proposals to be presented at the meeting. The company requests input from the absent director for the benefit of the other directors, shares that input with the rest of the Board, and provides an update to the absent director on decisions taken by the Board following the meeting. All members attended at least 75% of the total number of Board and committee meetings that required their attendance in fiscal 2010, except Mr. Jurgensen who attended slightly less than that percentage. Mr. Jurgensen attended substantially all Board meetings during fiscal 2010 but was unable to attend certain committee meetings due to unavoidable conflicts. The high number of special meetings called on short notice contributed to this aggregate percentage and Mr. Jurgensen missed satisfying the attendance threshold by only two meetings. Mr. Jurgensen has been a director since 2002 and he has attended all Board and committee meetings held during fiscal 2011 that required his attendance. As described above, updates on matters covered at meetings missed during fiscal 2010 were provided to Mr. Jurgensen.
Our Board members are encouraged to attend the annual stockholders’ meeting. All nominees who were serving at the time of the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders attended the meeting.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors is composed of a substantial majority of independent directors. The Board has established independence standards for company directors that are listed in the Corporate Governance Principles available on our website athttp://investor.conagrafoods.comthrough the “Corporate Governance” link.
The Board has determined that directors Bay, Butler, Goldstone, Gregor, Johri, Jurgensen, Lenny, Marshall, Schindler and Stinson have no material relationship with ConAgra Foods and are independent within the meaning of our independence standards. These individuals, in the groups identified in the discussion below, are the only members of our Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, and Human Resources Committee. In making these independence determinations, the Board applied the NYSE listing


7


standards and the categorical independence standards contained in the Corporate Governance Principles. The Board considers even immaterial relationships in its decision-making process, to ensure a complete view of each director’s independence. This year, the Board considered that Mr. Bay is the Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc. One of our subsidiaries was a customer for immaterial levels of environmental engineering services from an affiliate of Valmont Industries, Inc. on an arms-length basis and in the ordinary course of business during fiscal 2010. Applying the NYSE listing standards and the Corporate Governance Principles, the Board determined that there are no transactions, relationships or arrangements that would impair the independence or judgment of any of the directors deemed independent by the Board.
In addition to satisfying our independence standards, each member of the Audit Committee must satisfy an additional SEC independence requirement that provides that the member may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from us or any of our subsidiaries other than his or her director’s compensation and may not be an “affiliated person” of ConAgra Foods. Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies this additional independence requirement.
Corporate Governance Materials Available on Our Website
To learn more about our governance practices, you can review any of the following listed documents athttp://investor.conagrafoods.comthrough the “Corporate Governance” link:
•      Corporate Governance Principles
•      Corporate Responsibility Report
•      Code of Conduct, our commitment to our longstanding standards for ethical business practices
•      Code of Ethics for Senior Corporate Officers
•      Audit Committee Charter
•      Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
•      Human Resources Committee Charter
•      Procedures for bringing concerns or complaints to the attention of the Audit Committee
From time to time these documents are updated, and we promptly post amended documents to our website. The documents are also available in print to any stockholder who requests them from the Corporate Secretary. The information on our website is not, and will not be deemed to be, a part of this Proxy Statement or incorporated into any of our other filings with the SEC.
Interested parties may communicate with our Board of Directors or the Chairman by writing to: ConAgra Foods Board of Directorsc/o Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc., Box 2000, One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. Communications will be compiled by the Corporate Secretary and forwarded to the Board or individual director addressee on at least a bi-weekly basis. The Corporate Secretary will routinely filter communications that are solicitations, consumer complaints, unrelated to ConAgra Foods or ConAgra Foods’ business or reasonably determined to pose a possible security risk to the addressee.
Board Committees
Currently, our Board of Directors has four standing committees: Audit Committee, Executive Committee, Human Resources Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee.


8


The Executive Committee met once during fiscal 2010. The committee generally has the authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors between meetings. Its membership consists of Directors Butler, Goldstone, Rodkin and Stinson. Mr. Goldstone chairs the committee.
Nominating and Governance CommitteeIdentifies qualified candidates for membership on the Board
Three meetings in fiscal 2010Proposes to the Board a slate of directors for election by the stockholders at each annual meeting
Proposes to the Board candidates to fill vacancies on the Board
Mogens C. Bay, Chair
Rajive Johri
W.G. Jurgensen
Considers and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the size and functions of the Board and the various Board committees
Ruth Ann Marshall
Andrew SchindlerConsiders and makes recommendations to the Board concerning corporate governance policies
Assesses the independence of Board members
Advises management on internal and external factors and relationships affecting our image and reputation
Director Nomination Process. The Nominating and Governance Committee considers candidates for Board membership suggested by its members and other Board members, as well as by management and stockholders. The Committee may also retain a third-party executive search firm to identify candidates from time to time. A stockholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for Board membership should notify our Corporate Secretary in writing at least 120 days before the annual stockholders’ meeting and include whatever supporting material the stockholder considers appropriate. The Nominating and Governance Committee will also consider nominations by a stockholder according to the provisions of our bylaws relating to stockholder nominations as described under “Proposals for 2011 Annual Meeting” at the end of this proxy statement.
The Nominating and Governance Committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the candidate once a prospective nominee has come to its attention. This initial determination is based on any information provided to the Committee and on additional information available to or obtained by the Committee. The preliminary determination is based primarily on the need for additional Board members to fill vacancies or expand the size of the Board and the likelihood that the prospective nominee can satisfy the evaluation factors described below. If the Committee determines that additional consideration is warranted, it may request a third-party search firm or other third parties to gather additional information about the prospective nominee. The Committee may also elect to interview a prospective candidate, in person or by telephone. The evaluation process for nominees recommended by stockholders does not differ.
The Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates each prospective nominee against the standards and qualifications set out in the Corporate Governance Principles, including, but not limited to: (1) background, including demonstrated high standards of ethics and integrity, the ability to have sufficient time to effectively carry out the duties of a director, and the ability to represent all stockholders and not a particular interest group; (2) Board skill needs, taking into account the experience of current Board members, the candidate’s ability to work toward business goals with other Board members, and the candidate’s qualifications as independent and qualifications to serve on various committees of the Board; (3) diversity, including the extent to which the candidate reflects the composition of our stockholders and other constituencies; and (4) business experience, which should reflect a broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government or education. Additionally, as part of this evaluation and to further our commitment to diversity, the Nominating and Governance Committee assesses whether the nominees, as a group, collectively represent a diversity of views, backgrounds, and experiences that will enhance the Board’s and our company’s effectiveness.


9


After completing its evaluation process, the Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board as to the persons who should be nominated, and the Board determines the nominees after considering the Committee’s recommendations.
Human Resources Committee
Seven meetings in fiscal 2010
Reviews, evaluates and approves compensation plans and programs for the company’s directors, executive officers and significant employees
Steven Goldstone
Joie A. Gregor
Ruth Ann Marshall
Kenneth E. Stinson, Chair
Annually reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation and evaluates the CEO’s performance in light of these goals and objectives
Reviews directly or with the full Board, succession plans for all senior positions
Reviews and discusses with the full Board whether the company’s compensation programs for employees generally are designed in a manner that creates incentives for employees to take inappropriate or excessive risk
Has sole authority to retain and terminate any consultant or outside advisor, including the sole authority to approve any such consultant’s or advisor’s fees and other terms of engagement
The Human Resources Committee has retained authority over the consideration and determination of executive and director compensation, subject only to the further involvement of the Chairman and the other independent directors with respect to the approval of the overall compensation for non-employee directors and of the compensation level of the Chief Executive Officer. Additional information on the role of executive officers and the Committee’s compensation consultant can be found in the “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” later in this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. The individuals listed in the table above served on our Human Resources Committee during fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010, none of the current or former executive officers of ConAgra Foods served on the compensation committee (or equivalent), or the Board of Directors, of another entity whose executive officer(s) served on the Human Resources Committee or Board of Directors of ConAgra Foods.
Audit Committee  
Twelve meetings in fiscal 2010
Oversees the integrity of the company’s financial statements and reviews annual and quarterly SEC filings and earnings releases
Stephen G. Butler, Chair
Rajive Johri
W.G. Jurgensen
Richard H. Lenny
Andrew J. Schindler
Receives reports on matters including critical accounting policies of the company, significant changes in the company’s selection or application of accounting principles and the company’s internal control processes
Has sole authority to retain the independent auditor and reviews the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditor and internal audit department
Pre-approves audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor
Reviews the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Board has determined that all five members of the Audit Committee (each of whom is independent) are qualified as audit committee financial experts within the meaning of SEC regulations.


10


Related Party Transactions. The Audit Committee has adopted a written policy regarding the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions. Under the policy, all related party transactions must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee unless circumstances make pre-approval impracticable. In the latter case, management is allowed to enter into the transaction, but the transaction remains subject to ratification by the Committee at its next regular in-person meeting. In determining whether to approve or ratify a related party transaction, the Audit Committee will take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the company and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director is permitted to participate in any approval of a related party transaction for which he or she is involved. On at least an annual basis, the Committee reviews and assesses ongoing related party transactions to determine whether the relationships remain appropriate. All related party transactions are disclosed to the full Board of Directors.


11


Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the company, (2) the qualifications, independence and performance of the company’s independent auditor and internal audit department, and (3) compliance by the company with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website.
ConAgra Foods’ management is responsible for the company’s financial reporting process and internal controls. The independent auditor is responsible for performing an independent audit of the company’s consolidated financial statements, issuing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and assessing the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee oversees the company’s financial reporting process and internal controls on behalf of the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee has sole authority to retain, compensate, oversee and terminate the independent auditor. The Audit Committee reviews the company’s annual audited financial statements, quarterly financial statements, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee reviews reports on various matters, including: (1) critical accounting policies of the company; (2) material written communications between the independent auditor and management; (3) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures; (4) significant changes in the company’s selection or application of accounting principles; and (5) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives on the financial statements of the company. The Audit Committee also has the authority to conduct investigations within the scope of its responsibilities and to retain legal, accounting and other advisors to assist the Audit Committee in its functions.
During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee met and held discussions with representatives of ConAgra Foods management, its internal audit staff, and KPMG LLP, independent auditor. Representatives of financial management, the internal audit staff, and the independent auditor have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee and periodically meet privately with the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with ConAgra Foods’ management and KPMG the audited financial statements contained in the company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2010.
The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent auditor the matters required to be discussed by the auditor with the Audit Committee under the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (relating to communication with audit committees) as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed with KPMG its independence and, as part of that review, received the written disclosures required by applicable professional and regulatory standards relating to KPMG’s independence from ConAgra Foods, including those of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board pertaining to the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services provided by KPMG to the company during fiscal 2010 was compatible with the auditor’s independence.
Based on these reviews and discussions, and the report of the independent auditor, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2010 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. Audit Committee
Stephen G. Butler, Chair
Rajive Johri
W.G. Jurgensen
Richard H. Lenny
Andrew J. Schindler


12


Non-Employee Director Compensation
We use a combination of cash and equity-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on our Board of Directors. In setting director compensation, the Human Resources Committee receives input from its independent compensation consultant. It also considers the time commitment and skill level required to serve on our Board. For fiscal 2010, non-employee directors other than the Chairman of the Board were entitled to receive the following:
•      An annual cash retainer of $50,000 (based on service from the 2009 annual stockholders’ meeting to the 2010 annual stockholders’ meeting). The Chair of each committee other than the Executive Committee was entitled to an additional annual cash retainer of $25,000.
•      Meeting fees of $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and each committee meeting attended at which attendance was required.
•      An annual grant of 3,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock and options to acquire 15,000 shares of ConAgra Foods common stock (in each case, based on service from the 2009 annual stockholders’ meeting to the 2010 annual stockholders’ meeting), which was granted at the time of the 2009 annual stockholders meeting (September 25, 2009). All options have an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, a ten-year term and are vested six months after the date of grant.
Non-employee directors other than the Chairman who serve less than the full12-month period between stockholders’ meetings are entitled to receive a pro-rated retainer, pro-rated stock award and pro-rated option award, in each case, based on actual months of service. All non-employee directors other than the Chairman of the Board are expected to acquire and hold at least 15,000 shares of our common stock during their tenure. All must acquire their applicable number of shares within five years following first election to the Board, or September 25, 2014, whichever is later.
In lieu of the elements described above, the Chairman’s pay for service from the 2009 annual stockholders’ meeting to the 2010 annual stockholders’ meeting was 10,000 unrestricted shares of our common stock and non-statutory options to acquire 82,456 shares of our common stock. The equity awards were calculated in a manner to deliver a total opportunity to the Chairman of approximately $500,000 and the number of options granted was based on the Black-Scholes value of the options on the date of grant consistent with our accounting expense methodology. The options have an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant (September 25, 2009), a ten-year term and vested six months from the date of grant. The Chairman is expected to acquire and hold at least 50,000 shares of our common stock during his tenure, and to acquire such shares by September 25, 2014.
In addition to the cash payments and equity awards described above, all non-employee directors were entitled to participate in the following programs:
•      A medical plan, with the cost of the premium borne entirely by the director;
•      A matching gifts program, under which ConAgra Foods matches up to $10,000 of a director’s charitable donations per calendar year;
•      A non-qualified deferred compensation plan, through which non-employee directors can defer receipt of their cash or stock compensation. This program does not provide above-market earnings (as defined by SEC rules); and
•      For directors elected to the Board prior to 2003, the Directors’ Charitable Award Program (which was discontinued in 2003). Participating directors nominate one or more tax-exempt organizations to which ConAgra Foods will contribute an aggregate of $1 million in four equal annual installments upon the death of the director. ConAgra Foods maintains insurance on the lives of participating directors to fund the program.


13


The table below sets forth the compensation elements described above that were paid to the non-employee directors of the company for fiscal 2010:
Director Compensation Table — Fiscal 2010
                     
  Fees Earned
  Stock
  Option
  All Other
    
  or Paid
  Awards
  Awards
  Compensation
  Total
 
Name in Cash($)  ($)(1)  ($)(1)  ($)(2)  ($) 
 
Mogens C. Bay  91,500   64,410   51,900      207,810 
Stephen G. Butler  106,500   64,410   51,900      222,810 
Steven F. Goldstone     214,700   285,298   1,000   500,998 
Joie A. Gregor  72,500   64,410   51,900   7,350   196,160 
Rajive Johri  80,000   64,410   51,900      196,310 
W.G. Jurgensen  77,000   64,410   51,900      193,310 
Richard H. Lenny  77,000   64,410   51,900   5,000   198,310 
Ruth Ann Marshall  74,000   64,410   51,900   9,500   199,810 
Andrew J. Schindler  81,500   64,410   51,900      197,810 
Kenneth E. Stinson  99,000   64,410   51,900      215,310 
1.These columns reflect the grant date fair value (computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation— Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”)) of the stock and option awards made to each non-employee director. The grant date fair values of the option awards were estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: an expected life of the options of 7.82 years, an expected volatility of 22.04%, a risk-free interest rate of 3.18% and a dividend yield of 3.95%.
At fiscal year-end, the aggregate number of outstanding unexercised option awards held by each non-employee director was as set forth below (all stock awards granted were fully vested at fiscal year-end):
           
  Outstanding
    Outstanding
 
  Stock Options Held
    Stock Options Held
 
Name at FYE (#)  Name at FYE (#) 
 
Mogens C. Bay  96,000  W.G. Jurgensen  78,000 
Stephen G. Butler  69,000  Richard H. Lenny  20,250 
Steven F. Goldstone  391,818  Ruth Ann Marshall  33,000 
Joie A. Gregor  21,000  Andrew J. Schindler  33,000 
Rajive Johri  21,750  Kenneth E. Stinson  96,000 
2.The amount reported reflects the amount paid to a designated charitable organization on the director’s behalf under the matching gifts program described above.


14


Proposal #1: Election of Directors
Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of eleven members. The following individuals were recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee and nominated by the Board of Directors to stand for election at the meeting and to serve until their term expires at the next annual meeting of stockholders. Each is a current member of the Board whose term of office expires at the meeting. In case any nominee becomes unavailable for election to the Board of Directors for any reason not presently known or contemplated, the proxy holders will have discretionary authority in that instance to vote the proxies for a substitute.
MOGENS C. BAY – Director since December 12, 1996
Mr. Bay (61 years of age) has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc. (products for water management and infrastructure) since January 1997. He is also a director of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. In deciding to nominate Mr. Bay to the Board, the Board considered Mr. Bay’s service as Chief Executive Officer of Valmont for over 17 years and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont for over 13 years; his extensive experience in management, global operations and manufacturing and his significant expertise in U.S. and international business operations.
STEPHEN G. BUTLER – Director since May 16, 2003
Mr. Butler (62 years of age) served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG LLP (national public accounting firm) from 1996 to June 2002. He is a director of Cooper Industries, Ltd. and Ford Motor Company. In deciding to nominate Mr. Butler to the Board, the Board considered Mr. Butler’s expertise in accounting and finance and knowledge of a wide range of U.S. and international business practices based on a34-year career with KPMG. He also has significant experience in operations, marketing and human resources through serving as managing partner of several KPMG offices and ultimately serving as Chairman and CEO of KPMG-USA, and provides valuable insights to the consumer markets based on his directorships at Ford Motor Company and Cooper Industries, Ltd.
STEVEN F. GOLDSTONE – Director since December 11, 2003
Mr. Goldstone (64 years of age) has served as non-executive Chairman of the ConAgra Foods Board since October 1, 2005. He has been a manager of Silver Spring Group (private investment firm) since 2000. From 1999 to 2000, Mr. Goldstone served as Chairman of Nabisco Group Holdings (food company). Mr. Goldstone is a director of Merck & Co., Inc. and Greenhill & Co., Inc. Mr. Goldstone also served as a director of Trane Inc. from 2002 until 2008. In deciding to nominate Mr. Goldstone, the Board considered his extensive management, operational and financial expertise, as well as his track record of achievement and sound judgment as demonstrated by his tenure as Chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco, Inc. (consumer product company). Further, his experience on the Boards of other public companies provides him with broad experience on strategic and governance issues facing public companies.
JOIE A. GREGOR – Director since February 6, 2009
Ms. Gregor (60 years of age) served as assistant to the President for presidential personnel under President George W. Bush. Previously, Ms. Gregor served as Vice Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (executive search firm) from 2002 until 2007. From 1993 until 2002 she served in a number of senior leadership roles with that firm, including President, North America, managing partner of the firm’s Global Board of Directors Practice and managing partner of the New York office. In deciding to nominate Ms. Gregor, the Board considered her significant experience in the assessment and recruitment of corporate executives and senior officials as well as her extensive management and leadership experience.


15


RAJIVE JOHRI – Director since January 1, 2009
Mr. Johri (60 years of age) served as President and Director of First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), from 2006 until 2009. From September 2005 to June 2006, he served as President of First National Credit Cards Center for FNBO. Prior to that, he served as an Executive Vice President for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank from 1999 until 2004. Mr. Johri served as a director of Charter Communications, Inc. from 2006 until 2009. In deciding to nominate Mr. Johri, the Board considered his significant experience in finance, accounting and banking as well as his substantial international and domestic business and management experience. The Board also considered his proven business skills in having led the turnaround of the credit card business of FNBO and the transformation of that bank into a high-performing organization.
W.G. JURGENSEN – Director since August 2, 2002
Mr. Jurgensen (59 years of age) served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Nationwide Financial Insurance Services, Inc. (insurance) from 2000 to 2009. He also served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of several other companies within the Nationwide enterprise, which is comprised of Nationwide Financial, Nationwide Mutual, Nationwide Mutual Fire and all of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Mr. Jurgensen is a director of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. In deciding to nominate Mr. Jurgensen, the Board considered his extensive experience in strategic development and risk assessment for the Nationwide companies as well as his considerable management, operational, accounting and financial expertise.
RICHARD H. LENNY – Director since March 17, 2009
Mr. Lenny (58 years of age) served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Hershey Company (manufacturer of confectionery and snack products), from 2001 through 2007. Prior to joining Hershey, Mr. Lenny was group vice president of Kraft Foods and President, Nabisco Biscuit and Snacks, following Kraft’s acquisition of Nabisco in 2000. He joined Nabisco in 1998 from the Pillsbury Company where he was president of Pillsbury, North America. Mr. Lenny is a director of McDonald’s Corporation and Discover Financial Services. Mr. Lenny also served as a director of The Hershey Company from 2001 until 2007 and Sunoco, Inc. from 2002 until 2006. In deciding to nominate Mr. Lenny to the Board, the Board considered Mr. Lenny’s experience as a chief executive officer for a global retail food company that is a major consumer brand. His skills include knowledge of strategy and business development, finance, marketing and consumer insights, supply chain management and distribution, sustainability and other social responsibility matters.
RUTH ANN MARSHALL – Director since May 23, 2007
Ms. Marshall (56 years of age) was President of the Americas, MasterCard International (payments industry) from October 1999 until her retirement in June 2006. She is a director of Global Payments Inc. and Pella Corporation. Ms. Marshall also served as a director of Trane Inc. from 2003 until 2008. In deciding to nominate Ms. Marshall to the Board, the Board considered Ms. Marshall’s broad marketing, account management, customer service and product development experience as well as significant domestic and international experience in growing business at MasterCard domestically and internationally.
GARY M. RODKIN – Director since October 1, 2005
Mr. Rodkin (58 years of age) has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since October 1, 2005. Previously, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America (consumer products and manufacturing) from February 2003 to June 2005. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America in 2002, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi-Cola North America from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Rodkin is a director of Avon Products, Inc., the Grocery Manufacturers of America and Boys Town. In deciding


16


to nominate Mr. Rodkin to the Board, the Board considered Mr. Rodkin’s career building leading consumer brands and contributions to key marketing, financial and operations expertise to the Company as well as his broad-based business expertise and corporate leadership skills.
ANDREW J. SCHINDLER – Director since May 23, 2007
Mr. Schindler (66 years of age) served R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. (tobacco products) as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2004 and Reynolds American, Inc. (tobacco products) as Chairman from July 2004 until his retirement in December 2005. Mr. Schindler achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Army, where he held command and staff positions in the United States and in Vietnam. He is a director of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. and Hanesbrands, Inc. Mr. Schindler also served as a director of ArvinMeritor, Inc. from 2004 until 2008, Reynolds American Inc. from 2004 until 2005 and Pike Electric Corporation from 2006 until 2007. In deciding to nominate Mr. Schindler, the Board considered Mr. Schindler’s strong leadership, risk-management, marketing, operations, strategic-change, and personnel-development skills.
KENNETH E. STINSON – Director since December 12, 1996
Mr. Stinson (67 years of age) is Chairman of the Board of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. (construction and mining). He served as Chief Executive Officer of Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc. from 1998 until 2004. Mr. Stinson is a director of Kiewit Investment Fund LLLP, Valmont Industries, Inc. and McCarthy Group, L.L.C. In deciding to nominate Mr. Stinson to the Board, the Board considered Mr. Stinson’s sound management, operations and leadership experience as well as his experience on the boards of other public companies, which provides him with broad experience on governance issues facing public companies.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the listed nominees.


17


Proposal #2: Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Auditor
The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as our independent auditors for fiscal 2011 to conduct the audit of our financial statements. KPMG LLP has conducted the audits of our financial statements since fiscal 2006. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors request that the stockholders ratify this appointment.
Representatives from KPMG are expected to be present at the annual meeting. The representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. In the event the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment. Even if the appointed auditor is ratified, the Audit Committee may appoint a different independent auditor at any time during fiscal 2011 if, in its discretion, it determines that such a change would be in the company’s and its stockholders’ best interests.
Fees billed to us by KPMG for services provided for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
         
  Fiscal 2010  Fiscal 2009 
 
Audit Fees $5,605,000  $5,842,700 
Audit-Related Fees  20,000   7,000 
Tax Fees      
All Other Fees  5,000   5,250 
         
Total Fees $5,630,000  $5,854,950 
Audit Feesconsist of the audits of our fiscal years 2010 and 2009 annual financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements during fiscal years 2010 and 2009.
Audit-Related Feesin fiscal years 2010 and 2009 consisted of other attestation services.
All Other Feesin fiscal years 2010 and 2009 related to a license for accounting research software.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee will periodically grant general pre-approval of categories of audit and non-audit services. Any other services must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee, and any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee. In periods between Audit Committee meetings, the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the delegated authority from the Committee to pre-approve additional services, and his pre-approvals are then communicated to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.
The Audit Committee approved 100% of the services performed by KPMG relating to audit fees, audit-related fees and all other fees during fiscal years 2010 and 2009.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal #2.


18


Executive Compensation
The following Compensation Discussion & Analysis, or CD&A, describes how, for fiscal 2010, the Human Resources Committee and Board of Directors designed the executive compensation program and set individual pay for the executive officers named in the compensation tables beginning on page 34. We refer to the Human Resources Committee as the Committee throughout the CD&A. Fiscal 2010 began June 1, 2009 and ended May 30, 2010.
Compensation Discussion & Analysis
The primary focus of the ConAgra Foods executive compensation program is to encourage and reward behavior that promotes attainment of our annual and long-term business goals. Those goals are set by management, under the oversight of the Board of Directors, and are designed to promote sustainable growth in stockholder value. As stockholders themselves, our leaders are keenly focused on achieving these goals. The executive compensation programs for fiscal 2010, and the three-year period beginning with fiscal 2010, align with this approach.
Executive Summary
On May 30, 2010, we concluded a successful fiscal 2010, during which the company exceeded its earnings forecast and continued to build an organization capable of delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its stockholders. This executive summary reviews not only the economic environment existing at the start of the fiscal year, which informed the Committee’s decisions regarding compensation opportunities for our senior leaders, but also the accomplishments during the year that impacted the actual compensation earned by that group.
In June 2009, which was the start of our fiscal 2010, we faced challenges, but remained optimistic about our business’ potential. The overall economic downturn was creating difficult business conditions. Consumers were looking for value in grocery stores, and eating out less. This was particularly troublesome for our Commercial Foods business, whose key customers are within the hard-hit foodservice industry. However, as a company, we were gaining momentum, particularly within our Consumer Foods business. That business was generating significant cost savings through supply chain efficiencies, which was creating the fuel for reinvestmentIncluded in our brands. In addition, by combining innovation and value, and placing a strong focus on sales execution and marketing, the business was keeping pace with changing consumer needs and wants. Consumer Foods began fiscal 2010 having recently grown both share across a variety of key categories, andyear-over-year2014 Proxy Statement operating profit.
We were also starting fiscal 2010 focused on a well defined set of long-term, strategic priorities developed through an analysis of where we have a “right to win,” because of our own skills and strengths, and an understanding of the potential for the categories in which our products compete. We had announced to investors the following product categories as areas of strategic focus:
Strategic Product Category:
Key Brands and Businesses:
Convenient mealsHealthy Choice,Marie Callender’s,BanquetandChef Boyardee
PotatoesLamb WestonandAlexia
SnacksOrville Redenbacher’s,Slim Jim, DAVIDand private label snack bars
Meal EnhancersHunt’s,Ro*Tel,ManwichandRosarita
Specialty PortfolioReddi-Wip,PAM,Egg Beaters,Hebrew Nationaland ConAgra Mills
As we began fiscal 2010, therefore, our priorities were clear. In the near term, we needed to build on the momentum within our Consumer Foods business, and use it to more than offset the challenges that the Commercial Foods segment was expected to face in light of a sluggish and slow-recovering foodservice sector. Also, our Chief Executive Officer, Gary Rodkin, challenged the organization to place an intense focus on


19


increasing operating cash flows. We announced fiscal 2010 performance expectations of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in the range of $1.63 to $1.66 per share, excluding items impacting comparability.
From a longer-term perspective, we were focused on growing our company in a manner aligned with our strategic product categories; we use the categories to inform our investment decisions — regarding time, money and expertise. We also reiterated the following long-term financial goals:
•      Annual sales growth of 3% to 4% per year over the long-term;
•      Annual earnings per share, or EPS, growth (after adjusting for items impacting comparability) of 8% to 10% per year over the long-term;
•      Strong operating cash flows to fund investments; and
•      Return on invested capital, or ROIC, after adjusting for items impacting comparability, approaching 13% to 14% over the long term.
Our short- and long-term goals were incorporated into the fiscal 2010 incentive programs approved by the Committee:
            Incentive ProgramPerformance Measures for Fiscal 2010
•      Fiscal 2010 ConAgra Foods, Inc. profit before tax at a level approximately correlated to diluted EPS of $1.64
   Short-TermManagement Incentive Plan•      The ability to reduce awards based on the quality of the profit delivery, management’s success in achieving operating cash flow improvements, and individual performance
Stock Options•      Stock price appreciation
   Long-TermPerformance Share Program•      Three-year goals for growth in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and return on average invested capital (ROAIC)
Fiscal 2010 Accomplishments
In light of the significant economic challenges facing the industry and broader economy, fiscal 2010 was a successful year for ConAgra Foods. We captured the momentum that began in the second half of fiscal 2009 and over-delivered on our original profit forecast. There were a number of accomplishments during the year. Highlights include the following:
•      We raised our EPS guidance after the start of the year, and then delivered diluted EPS of $1.74, on a comparable basis (GAAP results of $1.67 per share), which is almost 15% growth on a comparable basis;
•      We achieved very strong operating cash flow of $1.4 billion;
•      We delivered more than $300 million of cost savings from our Consumer Foods supply chain, an over-delivery versus our plan;
•      We kept a tight focus on core overhead costs;
•      We deliveredyear-over-year unit and dollar market share growth in our Consumer Foods segment, with innovation, strong marketing and selling excellence all playing key roles;
•      We invested in a new,state-of-the-art sweet potato production facility in Delhi, Louisiana, creating jobs and a growth opportunity for our Lamb Weston business;
•      We announced a new, multi-year share buyback program of $500 million and increased our dividend; and


20


•      We significantly increased our level of employee engagement, as measured by surveys conducted by third-parties, as we continued to invest in developing our people.
The Committee recognized these accomplishments in authorizing the payouts under our fiscal 2008 to 2010 long-term incentive plan and fiscal 2010 management incentive plan discussed later in this CD&A. As fiscal 2011 begins, our leadership is optimistic about our company’s potential to continue to deliver value for our stockholders.
What are the Objectives of ConAgra Foods’ Compensation Program?
Our executive compensation program is designed to encourage and reward behavior that promotes sustainable growth in stockholder value. The Committee believes that for the overall program to do so, it must accomplish four objectives:
•      Reward performance and align with stockholders,to inspire and reward behavior that promotes sustainable growth in stockholder value without creating unnecessary or excessive risks to the company.
•      Remain reasonably competitive within comparable industry markets to aid talent attraction and retention,because the achievement of our strategic plans requires us to attract and retain talented leaders who have the skills, vision and experience to lead our company.
•      Create internal pay equity, recognizing that individual pay will reflect differences in performance, responsibilities and market considerations, but that programs should be sufficiently similar to promote decisions that better the company as a whole.
•      Promote and reward long-term commitment,and longevity of career with ConAgra Foods.
The Committee believes that designing the compensation program with multiple objectives in mind mitigates the risk that employees will take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the long-term health and viability of the company. With the assistance of management (human resources, legal and financial personnel), and the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, over the past several months the Committee undertook a comprehensive risk review of our compensation programs for employees generally to confirm its view. As a result of this review, we have concluded that our employees are not incented to take actions that may conflict with our long-term best interests. For example, our programs:
•      focus employees on both short- and long-term financial goals;
•      consider a mix of financial and non-financial goals to assess performance so as to not over-emphasize any one metric;
•      employ a greater portion of fixed pay (i.e., salaries) at less senior levels of the organization; even our most senior leaders other than the CEO receive at least 20% of pay in the form of salary;
•      cap maximum incentive opportunities;
•      require stock ownership for approximately 200 of our most senior employees; and
•      are overseen by the Committee and Board who have a range of processes and controls in place to enable diligent and prudent decision-making.
In sum, we believe our compensation policies and practices are balanced and do not encourage excessive risk-taking that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company. We believe our compensation programs encourage and reward prudent business judgment and appropriate risk-taking over the long term.


21


How is the Executive Compensation Program Designed and Approved?
The Committee considers a variety of factors when designing the compensation program and setting pay, including:
•      company and individual performance, and its expectations for these factors;
•      external and internal pay comparisons;
•      an individual’s pay history;
•      the general business environment in which compensation decisions are being made;
•      the level of risk-taking the program rewards;
•      practices and developments in compensation design; and
•      the potential complexity of a program, preferring programs that are easily administered and transparent to stockholders.
The Committee relies on the expertise of an independent compensation consultant, which it engages directly, to assist it in obtaining and reviewing information relevant to compensation decisions. After a thorough interviewing process during which the Committee evaluated several compensation consulting firms, in February 2010, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. was engaged as the Committee’s consultant.
The independence and performance of the consultant are of the utmost importance to the Committee. As a result, the Committee maintains a policy that prevents management from directly engaging the consultant for significant projects without the prior approval of the Committee Chair. The Committee previously used the services of Towers Watson, formerly Towers Perrin, to provide advice and recommendations on executive and director compensation. Towers Perrin had been the Committee’s consultant for over seven years. In December 2009, Towers Perrin merged with Watson Wyatt, which management had engaged from time to time for various purposes. While the Committee was confident in the independence of Towers Perrin, the Committee believed it was prudent to change its consultant to maintain independence for future engagements. Given the focused scope of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc.’s services, no management-generated fees are expected with this firm. Also, the Committee reviews the types of services provided by the consultant and all fees paid for those services on a regular basis, and conducts a formal evaluation of the consultant annually. For fiscal 2010, neither Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. nor Towers Watson provided additional services to the company or its affiliates in an amount in excess of $120,000.
As a result of the change in the Committee’s consultant during fiscal 2010, the Committee has undertaken a general review of its compensation policies, practices and programs. No significant changes were made for fiscal 2010 policies, practices and programs as a result of the consultant change. Where this review has resulted in material program changes for fiscal 2011, we have described those changes.
As mentioned above, the Committee considers external comparisons when setting pay. The Committee does not set our named executive officers’ total compensation at any specific percentile of an external peer group’s compensation levels. Rather, the Committee uses external data as a market check on its compensation decisions. Specifically, the Committee reviews general industry data, a customized survey of data from companies in the food and consumer products industry, and a survey of a “peer group” of consumer product companies. The Committee’s consultant provides the Committee with this market information and assists the Committee in understanding the competitive market for the company’s executive positions. The data is one of a number of analytical tools and reference points used by the Committee, as noted above. The data is not, by itself, material to the Committee’s determination of an executive officer’s total pay.
The composition of the “peer group” is reviewed annually. The Committee’s consultant assists the Committee by compiling a list of consumer product companies (with an emphasis on food and beverage companies) with revenues comparable to ConAgra Foods and with whom we compete for talent. The Committee works with the consultant to ensure that the peer group is large enough to withstand unanticipated changes in the included companies’ structure or compensation programs. Shortly before the start of fiscal


22


2010, with the assistance of Towers Watson, the Committee approved the following peer group composition for fiscal 2010:
Campbell Soup CompanyThe Hershey CompanyMcCormick & Company, Inc.
Clorox CompanyH.J. Heinz CompanyMolson Coors Brewing Company
TheCoca-Cola Company
Hormel Foods CorporationPepsiCo, Inc.
Colgate-Palmolive CompanyKellogg CompanySara Lee Corporation
Dean Foods CompanyKimberly-Clark Corporation
General Mills, Inc. Kraft Foods Inc.
The Committee prefers consistency in the peer groupyear-to-year to the extent reasonable. With the exception of companies removed because they are no longer independent public companies, there were no changes in the peer group composition from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010, and the Committee approved this same peer group for use again in fiscal 2011. The median revenue of the peer group listed above is similar to ours; overall, the companies fall within a range of approximately one-quarter to 3.7 times our annual revenue. We use regression analysis to adjust the compensation data for differences in company revenues.
Considering the extent to which the company performs against expectations is also a critical component of the pay process. We discuss the link between company financial performance and our incentive compensation plans later in this CD&A. Mr. Rodkin is included in discussions of the Committee upon the request of the Committee for specific topics for which his input would be helpful or appropriate to the Committee’s discussions. For example, when requested by the Committee, Mr. Rodkin contributes to compensation decisions by providing the Committee with his views on the appropriate company goals to use in incentive plans. At the end of an incentive plan’s performance period, he is also asked to contribute by offering the Committee his views of the company’s actual performance. In fiscal 2010, the Committee used his input when determining the extent of discretion to apply to the annual incentive plan’s funding level (see page 27).
With respect to individual performance, which also informs compensation decisions, the Committee relies on regular performance evaluations, focused on matters such as the outcome of strategic projects or initiatives, whether organizational goals are met, and the leadership behaviors exhibited by an executive. The full Board participates in a formal evaluation of Mr. Rodkin’s performance each year. As a part of this process, Mr. Rodkin provides the Board with a self-assessment. For the other named executive officers, none of whom reports directly to the Board, Mr. Rodkin shares his assessment of their performance during the year in leading their respective business functions and units. As part of this assessment, Mr. Rodkin provides his view on the level of salary and incentive compensation that the Committee should consider awarding to the individuals. Neither Mr. Rodkin nor any other individual named executive officer plays a direct role in his or her own compensation determination.
The remainder of this CD&A focuses primarily on fiscal 2010 compensation decisions, but also addresses certain significant changes to programs and pay levels for fiscal 2011 in the various sections. Our senior Human Resources and Legal officers and our compensation and benefits department work closely with the Committee to implement and administer the approved programs and support the Committee in communications with its consultant.
What Were the Key Elements of the Fiscal 2010 Compensation Program?
The fiscal 2010 pay packages for our named executive officers consisted of salary, short and long-term incentive opportunities and other benefits discussed below.
The Committee does not automatically set any of the components of pay at a percentile of our peer group or external market. Instead, it determines the amount and mix of salary and incentive compensation (that is, targeted short-term incentive levels as a percentage of salary, option grants and targeted performance shares), based primarily on a review of the following:
•      the executive’s position within the company;
•      individual experience, pay history and performance;


23


•      internal pay equity; and
•      overall reasonableness versus the market as informed by the Committee’s consultant.
The Committee believes that using a mix of compensation types (for example, salary, cash incentives, and equity) and performance periods (for example, one-year and three-year periods) promotes behavior consistent with our long-term strategic plan and minimizes the likelihood of executives having significant motivation to pursue risky and unsustainable results.
By design, targeted incentive compensation for the named executive officers for fiscal 2010 was a significant percentage — more than 75% of total compensation. This is shown in the charts below. The Committee’s general policy is to provide the greatest percentage of the incentive opportunity in the form of long-term compensation payable in shares of our common stock. The Committee believes the emphasis on stock-based compensation is the best method of aligning management interests with those of our stockholders.
FY10 Named Executive Officer Compensation Mix (At Target)FY10 CEO Compensation Mix (At Target)
(PIE CHART)

(PIE CHART)
Incentive compensation: 79%
Incentive compensation: 87%
For fiscal 2010, consistent with previous years and based on the factors described above, Mr. Rodkin’s annual incentive opportunity (which we refer to and discuss below as the Management Incentive Plan or MIP) and long-term incentives (comprised of performance shares and an option award) were larger than the comparable opportunities for the other named executive officers. The Committee took into account Mr. Rodkin’s leadership, value to the company and accountability for the performance of the entire organization. The Committee also reviewed market data related to Mr. Rodkin’s compensation, as a whole and for each component, and found them reasonable versus the peer group. The Committee believes that within the company, Mr. Rodkin should have the highest ratio of incentive pay to salary and largest aggregate compensation opportunity.
With respect to the other named executive officers, for fiscal 2010, the Committee reviewed each person’s scope of responsibility, skills and experience, individual performance, the strategic plan for each person’s position, the long-term potential of the individual in the position, retention factors, and relevant market data. The Committee also considered internal pay equity. This analysis resulted in some differences in the incentive opportunities awarded under the MIP and performance share plan for these executives, and differences in option grant sizes based on the individual factors reviewed. However, the total compensation opportunity for each of these named executive officers reflects a similar mix of incentive pay and salary.
Below is a more detailed analysis of each element of the fiscal 2010 compensation program for our named executive officers, including the impact of promotions or separations from the company. On September 21, 2009, Ms. Colleen R. Batcheler was promoted from Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, to Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, reporting directly to Mr. Rodkin. On October 30, 2009, Mr. Peter M. Perez, the former Executive Vice President, Human Resources, of the company ceased to be an executive officer of the company. On December 31, 2009, Mr. Perez’ employment with the company terminated and the company entered into a Transition and Severance Agreement with Mr. Perez, which is discussed beginning on page 53 and which we refer to as the “Severance Agreement”. Mr. Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. assumed Human Resources responsibilities in connection with Mr. Perez’ departure; his title changed to Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and President, Commercial Foods.


24


1. Salaries. The Committee determines salary by analyzing a position’s strategic importance to the company, recruitment and retention pressures, the executive’s contribution to the company and the market data supplied by its consultant. For Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe, their employment agreements also inform salary decisions. Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement provides for an annual salary of $1,000,000, which has not increased since he joined the company in 2005. Mr. Sharpe’s employment agreement provides for an annual salary of $675,000, which has increased once since joining the company in 2005 due to an increase in responsibilities.
Excluding the impact of promotions, no executive officer received a salary increase for fiscal 2010. Annual salary increases for senior officers across the company were frozen given the broader economic environment in the summer of 2009. This salary freeze enabled the company to fund pay increases for employees below senior leadership levels.
As noted above, on September 21, 2009, Ms. Colleen R. Batcheler was promoted from Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, to Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, reporting directly to Mr. Rodkin. In connection with her promotion, her salary was increased from $375,000 to $415,000.
On July 25, 2010, the Committee approved an increase in base salary for Mr. John F. Gehring, our Chief Financial Officer, from $450,000 to $500,000 per year, in recognition of Mr. Gehring’s performance and development in his role as Chief Financial Officer. Since assuming the role in January 2009, he has also taken on the additional responsibility of leading investor relations.
2. Incentive Programs. Consistent with its overall compensation objectives, the Committee aligned management compensation with company performance through a mix of annual and long-term incentive programs for fiscal 2010. Financial targets disclosed in this section are done so in the limited context of these incentive plans and they are not statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. We specifically caution investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.
Short-Term Incentive Plan. The fiscal 2010 MIP provided a cash incentive opportunity to about 2,000 employees, including the named executive officers. For each of the named executive officers, the fiscal 2010 MIP opportunity was based on:
•      our fiscal 2010 performance against pre-established financial goals for company-wide profit before tax, or PBT;
•      the method in which the company delivered its PBT performance, including management’s success in achieving operating cash flow improvements during the year; and
•      each participant’s performance against his or her individual objectives.
Below is a discussion of how each of these considerations was applied to the fiscal 2010 awards earned by the named executive officers.
First Consideration: Were Pre-Established Performance Goals Met? At the start of fiscal 2010, the Committee authorized minimum, target and maximum PBT goals for the named executive officers under the MIP, and correlated senior management incentive opportunities with those levels of PBT. The Committee has discretion to exclude items impacting comparability from company-wide PBT goals according to the terms of the plan. The PBT goals for the fiscal 2010 MIP applicable to the named executive officers were:
Minimum PBT for Fiscal 2010 MIP:$1,064 million
Target PBT for Fiscal 2010 MIP:$1,120 million
Maximum PBT for Fiscal 2010 MIP:$1,232 million
The Committee established the minimum at a level that would preclude payments if our PBT performance did not at least match that of fiscal 2009. The target was established to align with our original guidance to stockholders of diluted EPS from continuing operations of approaching $1.63 to $1.66, excluding


25


items impacting comparability. To achieve a maximum payout under the plan, the company would have needed to achieve more than 16% diluted EPS growth versus fiscal 2009.
The following table shows the ranges of authorized payments for the named executive officers for the PBT goals approved for the fiscal 2010 MIP. The Committee authorized a range of payout options at each level of PBT to maximize its flexibility in determining awards, while still preserving the tax deductibility of awards. The named executive officers were aware that absent extraordinary performance, the Committee authorized these ranges with the intent of making payouts that were adjusted downward toward the low-end of each range. As a result, the Committee believes that no incentive is guaranteed, each named executive officer’s targeted MIP opportunity is a reference to the low-end of the range identified in column (2) of the following table, and each executive officer’s maximum MIP opportunity is a reference to the high-end of the range identified in column (3) of the following table.
Authorized MIP Payout Range With Achievement of:
Column (1)
Column (2)
Column (3)
At Least Threshold
At Least Target PBT
At Least Maximum PBT
PBT Performance, But
Performance, But Less
Performance
Less Than Target
Than

PBT Performance
Maximum PBT Performance

PBT Range: $1,064
PBT Range: $1,120

million to
million to
PBT Range: At or
$1,119 million$1,231 millionabove $1,232 million
Gary M. Rodkin (a)$0 to $2 million
(0% to 200% of salary)
$2 million to $4 million
(200% to 400% of salary)
Up to $4 million
(No more than 400% of salary)
John F. Gehring$0 to $450,000
(0% to 100% of salary)
$450,000 to $900,000
(100% to 200% of salary)
Up to $1.350 million
(No more than 300% of salary)
Colleen R. Batcheler (b)$0 to $262,500
(0% to 70% of salary)
$310,615 to $525,000
(80% to 140% of salary)
Up to $787,500
(No more than 210% of salary)
Andre J. Hawaux$0 to $600,000
(0% to 100% of salary)
$600,000 to $1.2 million
(100% to 200% of salary)
Up to $1.8 million
(No more than 300% of salary)
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. (c)$0 to $675,000
(0% to 100% of salary)
$675,000 to $1.35 million
(100% to 200% of salary)
Up to $2.025 million
(No more than 300% of salary)
Former Executive Officer
Peter M. Perez (d)$0 to $344,000
(0% to 80% of salary)
$344,000 to $688,000
(80% to 160% of salary)
Up to $1.032 million
(No more than 240% of salary)
(a)Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement leaves his MIP opportunity uncapped, but he agreed to a 200% of target cap (400% of base salary) for fiscal 2010. His agreement does not contain a guaranteed MIP payment.
(b)When the fiscal 2010 MIP was approved in July 2009, Ms. Batcheler’s target opportunity was 70% of her base salary. In connection with her promotion in September 2009, the Committee increased her salary (discussed above) and increased her target MIP opportunity to 80% of base salary. The Committee authorized a prorated MIP opportunity for Ms. Batcheler for fiscal 2010 taking the higher target and base salary into account. However, at each PBT level the Committee kept her maximum award opportunity equal to the maximum award authorized in July 2009. The table reflects the combination of these approvals.
(c)Mr. Sharpe’s employment agreement provides for a target MIP opportunity of not less than 100% of salary. No payout is guaranteed.


26


(d)Mr. Perez’ employment with the company terminated on December 31, 2009. He remained eligible for a MIP award pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Severance Agreement.
The fiscal 2010 MIP defined PBT as the company’s income tax expense plus its net income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of changes in accounting. To incent management to make decisions that have positive long-term impacts, even at the expense of shorter term results, and to prevent one-time gains and losses from having too great an impact on plan payouts, the terms of the plan allowed PBT to be adjusted for specific items that occurred during the year. For fiscal 2010, the Committee approved adjustments to eliminate the impacts of asset sales, favorable changes in legal reserves, restructuring events approved during the fiscal year, asset impairments, benefits from insurance recoveries received but not yet realized, and unusual expenses associated with a tax-incentive project that will benefit future year results.
The company achieved fiscal 2010 PBT of $1,226.6 million for plan purposes, which was above target performance but below maximum. Payouts up to the high-end of the levels indicated in column (2) of the above table were permitted.
Second Consideration: How was the Business Plan Delivered? Once the PBT review was complete, the Committee considered the manner in which management executed the operating plan during the year. The fiscal 2010 MIP gave the Committee discretion to reduce payouts based on this assessment.
Mr. Rodkin provided his views to the Committee during this process. Mr. Rodkin shared his views with the Committee about the quality of the fiscal year profit delivery, including the accomplishments listed on pages 20 and 21. He emphasized the operating cash flow results, which were very strong. These results stemmed from solid earnings and an intense focus from management on working capital improvement throughout the year. However, he also noted the challenges experienced by the business, particularly in growing revenue during the year, and his views that negative discretion to plan payouts could be appropriately applied.
The Committee concurred with Mr. Rodkin’s assessment of the company’s business performance during the year, and agreed with him that payouts at levels less than those permitted by the PBT formula were appropriate.
Third Consideration: How Did Each Named Executive Officer Perform? The Committee’s final consideration in determining each active named executive officer’s fiscal 2010 MIP payout was an assessment of his or her individual performance. Mr. Rodkin’s input on the individual contribution of these leaders assisted the Committee in approving their specific MIP payouts. The full Board’s performance evaluation of Mr. Rodkin was used in determining his payout. Mr. Perez remained eligible for a MIP award for fiscal 2010 pursuant to the Severance Agreement. Mr. Perez’ MIP award was subject to the company’s achievement of the plan targets described above, as certified by the Committee, but did not take into consideration individual performance.
The Committee approved MIP payouts to the named executive officers ranging from 80% to 100% of the maximum dollar amounts allowed for achievement of performance between target and maximum PBT. The Committee believes that the MIP awards paid to the named executive officers for fiscal 2010 are consistent with the level of accomplishment by the company and the named individuals.


27


         
  Maximum MIP Award Authorized
  
  For Performance Between
  
Named
 Target and Maximum
 Actual MIP Payout
Executive Officer
 ($) ($)
 
Gary M. Rodkin  4,000,000   3,200,000 
John F. Gehring  900,000   750,000 
Colleen R. Batcheler  525,000   525,000 
Andre J. Hawaux  1,200,000   1,100,000 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   1,350,000   1,100,000 
Former Executive Officer
        
Peter M. Perez (1)  688,000   550,400 
1.Mr. Perez’ MIP amount was determined in accordance with the Severance Agreement.
On July 20, 2010, the Committee established the fiscal 2011 annual incentive plan. The plan provides a fiscal 2011 cash incentive opportunity for participants based on our achievement of pre-established financial objectives. Payouts to the named executive officers require the achievement in fiscal 2011 of a minimum level of PBT. No named executive officer is guaranteed a minimum award. High levels of financial performance can result in payouts up to 200% of targeted amounts. The Committee also retained the discretion to modify payout levels based on (1) the methods in which actual financial results are achieved, (2) individual performance and (3) extraordinary corporate events. Any actual payout (including any above target payout) will depend on our performance in fiscal 2011 and be made, if at all, following the end of fiscal 2011.
Long-Term Incentive Plan. The long-term incentive plan for senior officers includes an award of stock options and an award of performance shares that are settled in shares of common stock based on results over a three-year performance period. The performance shares reward the improvement over the three-year performance period in metrics likely to have a significant impact on enterprise value: growth in earnings from continuing operations before interest and taxes, or EBIT, and performance against return on average invested capital goals, or ROAIC. These metrics are calculated as follows:
•      We calculate EBIT by adding net interest expense and income tax expense to income from continuing operations. Similar to the MIP, adjustments may be made for unusual items.
•      We calculate ROAIC by adding net after-tax interest expense to income from continuing operations. We divide this sum by average invested capital. Average invested capital is the twelve-month rolling average of total assets less cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing liabilities (in other words, we exclude significant interest-bearing assets and liabilities, along with their income statement impact, from the calculation). Adjustments may be made to these calculations for unusual items.
The program also rewards stock price appreciation directly through the granting of stock options. The ultimate value of earned performance shares, which are paid in stock, is also impacted directly by stock price.
The Committee firmly believes in aligning our senior officers’ interests with those of our stockholders. The significant extent to which equity is included in both the executive pay program overall and this program in particular evidences this belief. We describe each component of the plan below.
Stock Options. The use of stock options directly aligns the interests of the named executive officers with those of our stockholders. The options granted in July 2009 to our named executive officers for fiscal 2010 have a seven-year term, an exercise price at the closing market price of the company’s common stock on the date of grant ($19.05), and vested 40% on the first anniversary of the grant date. The remaining portion of the stock option award vests in equal installments on the second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the executive’s continued employment with the company. The grant date fair value of the stock options awarded to our named executive officers for fiscal 2010 is included in the “Option Awards” column of

28


the Summary Compensation Table on page 34. The number of options granted to each named executive officer under the fiscal 2010 option program is as follows:
Named
Stock Options
Executive Officer
Granted For Fiscal 2010 Program
Gary M. Rodkin500,000
John F. Gehring160,000
Colleen R. Batcheler (1)120,000
Andre J. Hawaux160,000
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. 180,000
Former Executive Officer
Peter M. Perez (2)120,000
1.Includes 40,000 stock options granted in connection with Ms. Batcheler’s September 2009 promotion. The incremental award was granted on September 24, 2009, has a seven-year term, and an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the company’s common stock on the date of grant ($21.74). It vests 40% on September 24, 2010, 30% on September 24, 2011 and 30% on September 24, 2012.
2.Under the Severance Agreement, Mr. Perez’ July 2009 option grant was amended to provide for immediate vesting upon his separation, and continued exercisability for three years. See page 53.
Stock options remained a significant component of the fiscal 2011 to 2013 long-term incentive program for senior executives.
Performance Shares. Performance shares represent the award of an opportunity to earn a defined number of shares of our common stock if we achieve pre-set, three-year performance goals. For the three performance periods in effect during fiscal 2010, the targeted number of shares for each named executive officer was as set forth in the table that follows.
             
  Performance Shares
 Performance Shares
 Performance Shares
Named
 Granted for Fiscal
 Granted for Fiscal
 Granted for Fiscal
Executive Officer
 2010 to 2012 Program 2009 to 2011 Program 2008 to 2010 Program
 
Gary M. Rodkin  100,000   100,000   100,000 
John F. Gehring (1)  32,000   29,000   16,000 
Colleen R. Batcheler (2)  24,000   16,000   12,000 
Andre J. Hawaux  32,000   32,000   32,000 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   32,000   32,000   32,000 
Former Executive Officer
            
Peter M. Perez (3)  24,000   24,000   24,000 
1.In July 2008, Mr. Gehring was granted 16,000 performance shares for the fiscal 2009 to 2011 program. In connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer in January 2009, the Committee granted him an additional 13,000 performance shares for that cycle of the program.
2.In July 2009, Ms. Batcheler was granted 16,000 performance shares for the fiscal 2010 to 2012 program. In connection with her promotion to Executive Vice President in September 2009, the Committee granted her an additional 8,000 performance shares for that cycle of the program.
3.Mr. Perez forfeited all of these outstanding performance shares upon his separation from the company.
The grant date fair value of the performance shares granted for the fiscal 2010 to 2012 program is included in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table. More specific information about the performance shares follows.
Award Value. As indicated in the table above, the numbers of targeted performance shares, by named executive officer, have been flat (excluding the impact of promotions for Ms. Batcheler and Mr. Gehring). In lieu of determining performance share grant sizes using a targeted dollar value, and then dividing that value by


29


our stock price on the date of grant, the Committee used a fixed share approach to determine target awards in each of the outstanding cycles. In these cycles, the Committee has believed that a target dollar value approach would inappropriately increase the number of performance shares awarded (particularly during a recessed market like the one facing the company at the start of fiscal 2010). Instead, with the exception of increases for promotions, the Committee has awarded the same number of target performance shares each year, with the belief that the market will normalize over the three year performance period of the awards. Thus, over time, the awards become market competitive grants, rather than inflated opportunities. The Committee will continue to evaluate its approach, and ensure that targeted awards are appropriate.
The actual number of shares of common stock that will be issued for each performance share cycle is determined based on a combination of growth in EBIT and performance against targets for ROAIC. The Committee selected these financial metrics because it believes they have a positive impact on stockholder value. The following table includes the performance targets required in each of the cycles outstanding during fiscal 2010 that result in a payout of 100% of the total number of shares granted (as specified in the table above). A payout of less than 100%, or more than 100%, of the total number of shares granted may be earned depending on actual results, but no payouts are guaranteed. In each program cycle, the targets are designed such that lower levels of combined EBIT growth and ROAIC are rewarded at significantly less than a full payout on the granted performance shares. In each case, the maximum number of shares that may be earned under the plan is 300% of the original grant.
         
  3-Year Compound
 3-Year Average ROAIC
  EBIT Growth Target Target
 
Fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle  6%  11.6%
Fiscal 2009 to 2011 cycle  14%  10.6%
Fiscal 2010 to 2012 cycle  8%  11%
Because these EBIT targets are focused on growth over the relevant performance period, the baseline level of EBIT from which performance is expected to grow impacts the target. A low baseline for the fiscal 2009 to 2011 cycle (due to weaker than planned performance in our Consumer Foods business in fiscal 2008) is the reason for the 14% EBIT growth target in that cycle.
When the Committee adopted the performance share program, it included the ability to adjust EBIT and ROAIC for restructuring and unusual items as appropriate. In May 2008, the Committee considered the impact on the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle of the performance share program from the then-pending sale of the company’s Trading and Merchandising reporting segment. Consistent with the pre-specified authority for adjustments, the Committee sought to minimize an unintended adverse consequence for participants due to the loss of EBIT from the Trading and Merchandising business. Accordingly, the Committee authorized continued inclusion of the fiscal 2008 earnings from the business in the EBIT calculation for the cycle, notwithstanding that the segment’s results were moved to discontinued operations in connection with the sale. However, no adjustment was made to the EBIT calculation for the cycle to compensate for the impact on our fiscal 2009 EBIT from the sale of the business. As a result of the sale, for fiscal 2009, both income from operations and the gain from the sale (both recorded in discontinued operations) of the Trading and Merchandising reporting segment were excluded from EBIT, resulting in an adverse impact on EBIT growth. As contemplated in the pre-specified formula, the Committee reduced the denominator in the ROAIC calculation by the amount of the net proceeds from the sale. The authorization covered the calculation of fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010 ROAIC under the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle.
Fiscal2008-2010 Performance. At the end of fiscal 2010, the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle of the long-term program concluded. The company delivered a combined level of three-year compound EBIT growth and three-year average ROAIC over the fiscal 2008 to 2010 performance period (after adjustments) that equaled a funding level of approximately 78% of target. This funding level was achieved through the delivery of three-year compound EBIT growth of approximately 1%, and a three-year average ROAIC of approximately 13%. EBIT growth was below targeted levels, due in part to the inclusion of EBIT from the Trading and Merchandising business for fiscal year 2008, but not for fiscal 2009 as discussed above, as well as due to underperformance by our Consumer Foods business in fiscal 2008. Our strong fiscal 2010 performance was


30


insufficient to overcome these items in a meaningful way. The ROAIC performance reflected above-target results for the performance period.
EBIT growth and average ROAIC for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle were calculated taking into account the divestiture-related adjustments discussed above. The Committee also authorized several less significant adjustments to fiscal 2010 EBIT to eliminate the impact of unusual items, mirroring those authorized for the fiscal 2010 MIP. However, the challenges experienced by the business over the cycle, particularly in growing revenue, resulted in the Committee applying negative discretion to the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle performance share payouts. Awards were paid out at 68% of target.
The following numbers of shares of common stock were issued to reflect performance shares earned for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle (amounts include dividend equivalents, paid in additional shares):
•      Mr. Rodkin, 75,998 shares
•      Mr. Gehring, 12,160 shares
•      Ms. Batcheler, 9,120 shares
•      Messrs. Hawaux and Sharpe: 24,319 shares each
Pursuant to the terms of the Performance Share Plan, Mr. Perez forfeited all shares to be granted to him for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle.
With respect to the fiscal 2009 to 2011 program and fiscal 2010 to 2012 program, no payouts have yet been earned. It is anticipated that a comparable performance share program will be authorized for the fiscal 2011 to 2013 performance program.
Other Features. Performance shares that have not been paid at the time of a participant’s termination of employment are forfeited. An exception allows pro-rata payouts in the event of death, disability or retirement. The Committee has also retained the discretion to provide for payouts on termination when it finds it appropriate and in the best interest of the company. To date, however, the Committee has not used this discretion. Both this exception and discretion are subject to satisfaction of the performance goals. Dividend equivalents are paid on the portion of performance shares actually earned, and are paid at the regular dividend rate in shares of our stock.
3. Other Fiscal 2010 Compensation.
Discretionary Bonus. The Committee may choose to approve a sign-on or discretionary bonus for a senior officer if it deems it necessary as a recruitment tool or to recognize extraordinary performance (shown in the “Bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table). No discretionary bonuses were awarded to senior officers during fiscal 2010.
Retirement and Health and Welfare Programs. We offer a package of core employee benefits to our employees, including our named executive officers. This includes health, dental and vision coverage, life insurance and disability insurance. The company and employee participants share in the cost of these programs. Each of the named executive officers was also entitled to participate in an executive physical program, together with his or her spouse, during fiscal 2010. The company covered the cost of these physicals, although the executive was responsible for the taxes associated with the program. In fiscal 2011, the spousal benefit was eliminated. A medical access program was added for senior executives in fiscal 2011, with the cost of the program imputed to the executive as taxable income. With respect to retirement benefits, we maintain qualified 401(k) retirement plans (with a company match on employee contributions) and qualified pension plans. The named executive officers participate in these plans.
Some of the named executive officers participate in a non-qualified pension plan, non-qualified 401(k) plan and deferred compensation plan. The non-qualified pension and non-qualified 401(k) plans permit us to pay retirement benefits to certain named executive officers in amounts that exceed the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, which we refer to as the Code, under qualified plans. With respect to the non-qualified pension plan, our employment agreements with Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe provide that, subject to


31


service requirements and various exceptions, years of service for purposes of calculating benefits will be credited at athree-for-one rate until the executive has service credit of thirty years. Mr. Rodkin’s agreement also provides that the annual earnings amount to be used in the pension benefit formula under the non-qualified pension plan will be no less than $3.0 million.
The deferred compensation plan allows the named executive officers, as well as a broader group of approximately 800 employees, to defer receipt of up to 50% of their base salary and 85% of their annual incentive cash compensation. The program permits executives to save for retirement in a tax-efficient way at minimal cost to the company. Executives who participate in the program are not entitled to above-market (as defined by the SEC) or guaranteed rates of return on their deferred funds.
We show contributions made by the company to the named executive officers’ 401(k) plan and non-qualified 401(k) plan accounts in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. We provide a complete description of these retirement programs under the headings “Pension Benefits — Fiscal 2010” and “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation — Fiscal 2010” below.
Perquisites. The Committee’s philosophy on perquisites for senior officers has been consistently communicated over the years. Members of senior management are not eligible for indirect pay except in limited circumstances. The incremental cost to the company of providing these benefits is included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. Specific benefits and arrangements with Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe are summarized here.
The Committee has determined it appropriate to cover Mr. Rodkin by our security policy. As a result, he is required to take corporate aircraft for all business and personal air transportation. To offset the incremental cost to the company of Mr. Rodkin’s personal use of corporate aircraft, the company has entered into an aircraft timeshare agreement with Mr. Rodkin. The Committee also authorized a timeshare agreement for Mr. Sharpe. Under the agreements, the executives are responsible for reimbursing the company, in cash, in an amount approximately equal to the variable cost of operating the aircraft for each personal flight taken.
Change of Control / Severance Benefits. We have agreements with our named executive officers that are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management in the event of a change of control. The Committee routinely evaluates participation in this program and its benefit levels to ensure their reasonableness. We provide a complete description of the amounts potentially payable to our named executive officers under these agreements under the heading “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control”.
We have also adopted a broad severance plan applicable to most salaried employees, including the named executive officers. In some circumstances, we have supplemented this plan with specific severance arrangements with our named executive officers. Our existing severance arrangements with the named executive officers, including the terms of Mr. Perez’ Severance Agreement are described under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”.
What are the Committee’s Views on Executive Stock Ownership?
The Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines applicable to approximately 200 of the company’s senior officers because it believes that management stock ownership promotes alignment with stockholder interests. The number of shares of ConAgra Foods common stock that our named executive officers are required to hold is set at a multiple of their salary and increases with greater responsibility within the company. The named executive officers are expected to reach the set level within a reasonable period of time after appointment. Shares personally acquired by the executive through open market purchases or through our 401(k) plan or employee stock purchase plan, as well as restricted stock units, restricted shares and shares acquired upon the deferral of earned bonuses are counted toward the ownership requirement. Neither


32


unexercised stock options nor unearned performance shares are counted. The following table reflects ownership as of August 2, 2010.
         
  Stock Ownership
 Actual
Named
 Guideline
 Ownership
Executive Officer (1)
 (% of salary) (% of Fiscal 2010 salary) (2)
 
Gary M. Rodkin  600%  1,645%
John F. Gehring  400%  547%
Colleen R. Batcheler  300%  91% (3)
Andre J. Hawaux  400%  537%
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   400%  626%
1.Mr. Perez is intentionally omitted from this table.
2.Based on the average daily price of our common stock on the NYSE for the12-months ended August 2, 2010 ($23.1228) and executive salaries in effect on August 2, 2010.
3.Ms. Batcheler is the shortest tenured executive officer in this group. We anticipate that she will achieve her guideline within one to two fiscal years.
What are the Committee’s Practices Regarding the Timing of Equity Grants?
We do not backdate options or grant stock options retroactively. We do not coordinate grants of stock options with disclosures of positive or negative information. All stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. The vast majority of our stock option grants for a fiscal year are made in July, at a regular Committee meeting. When management proposes a merit award or sign-on grant for a non-executive officer, the Committee considers approval of the grant at a regularly scheduled Committee meeting. In the event management proposes a sign-on grant for a senior officer and a grant-related decision is necessary between regularly scheduled Committee meetings, the Committee may hold a special meeting to consider the grant. If approved, the grant date will be the first trading day of the month on or following the officer’s date of hire.
What are the Key Tax and Accounting Implications of the Committee’s Compensation Decisions?
U.S. federal income tax law prohibits the company from taking a tax deduction for certain compensation paid in excess of $1 million to the company’s chief executive officer or any of the company’s three other most highly compensated executive officers, generally other than the chief financial officer, who are employed as of the end of the year. This limitation does not apply to qualified performance-based compensation under the tax law. Generally, this is compensation paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established, objective goals based on performance goals approved by our stockholders. The Committee’s intent is to structure our executive compensation programs so that payments will generally be fully deductible. However, the Committee may occasionally make payments or grants of equity that are not fully deductible if, in its judgment, those payments or grants are needed to achieve overall compensation objectives.
Compensation Committee Report
The Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the company’s Compensation Discussion & Analysis with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the company’s Compensation Discussion & Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference in the company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2010.
ConAgra Foods, Inc. Human Resources Committee
Steven F. Goldstone
Joie A. Gregor
Ruth Ann Marshall
Ken Stinson, Chairman


33


Summary Compensation Table – Fiscal 2010
The table below presents compensation for individuals who served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal 2010, for each of the other three most highly-compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal 2010, and for Mr. Perez, an executive officer who separated from the company during fiscal 2010 but who otherwise would have qualified to be a named executive officer. Ms. Batcheler was not a named executive officer in fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008, and therefore information about her compensation for those fiscal years is not included. The amounts in the following Summary Compensation Table are based in part on written agreements in place between ConAgra Foods and certain of these individuals as discussed in the “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control”.
                                              
                     Change in
      
                     Pension
      
                     Value and
      
                     Non-
      
                  Non-Equity
  qualified
      
                  Incentive
  Deferred
      
                  Plan
  Compen-
  All Other
   
            Stock
  Option
  Compen-
  sation
  Compen-
   
      Salary
  Bonus
  Awards
  Awards
  sation
  Earnings
  sation
  Total
Name and Principal Position
  
Year
  
($)(2)
  
($)
  
($)(3)
  
($)(4)
  
($)(5)
  
($)(6)
  
($)(7)
  
($)
 
Gary M. Rodkin   2010    1,000,000        1,905,000    1,351,850    3,200,000    2,178,843    124,612    9,760,305 
CEO and President   2009    1,019,231        2,126,000    1,425,850    1,100,000    1,127,311    187,596    6,985,988 
    2008    1,000,000        2,680,000    2,211,850    1,800,000    1,424,127    297,526    9,413,503 
                                              
John F. Gehring   2010    450,000        609,600    432,592    750,000    139,679    42,430    2,424,301 
EVP and CFO   2009    425,962        561,030    309,752    220,000    46,742    28,595    1,592,081 
    2008    400,000        428,800    353,896    345,600    33,903    35,682    1,597,881 
                                              
Colleen R. Batcheler (1)   2010    402,692        478,720    335,304    525,000    13,455    13,790    1,768,961 
EVP, General Counsel &                                             
Corporate Secretary                                             
                                              
Andre J. Hawaux   2010    600,000        609,600    432,592    1,100,000    111,900    59,010    2,913,102 
President, Consumer   2009    562,500        680,320    660,312    390,000    49,303    42,984    2,385,419 
Foods   2008    483,173        857,600    707,792    525,000    62,705    147,489    2,783,759 
                                              
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.    2010    675,000        609,600    486,666    1,100,000    789,570    74,181    3,735,017 
President, Commercial   2009    687,981        680,320    513,306    450,000    513,920    65,426    2,910,953 
Foods & EVP, Chief   2008    662,019        857,600    796,266    725,000    601,416    175,027    3,817,328 
Administrative Officer                                             
                                              
Former Executive Officer
                                             
                                              
Peter M. Perez (1)   2010    254,692        457,200    706,200    550,400    44,964    143,320    2,156,776 
Former EVP, Human   2009    435,577        510,240    342,204    200,000    22,526    16,610    1,527,157 
Resources   2008    410,000        643,200    530,844    295,200    14,462    20,877    1,914,583 
1.Ms. Batcheler was promoted to Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on September 21, 2009. Mr. Perez ceased to be an executive officer on October 30, 2009 and separated from the company on December 31, 2009.
2.For fiscal 2009, amounts reflect payment of salary over a 53-week fiscal year. Fiscal 2010 and 2008 both contained 52 weeks.
3.Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for the stock awards granted during the reported years (in accordance with SEC guidance, we have recomputed the amounts reported in this column (and the “Total” column) for fiscal 2009 and 2008 to conform to this manner of presentation). For the performance shares awarded in fiscal 2010, the amounts reported are based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date. Assuming the highest level of performance was achieved for the performance shares awarded in fiscal 2010, the grant date fair value of these awards would have been: Mr. Rodkin, $5,715,000; each of Messrs. Gehring, Hawaux and Sharpe, $1,828,800; and each of Ms. Batcheler and Mr. Perez, $1,371,600.
4.Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for the stock options granted during the reported years (in accordance with SEC guidance, we have recomputed the amounts reported in this column (and the “Total” column) for fiscal 2009 and 2008 to conform to this manner of presentation).


34


5.For fiscal 2010, reflects awards earned under the company’s annual incentive plan. A description of the Fiscal 2010 MIP is included in our “Compensation Discussion & Analysis”.
6.The measurement date for fiscal 2010 was May 30, 2010. We do not offer above-market (as defined by SEC rules) or preferential earnings rates in our deferred compensation plans. For fiscal 2010, the entire amount reflects change in pension amounts rather than non-qualified deferred compensation earnings.
7.Mr. Perez received (and we have reported in the “All Other Compensation” column) $133,811 from the company in fiscal 2010 under the terms of the Severance Agreement, consisting of severance, COBRA and outplacement compensation. The other components of fiscal 2010 “All Other Compensation” are as follows:
                     
        (Column 4)
  
  Perquisites and Personal Benefits(a) Company
  
  (Column 1)
 (Column 2)
   Contribution to
 (Column 5)
  Personal Use
 Exec Physical /
 (Column 3)
 Defined
 Group
  of Company
 Security Costs /
 Matching
 Contribution
 Term Life
  Aircraft
 Home Office
 Gifts
 Plans
 Insurance
Named Executive Officer
 ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
 
Gary M. Rodkin  39,286   (b)   (b)   61,941   (b) 
John F. Gehring  (b)   (b)   (b)   18,768   (b) 
Colleen R. Batcheler     (b)      10,477   (b) 
Andre J. Hawaux  (b)   (b)      29,284   (b) 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.  36,368      (b)   31,911   (b) 
Former Executive Officer
                    
Peter M. Perez     (b)      (b)   (b) 
(a)All amounts shown are valued at the incremental cost to the company of providing the benefit. With respect to personal use of company aircraft (Column (1)), Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe are each party to an aircraft time sharing agreement with the company under which they reimburse the company, in cash, for the cost of fuel and incidentals such as landing and parking fees, crew travel expenses and catering costs of personal flights. We do not charge Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe for the fixed costs that would be incurred in any event to operate company aircraft (for example, aircraft purchase costs, insurance and flight crew salaries). The amounts shown for Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe in Column (1) reflect the company’s incremental cost of conducting the personal flights, reduced by the amounts billed under the time share arrangements.
(b)For Columns (1) through (3), inclusive, a (b) notation in lieu of a dollar amount indicates that the named executive officer received the benefit but at an incremental cost to the company of less than $25,000. For Columns (4) and (5), a (b) notation in lieu of a dollar amount indicates that the named executive officer received the benefit but at an incremental cost to the company of less than $10,000.


35


Grants of Plan Based Awards — Fiscal 2010
The following table presents information about grants of plan-based awards (equity and non-equity) during fiscal 2010 to the named executive officers. All equity-based grants were made under the stockholder-approved ConAgra Foods 2006 Stock Plan.
                                                        
                                   All
         
                                   Other
         
                               All
   Option
         
                               Other
   Awards:
         
                               Stock
   Number
         
       Estimated Possible Payouts
   Estimated Future
   Awards:
   of Securi-
   Exercise
     
       Under Non-Equity
   Payouts Under Equity
   Number
   ties
   or Base
   Grant Date Fair
 
       Incentive Plan Awards (1)   Incentive Plan Awards (2)   of Shares
   Under-
   Price of
   Value of Stock
 
       Thres-
           Thres-
           of Stock
   lying
   Option
   and Option
 
   Grant
   hold
   Target
   Maximum
   hold
   Target
   Maximum
   or Units
   Options
   Awards
   Awards
 
Name
  
Date
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
(#)
   
(#)
   
(#)
   
(#)
   
(#)(3)
   
($/Sh)
   
($)(4)
 
 
Gary M. Rodkin   7/15/09        2,000,000    4,000,000                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       100,000    300,000                   1,905,000 
    7/15/09                                      500,000    19.05    1,351,850 
John F. Gehring   7/15/09        450,000    1,350,000                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       32,000    96,000                   609,600 
    7/15/09                                      160,000    19.05    432,592 
Colleen R. Batcheler   7/15/09        80,769    242,308                                  N/A 
    9/21/09        181,731    545,192                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       16,000    48,000                   304,800 
    9/24/09                       8,000    24,000                   173,920 
    7/15/09                                      80,000    19.05    216,296 
    9/24/09                                      40,000    21.74    119,008 
Andre J. Hawaux   7/15/09        600,000    1,800,000                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       32,000    96,000                   609,600 
    7/15/09                                      160,000    19.05    432,592 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.    7/15/09        675,000    2,025,000                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       32,000    96,000                   609,600 
    7/15/09                                      180,000    19.05    486,666 
Former Executive Officer
                                                       
Peter M. Perez   7/15/09        344,000    1,032,000                                  N/A 
    7/15/09                       24,000    72,000                   457,200 
    7/15/09                                      120,000(5)   19.05    324,444 
    12/31/09                                      120,000(5)   19.05    234,756 
    12/31/09                                      70,000(5)   26.17    147,000 
1.Amounts reflect grants made under the fiscal 2010 annual incentive plan (the MIP discussed in our “Compensation Discussion & Analysis”). Actual payouts earned under the program for fiscal 2010 were above target, and can be found in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. There was no threshold payout in this plan. In connection with Ms. Batcheler’s September 2009 promotion to Executive Vice President, the Committee increased her salary and MIP opportunity. Accordingly, we show two grant dates for Ms. Batcheler in this column. The first, July 15, 2009, reflects approximately two months of MIP opportunity at her salary and MIP target prior to her promotion, and the second, September 21, 2009, reflects approximately ten months of MIP opportunity at her salary and MIP target post-promotion up to the maximum award authorized in July 2009.
2.Amounts reflect the performance shares granted under our long-term incentive program for the fiscal 2010 to 2012 performance period. Ms. Batcheler received an additional 8,000 performance shares under the program in connection with her September 2009 promotion. Mr. Perez forfeited his targeted shares based on his December 31, 2009 separation from the company. All awards under the fiscal 2010 to 2012 cycle, including any above-target payouts, will be earned based on our cumulative performance for the three fiscal years ending in May 2012. The grant date fair value of these awards, based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) is the amount reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2010. There is no threshold payout in this plan.


36


3.Amounts reflect the option awards granted as part of the long-term incentive program in July 2009, and for Ms. Batcheler, the incremental grant in connection with her promotion. The grant date fair value of these awards (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) is the amount reported in the “Options Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2010.
4.Amounts are computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For performance shares, the amounts disclosed are computed based on the probable outcome of the relevant performance conditions as of the grant date.
5.Under the Severance Agreement, on December 31, 2009, Mr. Perez’ July 2009 option grant was amended to provide for immediate vesting upon his separation, and continued exercisability for three years. In addition, an option grant made to Mr. Perez in February 2004 was amended to provide for continued exercisability through December 2012. See page 53.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested – Fiscal 2010
                 
  Option Awards Stock Awards
  Number of Shares
      
  Acquired
 Value Realized
 Number of Shares
 Value Realized
  on Exercise
 on Exercise
 Acquired on Vesting
 on Vesting
Name
 (#)(1) ($) (#) (2)(3) ($)
 
Gary M. Rodkin        68,000   1,644,240 
John F. Gehring        30,880   715,278 
Colleen R. Batcheler        18,760   440,067 
Andre J. Hawaux        31,760   751,857 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.         21,760   526,157 
Former Executive Officer
                
Peter M. Perez  248,000   318,038   (2)  (2)
1.Mr. Perez exercised options for 168,000 shares on December 23, 2009 for a value realized of $244,459 and options for 80,000 shares on February 17, 2010 for a value realized of $73,579.
2.The performance period for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 performance share program ended on May 30, 2010. This column includes shares earned under that program for cumulative three-year performance. Under the plan’s terms, dividend equivalents on earned shares, paid in additional shares of common stock, were also distributed to the named executive officers. The shares distributed to the named executive officers through this dividend equivalent feature (and not shown in this table) were: 7,998 shares for Mr. Rodkin; 1,280 shares for Mr. Gehring; 960 shares for Ms. Batcheler; and 2,559 shares for Messrs. Hawaux and Sharpe. Mr. Perez forfeited all performance shares granted to him for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 cycle.
3.For Ms. Batcheler and Mr. Gehring, also includes shares acquired upon vesting of restricted stock units. For Mr. Hawaux, also includes shares acquired upon vesting of a sign-on restricted stock grant.


37


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – Fiscal 2010
                               
   Option Awards   Stock Awards 
                   Equity Incentive
   Equity Incentive
 
                   Plan Awards:
   Plan Awards:
 
   Number of
   Number of
           Number of
   Market or Payout
 
   Securities
   Securities
           Unearned Shares,
   Value of Unearned
 
   Underlying
   Underlying
   Option
       Units, or Other
   Shares, Units, or
 
   Unexercised
   Unexercised
   Exercise
   Option
   Rights that Have
   Other Rights that
 
   Options (#)
   Options (#)
   Price
   Expiration
   Not Vested
   Have Not Vested
 
Name  Exercisable   Unexercisable (1)   ($)   Date   (#) (2)   ($)(3) 
  
Gary M. Rodkin   1,000,000        22.83    8/30/2015           
    480,000        22.72    5/25/2016           
    500,000        22.00    7/12/2013           
    500,000        26.80    7/16/2014           
    200,000    300,000    21.26    7/15/2015           
        500,000    19.05    7/14/2016           
                        300,000    7,254,000 
                        300,000    7,254,000 
                               
John F. Gehring   20,000        24.19    2/13/2012           
    8,883        25.36    7/11/2012           
    80,000        23.14    7/24/2015           
    80,000        22.00    7/12/2013           
    80,000        26.80    7/16/2014           
    32,000    48,000    21.26    7/15/2015           
    16,000    24,000    16.99    1/15/2016           
        160,000    19.05    7/14/2016           
                        87,000    2,103,660 
                        96,000    2,321,280 
                               
Colleen R. Batcheler   20,000        22.00    7/12/2013           
    28,000        26.80    7/16/2014           
    32,000    48,000    20.76    7/17/2015           
        80,000    19.05    7/14/2016           
        40,000    21.74    9/23/2016           
                        48,000    1,160,640 
                        72,000    1,740,960 
                               
Andre J. Hawaux   80,000        25.76    11/30/2013           
    100,000        25.76    11/30/2013           
    160,000        26.80    7/16/2014           
    64,000    96,000    21.26    7/15/2015           
        100,000    16.99    1/15/2016           
        160,000    19.05    7/14/2016           
                        96,000    2,321,280 
                        96,000    2,321,280 
                               
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.    300,000        21.51    11/30/2015           
    160,000        22.72    5/25/2016           
    160,000        22.00    7/12/2013           
    180,000        26.80    7/16/2014           
    72,000    108,000    21.26    7/15/2015           
        180,000    19.05    7/14/2016           
                        96,000    2,321,280 
                        96,000    2,321,280 
                               
Former Executive Officer
                              
Peter M. Perez   70,000        26.17    12/31/2012           
    120,000        19.05    12/31/2012           
                               


38


1.All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. All of Mr. Perez’ options were exercisable at fiscal year-end. The vesting schedule for options that were outstanding but that could not be exercised at fiscal year-end for the other named executive officers is as follows:
              
   Unexercis-
  Vesting Schedule
   able at FYE  # of Shares  Vesting Date
Rodkin   300,000    150,000   7/16/2010
         150,000   7/16/2011
              
    500,000    200,000   7/15/2010
         150,000   7/15/2011
         150,000   7/15/2012
              
Gehring   48,000    24,000   7/16/2010
         24,000   7/16/2011
              
    24,000    12,000   1/16/2011
         12,000   1/16/2012
              
    160,000    64,000   7/15/2010
         48,000   7/15/2011
         48,000   7/15/2012
              
Batcheler   48,000    24,000   7/18/2010
         24,000   7/18/2011
              
    80,000    32,000   7/15/2010
         24,000   7/15/2011
         24,000   7/15/2012
              
    40,000    16,000   9/24/2010
         12,000   9/24/2011
         12,000   9/24/2012
              
              
Hawaux   96,000    48,000   7/16/2010
         48,000   7/16/2011
              
    100,000    100,000   1/16/2012
              
    160,000    64,000   7/15/2010
         48,000   7/15/2011
         48,000   7/15/2012
              
Sharpe   108,000    54,000   7/16/2010
         54,000   7/16/2011
              
    180,000    72,000   7/15/2010
         54,000   7/15/2011
         54,000   7/15/2012
              
2.Reflects, on separate lines, as of May 30, 2010, the maximum number of shares that could be earned under each of the fiscal 2009 to 2011 performance share plan and fiscal 2010 to 2012 performance share plan. The performance shares are not earned unless we achieve the performance targets specified in the plan. Shares earned under the fiscal 2008 to 2010 performance share plan were paid in July 2010 and are reflected in the “Option Exercises and Stock Vested – Fiscal 2010” table. Shares earned under the fiscal 2009 to 2011 cycle will be distributed, if earned, following fiscal 2011 and shares earned under the fiscal 2010 to 2012 cycle will be distributed, if earned, following fiscal 2012.
3.The market value of unearned shares is calculated using $24.18 per share, which is the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on the last trading day of fiscal 2010.
Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2010
ConAgra Foods maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for all eligible employees, which we refer to as the Qualified Pension. Employees eligible to participate in the Qualified Pension are salaried employees, including the named executive officers, and certain hourly and union employees.
Employees hired before June 1, 2004 were given a one-time opportunity during 2004 to choose between (A) the benefit formulas in the Qualified Pension and qualified 401(k) plan at that time and (B) effective October 1, 2004, a new Qualified Pension formula plus an enhanced company match in our qualified 401(k) plan. Employees hired on or after June 1, 2004 were automatically enrolled in option (B) effective upon their date of hire. With respect to the named executive officers, Ms. Batcheler and Mr. Hawaux joined the company after June 1, 2004 and were automatically enrolled in option (B). Mr. Gehring and Mr. Perez were employed prior to June 1, 2004 and elected option (A). Although Mr. Rodkin and Mr. Sharpe are enrolled in option (B) for purposes of the Qualified Plan (due to commencement of employment after June 1, 2004), their employment agreements entitle them to a total pension benefit equal to


39


the option (A) calculation. Any difference between the option (A) and (B) pension benefits would be provided to them through the Non-Qualified Pension (described below).
Under both option (A) and option (B), the pension benefit formula is determined by adding three components:
•      A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings (up to the integration level) multiplied by years of credited service (up to 35 years of credited service). This multiple is 1.0% for option (A) and 0.9% for option (B).
•      A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings (over the integration level) multiplied by years of credited service (up to 35 years of credited service). This multiple is 1.44% for option (A) and 1.3% for option (B).
•      A multiple of Average Monthly Earnings multiplied by years of credited service over 35 years. This multiple is 1% for option (A) and 0.9% for option (B).
“Average Monthly Earnings” is the monthly average of the executive’s annual compensation from the company for the highest five consecutive years of the final ten years of his or her service. Only salary and annual incentive payments (reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table) are considered for the named executive officers in computing Average Monthly Earnings. The integration level is calculated by the Internal Revenue Service by averaging the last 35 years of Social Security taxable wages, up to and including the year in which the executive’s employment ends.
Participants are vested in a benefit once they have five years of vesting service with the company. Benefits become payable for option (A) participants at the normal retirement age of 65, or age 60 if the participant has 25 or more years of service. Normal retirement age for option (B) participants is 65. Under either option, the Qualified Plan defines early retirement as age 55 with 10 years of service. There is no difference in the benefit formula upon an early retirement and there is no payment election option that would impact the amount of annual benefits any of the named executive officers would receive.
Certain of the named executive officers also participate in a supplemental retirement plan (which we refer to in the table below as the Non-Qualified Pension). To the extent that a named executive officer’s benefit under the Qualified Pension exceeds the limit on the maximum annual benefit payable under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or such officer’s Average Monthly Earnings exceeds the limit under the Code on the maximum amount of compensation that can be taken into account under the Qualified Pension, payments are made under the Non-Qualified Pension. The retirement age and benefit formulas are the same as those used for the Qualified Plan except as described in the following paragraphs.
Generally, an executive’s benefit under the Non-Qualified Pension is payable in installments beginning in January following the executive’s separation from service or disability, but the executive may also elect to receive payment as a lump sum and elect a specified year in which payment will be made or commence, or elect to receive his or her benefit in the form of annuity payments. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.
Mr. Rodkin’s employment agreement with the company entitles him to participate in the Non-Qualified Pension with years of service for purpose of calculating benefits under the plan at athree-for-one rate until he has service credit of thirty years. He is entitled to annual pensionable earnings for use in calculating his benefit of no less than $3 million. However, if Mr. Rodkin terminates his employment voluntarily or retires prior to age 60, a crediting rate oftwo-for-one is applied. Further, if Mr. Rodkin voluntarily terminates employment with the company or retires prior to August 31, 2010, and the termination or retirement is not approved by the Board of Directors, or he is terminated at any time for “cause,” he will forgo all benefits under the Non-Qualified Pension. Any benefits payable to Mr. Rodkin under the Non-Qualified Pension are subject to offset for benefits paid or payable to him under supplemental pension plans his prior employer may have maintained for his benefit.


40


Mr. Sharpe’s employment agreement with the company entitles him to participate in the Non-Qualified Pension with years of service for purpose of calculating benefits under the plan at athree-for-one rate until he has service credit of thirty years. However, if Mr. Sharpe terminates his employment voluntarily or retires prior to age 60, a crediting rate oftwo-for-one is applied. Further, if Mr. Sharpe voluntarily terminates employment with the company or retires prior to November 7, 2010, and the termination or retirement is not approved by the Board of Directors, or he is terminated at any time for “cause,” he will forgo all benefits under the Non-Qualified Pension.
The Committee has offered eligibility to participate in, and extra years of credited service under, the Non-Qualified Pension sparingly when deemed appropriate as a hiring incentive. The Committee prefers not to use this incentive. Ms. Batcheler is not a participant in theNon-Qualified Pension and none of Messrs. Gehring, Hawaux or Perez receive extra years of credited service.
Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2010
              
      Number of Years
   Present Value of
 
      Credited Service
   Accumulated Benefit
 
Name  Plan Name (1)  (# ) (2)   ($) (3) (4) 
  
 
Gary M. Rodkin  Qualified Pension   4.8    97,016 
   Non-Qualified Pension   14.3    6,605,835 
John F. Gehring  Qualified Pension   8.4    112,730 
   Non-Qualified Pension   8.4    276,993 
Colleen R. Batcheler  Qualified Pension   3.9    25,087 
   Non-Qualified Pension        
Andre J. Hawaux  Qualified Pension   3.6    45,396 
   Non-Qualified Pension   3.6    201,596 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   Qualified Pension   4.6    94,068 
   Non-Qualified Pension   13.7    2,410,630 
Former Executive Officer
             
Peter M. Perez  Qualified Pension   6.1    125,349 
   Non-Qualified Pension   6.1    32,560 
1.Qualified Pension refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Pension Plan for Salaried Employees and Non-Qualified Pension refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified Pension Plan. There were no plan payments for fiscal 2010.
2.The number of years of credited service is calculated as of May 30, 2010, which is the pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes.
3.As of the pension plan measurement date, under the Non-Qualified Pension, Mr. Rodkin had 4.8 years of actual service and Mr. Sharpe had 4.6 years of actual service. Each of these executives is a party to an agreement with the company in which his years of service for purposes of the Non-Qualified Pension is credited at a rate of three years for each one year of actual service. The resulting augmentation in benefits at May 30, 2010 due to these provisions is, for Mr. Rodkin and Mr. Sharpe, respectively, $4,985,311 (9.5 additional years) and $1,841,706 (9.1 additional years).
4.The valuation methodology and all material assumptions applied in quantifying the present value of the accumulated benefit are presented in footnote 15 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2010.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2010
The following table shows the non-qualified deferred compensation activity for each named executive officer during fiscal 2010. The amounts shown include company contributions into our non-qualified 401(k) plan, which we refer to as the Non-Qualified CRISP, and for Mr. Rodkin and Mr. Hawaux, employee


41


contributions into our voluntary deferred compensation plan, which we refer to as the Voluntary Deferred Comp plan.
The Non-Qualified CRISP is a benefit provided to certain of the named executive officers and other eligible executives. The program supplements our qualified 401(k) plan available to a broad base of salaried and hourly employees. Under our qualified 401(k) plan, for employees enrolled in option (A) under the Qualified Plan, the company will match the first 50% of the first 6% of pay the employee contributes to the qualified 401(k) plan. For employees enrolled in option (B) under the Qualified Plan, the company will match 662/3% of the first 6% of pay the employee contributes to the plan. However, the Code limits the annual before-tax contributions that an individual can make to a qualified retirement plan. If a named executive officer reached this maximum, he or she would lose the ability to receive the full extent of the available company match. The Non-Qualified CRISP is used to enable the company to provide this population with the company match. Under the plan, the company makes a contribution equal to 3% of the named executive officer’s eligible earnings less the maximum employer contribution the named executive officer could have received from the qualified 401(k) plan.
The company contribution to the Non-Qualified CRISP is made annually on or about December 31st. The value of each account is automatically linked to the value of our common stock. Account values are updated daily based on the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on such day.
Generally, an executive’s account balance under the Non-Qualified CRISP is payable in cash in a lump sum in January following the executive’s separation from service, but executives meeting certain qualifications may also elect to receive payment in the form of installments. Executives may also elect to receive payment within 90 days following the earlier of separation from service or either the occurrence of a change of control or 18 months following the occurrence of a change of control. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.
The Voluntary Deferred Comp plan allows management-level employees (those above a certain salary grade, which includes the named executive officers) whose salary is $125,000 or more per year to defer receipt of 5% to 50% of their salary and, effective January 1, 2010, up to 85% of their annual incentive payment. The investment alternatives for deferred amounts are an interest bearing account (with interest accruing at a rate equal to 25 basis points over the one-year H15 Treasury constant maturity rate), a ConAgra Foods stock account, or other investment options mirrored from the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan (the “Qualified CRISP”). Amounts deferred into the interest bearing account, together with earnings thereon, are ultimately distributed in cash. The stock account includes a dividend reinvestment feature that converts dividends into additional shares. Amounts deferred into the stock account, together with earnings and dividends thereon, are ultimately distributed in shares of ConAgra Foods common stock. Amounts deferred into accounts mirroring the Qualified CRISP funds, together with any dividends, are ultimately distributed in cash. An election to participate in the plan must be timely filed with the company in accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements.
An executive who is not retiring or eligible for early retirement under the Qualified Pension is required to take distribution of certain amounts earned and vested prior to 2005, which we refer to as grandfathered amounts, in a lump sum payment in the year of termination, while an executive who is eligible to retire early under the Qualified Pension will receive his or her grandfathered amounts in annual installments. In general, all amounts other than the grandfathered amounts, which we refer to as other amounts, will be distributed in cash in a lump sum in January following the executive’s separation from service. Executives may also elect to receive the other amounts at certain other times, including within 90 days following the earlier of separation from service or either the occurrence of a change of control or 18 months following the occurrence of a change of control. Elections regarding the time and form of payment are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and certain payments to executives meeting the definition of a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.


42


Additionally, executives may make hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances. No hardship withdrawals were requested by executives during fiscal 2010.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal 2010
                        
      Executive
   Registrant
       Aggregate
 
      Contributions in
   Contributions
   Aggregate
   Balance at Last
 
      Last FY
   in Last FY
   Earnings in
   FYE
 
Name  Plan (1)  ($) (2)   ($) (3)   Last FY ($) (4)   ($) (5) 
  
Gary M. Rodkin  Non-Qualified CRISP       52,429    80,950    394,037 
   Voluntary Deferred Comp           1,087,603    4,207,186 
John F. Gehring  Non-Qualified CRISP       12,480    17,472    86,021 
   Voluntary Deferred Comp   110,000        14,859    124,859 
Colleen R. Batcheler                  
Andre J. Hawaux  Non-Qualified CRISP       19,484    15,652    84,011 
   Voluntary Deferred Comp           108,391    573,268 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.   Non-Qualified CRISP       23,603    29,622    147,887 
Former Executive Officer
                    
Peter M. Perez                  
1.Non-Qualified CRISP refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Nonqualified CRISP Plan and Voluntary Deferred Comp refers to the ConAgra Foods, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Comp Plan.
2.Mr. Gehring chose to defer receipt of 50% of the annual incentive he received in fiscal 2010 for fiscal 2009 performance. This amount is included in the Summary Compensation Table under the column “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” for fiscal 2009.
3.All Non-Qualified CRISP amounts are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. These amounts, together with the company’s match on executive contributions to the qualified 401(k) plan, are disclosed in the column labeled “Company Contribution to Defined Contribution Plans” in the table included as footnote 7 to the Summary Compensation Table.
4.Our deferred compensation plans do not offer above market earnings (as defined by SEC rules). As a result, none of these earnings are included in the Summary Compensation Table.
5.The following amounts from this column were reported in Summary Compensation Tables for prior fiscal years: Mr. Rodkin, $341,878(Non-Qualified CRISP) and $4,700,000 (Voluntary Deferred Comp); Mr. Gehring, $76,173(Non-Qualified CRISP) and $0 (Voluntary Deferred Comp); Mr. Hawaux, $52,681(Non-Qualified CRISP) and $525,433 (Voluntary Deferred Comp); and Mr. Sharpe, $108,335(Non-Qualified CRISP). Neither Ms. Batcheler nor Mr. Perez participated in the Non-Qualified CRISP or Voluntary Deferred Comp plans.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Our named executive officers’ employment may be terminated under several possible scenarios. In some of these scenarios, our plans, agreements and arrangements would provide severance benefits in varying amounts to the executive. Further, our plans, agreements and arrangements would provide for certain benefits (or for acceleration of benefits) upon a change of control. Severance and other benefits that are payable upon a termination of employment or upon a change of control are described below. The tables following the narrative discussion summarize amounts payable upon termination or a change of control under varying circumstances, assuming that the executive’s employment terminated on the last business day of fiscal 2010 — May 28, 2010. Other key assumptions used in compiling the tables are set forth immediately preceding them. In the event of an actual triggering event under any of the plans, agreements and arrangements discussed in this section, all benefits would be paid to the executive in accordance with, and at times permitted by, Section 409A of the Code.
Severance Plan
We maintain a severance pay plan that provides severance benefit guidelines for all salaried employees. Any benefits payable under the program are at the sole and absolute discretion of ConAgra Foods and for any particular employee, the company may elect to provide severance as suggested by the plan, or provide greater or


43


lesser benefits. Because of individual agreements with the other named executive officers, only Mr. Gehring and Ms. Batcheler are potentially covered by the plan. Under the plan, the severance guideline for individuals with base pay at or above $250,000 per year is payment of 52 weeks of salary continuation, plus one additional week of salary continuation for each year of continuous service prior to separation. The guidelines also provide that upon the former employee finding new employment, it is appropriate for the company to provide him or her with a lump sum payment equal to 50% of the severance pay remaining. The other 50% would be forfeited. We are not required to make payments to any named executive officer under the severance plan if he or she is entitled to receive a severance payment under a change of control agreement (described below). The tabular disclosure provided at the end of this section assumes application of these guidelines for Mr. Gehring and Ms. Batcheler in the “Involuntary w/o Cause or Voluntary w/ Good Reason” scenario.
Messrs. Rodkin, Sharpe and Hawaux’s severance benefits would be paid in accordance with their agreements with the company, and not the severance pay plan.
Agreements with Named Executive Officers
ConAgra Foods is party to employment agreements with Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe and a letter agreement with Mr. Hawaux. In each case, the agreement addresses such matters as the executive’s salary, participation in our annual and long-term incentive plans and participation in employee and executive pension, profit sharing, 401(k) and welfare benefit plans and other benefit programs and arrangements. The agreements also address these executives’ severance benefits and right to participate in the company’s change of control benefit program.
Mr. Rodkin and Mr. Sharpe. Many of the severance benefit provisions of our agreements with Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe are similar. They can be summarized as presented in the following table. The references to “2010” in this table are references to August 31, 2010 for Mr. Rodkin and November 7, 2010 for Mr. Sharpe, which represents the fifth anniversary of their employment agreements, respectively.
The definition of “Cause” in both agreements is action by the executive involving (1) willful malfeasance in connection with the executive’s employment having a material adverse effect on the company, (2) substantial and continuing refusal in willful breach of the agreement to perform the duties normally performed by an executive occupying his position when that refusal has a material adverse effect on the company or (3) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state. “Good Reason” in these agreements means (1) assignment of duties materially inconsistent with the executive’s position, (2) removal from, or failure to elect or re-elect the executive to, the executive’s position, (3) reduction of the executive’s salary or annual target bonus opportunity in effect on the agreement’s date, (4) material breach by the company of the agreement or (5) a requirement that the executive be based at any office or location other than Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Rodkin’s agreement further defines “Good Reason” as failing to nominate him to our Board. Mr. Sharpe’s agreement further defines “Good Reason” as changing his reporting relationship to other than the chief executive officer or Chairman.
Involuntary w/o Cause
or Voluntary w/ Good
Voluntary w/o
For CauseReasonGood ReasonRetirementDeath or Disability
Salary
Paid through
month of
termination
Paid through month of termination, plus lump sum payment equal to 24 additional monthsPaid through month of terminationPaid through month of terminationPaid through month of the event
Annual Incentive PlanNot eligible for
a payment
Paid pro-rated award for the year of termination based on our actual results. Paid lump sum payment equal to target bonus for the next two yearsNot eligible for a paymentIf approved by the Committee, a pro-rated award may be paid based on our actual resultsPaid a pro-rated amount based upon target (for death) or actual performance (for disability)


44


Involuntary w/o Cause
or Voluntary w/ Good
Voluntary w/o
For CauseReasonGood ReasonRetirementDeath or Disability
Long-Term Incentive Plan
(Performance Shares)
Unvested
performance shares
are forfeited
“Retirement” treatment appliesIf before 2010, all performance shares not yet settled are forfeited; after 2010, “Retirement” treatment appliesPerformance shares earned based on our actual results are paid, but are pro-rated for the full years of completed service“Retirement” treatment applies in the case of disability; in the case of death, performance shares paid at target based on full years of completed service
Stock OptionsOptions terminate;
all unexercised
options lapse
“Death or Disability” treatment appliesIf before 2010, options vested at the time of termination remain exercisable for 90 days; after 2010, full vesting of all options and they remain exercisable for the remainder of their termsOptions vested at the time of retirement may be exercised for three years post-retirementFull vesting of all options; they remain exercisable for the remainder of their terms
Non-Qualified CRISPNo benefits paidAccount balance paid based on participant’s advance election“Retirement” treatment appliesIf before 2010 and not Board approved, benefits forfeited. Otherwise, account balance paid based on participant’s advance electionAccount balance paid based on participant’s advance election
Non-Qualified PensionNo benefits paidSee discussion on pages 39 to 41. Benefit will take into account an additional 24 months of service at the salary and target bonus in effect at the time of terminationSee discussion on pages 39 to 41See discussion on pages 39 to 41See discussion on pages 39 to 41
Health and Welfare BenefitsBenefits paid
according to plan
provisions
Two years of coverage for executive and dependents unless become entitled to equivalent coverage under a subsequent employer’s plan. “Retirement” treatment also availableIf before 2010, benefits paid according to plan provisions. After 2010, “Retirement” treatment appliesUntil executive and spouse attain age 65, they and their covered dependents are entitled to COBRA-equivalent medical coverage, at own expense“Retirement” treatment applies
Each agreement provides that all cash payments are generally payable in a lump sum within fifteen days following termination of employment, although payments under the annual incentive plan and the long term incentive plan are payable following the end of the fiscal year or other performance period at the same time as such payments are made to the other senior executive officers. If either of Messrs. Rodkin or Sharpe was a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code at the time of his separation, certain payments would be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.

45


Each agreement provides the executive the right to participate in our change of control benefits programs as modified from time to time and provides minimum change of control benefits if a superior program is not then in place. The company currently maintains a separate change of control program, discussed below. The agreements also provide that if benefits become payable under multiple plans, programs and agreements, the more favorable program terms must be applied.
Either party to these employment agreements may terminate the agreement at any time. In each case, the executive has agreed to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions.
Mr. Hawaux. Under Mr. Hawaux’s agreement with the company, he is provided with a severance benefit equal to 24 months of salary continuation. This amount is payable only in the event of termination for reasons other than cause or a change of control of the company. Cause is not defined. With respect to a termination related to a change of control of the company, Mr. Hawaux’s severance would be governed by the change of control agreements described below.
Annual Incentive Plan
Subject to the following (or a specific agreement with the company), the named executive officer participants in the annual incentive plan (the MIP) for fiscal 2010 were required to be active employees, in good standing, at the end of the fiscal year or he or she would forfeit the award. The following plan terms govern the impact of specific separation events not covered by an individual agreement:
•      Involuntary termination due to position elimination: If a participant’s position is eliminated during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, he or she would be eligible for award consideration. The amount of any earned award would be pro-rated for the number of days the individual was eligible to participate in the plan during the fiscal year.
•      Termination due to retirement or disability: Discretion has been retained to pay a pro-rated award to a participant who has retired or become disabled during the fiscal year.
•      Termination due to death: Any incentive payment for which a participant would have been eligible would be pro-rated to the date of death and paid to his or her estate.
Any pro-rated award is based on actual performance for the fiscal year and is payable after the end of such fiscal year when payments are made to other participants.
The change of control agreements, described below, govern the payment of annual incentive awards in the event of a change of control. Messrs. Rodkin’s and Sharpe’s severance benefits are paid in accordance with their agreements with the company.
Long-Term Incentive Plan — Performance Shares
The following plan terms govern the impact of a separation from the company on the performance shares granted under the fiscal 2008 to 2010, fiscal 2009 to 2011, and fiscal 2010 to 2012 performance periods:
•      Termination for any reason other than death, disability or retirement: The participant forfeits all performance shares granted that have not been paid at the date of termination, whether the shares are earned as of that date or not. The Committee has the discretion to pay out some or all of the forfeited performance shares if such performance shares would have been earned based on performance and if it deems the action appropriate and in the best interests of the company.
•      Termination due to disability or retirement: Earned but unpaid performance shares are paid out as soon as reasonably practicable after the termination based on our actual performance for the performance period ending on or immediately before the event. No distribution would be made


46


with respect to the fiscal year in which the termination of employment occurs, unless the date of termination is the last day of the applicable fiscal year.
•      Termination due to death: A payout would be made at targeted levels for outstanding performance shares, in each case pro-rated to reflect the number of full fiscal years in the performance period during which the employee was employed (for example, upon a June 15, 2010 death, a participant would have been eligible for a payout at actual performance for the fiscal 2008 to 2010 award, since the performance period ended prior to the death, and the participant would have been eligible for a payout at targeted levels for two-thirds of the total fiscal 2009 to 2011 award and one-third of the total fiscal 2010 to 2012 award).
•      Upon a change of control, the Board or Committee may exercise its discretion to pay a participant all or a portion of the outstanding performance shares. Change of control under this program has the same definition as in the change of control agreements described below.
Long Term Incentive Plan — Stock Options
The following terms govern the impact of a separation from the company on outstanding stock options:
•      Termination for any reason other than death, disability or retirement: The participant forfeits all options unvested at the date of termination and he or she would have 90 days to exercise vested options.
•      Termination due to disability: The participant forfeits all options that have not vested at the date of termination.
•      Termination due to death: All unvested options would automatically vest and remain exercisable for three years following termination (but not beyond the end of the seven-year or ten-year term of such options).
•      Termination due to normal retirement: All unvested options would automatically vest and remain exercisable for three years following termination (but not beyond the end of the seven-year or ten-year term of such options). Upon an early retirement, the three-year exercise period for options would apply unless the Committee eliminated or shortened it, but only as to those options exercisable upon the early retirement.
Each of the agreements evidencing outstanding awards of stock options provides that the vesting of the award will accelerate upon a change of control. The treatment of Messrs. Rodkin’s and Sharpe’s equity awards upon a separation are further governed by their agreements with the company.
Retirement Benefits
Our Qualified Pension, Non-Qualified Pension, Non-Qualified CRISP and Voluntary Deferred Comp plans contain provisions relating to the termination of the participants’ employment. These payments are described more fully in the disclosure provided in connection with the “Pension Benefits” and “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation” tables beginning on page 41. Benefits provided to Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe are further governed by their agreements with the company.
Change of Control Program
The change of control program for senior executives is designed to encourage management to continue performing its responsibilities in the event of a pending or potential change of control. During fiscal 2010, this program covered each of the named executive officers.
Generally, a change of control under these agreements occurs if one of the following events occurs:
•      Individuals who constitute the Board, which, for these purposes, we refer to as the Incumbent Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board. Anyone who becomes a director and whose election, or nomination for election, was approved by a vote of at least a


47


majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board is considered a member of the Incumbent Board.
•      Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were our stockholders immediately prior to the transaction do not, immediately thereafter, own more than fifty percent of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company.
•      A liquidation or dissolution of the company or the sale of all or substantially all of the company’s assets.
The agreements provide that upon a change of control, ConAgra Foods may (at the sole and absolute discretion of the Board or Committee) pay each executive all or a pro-rated portion of the executive’s shortand/or long-term incentive for the year in which the change of control occurs, and the terms of the company’s stock plan govern the treatment of equity awards upon a change of control. With these exceptions, the agreements are double-trigger arrangements, requiring both a change of control event and a qualifying termination of employment to trigger benefits. A qualifying termination event occurs if, within three years of a change of control, (1) the executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated without “cause” or (2) the executive terminates his or her employment for “good reason.” Executives entitled to severance benefits under a change of control agreement forfeit any severance compensation and benefits under our severance pay plan guidelines and receive the following:
•      a lump sum cash payment equal to a multiple of the executive’s base salary and annual bonus (calculated using the executive’s highest annual bonus for the three fiscal years preceding the change of control or the executive’s current target bonus, whichever is greater). The multiples range from one to three (three for each named executive officer);
•      continuation for three years of medical, dental, disability, basic and supplemental life insurance to the extent such benefits remain in effect for other executives, with premiums paid by the executive. ConAgra Foods must pay the executive a single lump sum payment equal to the executive’s estimated cost to participate in the medical and dental plans, plus a taxgross-up;
•      benefits under our Non-Qualified Pension commensurate with adding three years to the executive’s years of service and age (except for Mr. Rodkin and Mr. Sharpe, whose pension benefits are determined by their employment agreements). A lump sum equivalent to all benefits accrued for the executive will be placed in a segregated trust (that remains subject to the claims of our creditors) within 60 days following the termination of employment;
•      a supplemental benefit under our Non-Qualified CRISP plan equal to three times the maximum company contribution that the executive could have received under the Qualified CRISP and Non-Qualified CRISP in the year in which the change of control occurs; and
•      outplacement assistance not exceeding $30,000.
Certain payments to a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code will be delayed for six months after the date of the separation from service.
The agreements also entitle each executive to an additional payment, if necessary, to make the executive whole as a result of any excise and related taxes imposed by the Code on any change of control benefits received. If the safe harbor amount at which the excise tax is imposed is not exceeded by more than 10%, the benefits will instead be reduced to avoid the excise tax. The benefit reduction does not apply to Mr. Rodkin’s and Mr. Sharpe’s agreements.
Generally, a termination for “cause” under the agreements requires (1) the willful failure by the executive to substantially perform his or her duties, (2) the willful engaging by the executive in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the company or (3) the executive’s conviction of a felony or misdemeanor that impairs his or her ability substantially to perform duties for the company. A right of the executive to terminate with “good reason” following a change of control is generally triggered by (1) any


48


failure of the company to comply with and satisfy the terms of the change of control agreement, (2) a significant involuntary reduction of the authority, duties or responsibilities held by the executive immediately prior to the change of control, (3) any involuntary removal of the executive from an officer position held by the executive immediately prior to the change of control, except in connection with promotions, (4) any involuntary reduction in the aggregate compensation level of the executive, (5) requiring the executive to become based at a new location or (6) requiring the executive to undertake substantially greater amounts of business travel.
Each change of control agreement terminates, in the absence of a change of control, when the executive’s employment as a full-time employee of the company is terminated or the executive enters into a written separation agreement with the company. In addition, we may unilaterally terminate each agreement prior to a change of control following six months prior written notice to the executive.
Summary of Possible Benefits
The first table below summarizes estimated incremental amounts payable upon termination under various scenarios. A second table summarizes estimated incremental amounts payable upon a change of control and upon termination following a change of control. We have not included in the tables amounts payable regardless of the occurrence of a triggering event. For example, we excluded accumulated balances in retirement plans when a terminating event does nothing more than create a right to a payment of the balance. We also excluded death benefits payable when the executive paid the premium. The data in the tables assumes the following:
•      each triggering event occurred on May 28, 2010 (the last business day of fiscal 2010) and the per share price of our common stock was $24.18 (the NYSE closing price of our stock on May 28, 2010, the last trading day of fiscal 2010);
•      with respect to salary continuation, if an executive did not have a right to salary continuation under a stand-alone agreement with the company, the severance pay plan guidelines applied;
•      with respect to the annual incentive plan, awards were earned at target levels and where the Committee had discretionary authority to award a payout, it exercised that authority (including in the change of control scenario);
•      with respect to the annual incentive plan, in the case of an involuntary termination not for cause without a change of control, the termination was due to position elimination in the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter;
•      with respect to performance shares, awards were earned at target levels. (These amounts also include a cash value of dividend equivalents on the number of shares/amount of cash assumed to have been earned);
•      with respect to performance shares in the change of control scenario, the Committee exercised its discretionary authority to award a pro-rata payout and did so at target levels;
•      Non-Qualified Pension amounts reflect the present value of benefits applicable in a scenario, less the present value of accrued benefits to which the executive was entitled under the plan at May 28, 2010;
•      in the normal retirement scenarios, an executive attained the normal retirement age of 65 by fiscal year end (or such other age defined as “normal retirement” in an executive’s stand-alone agreement with the company); and
•      in the disability scenarios, the disabling event lasted one year into the future.


49


                     
     Involuntary w/o
          
     Cause or
          
  Voluntary w/o
  Voluntary w/
     Normal
  Death or
 
  Good Reason
  Good Reason
  For Cause
  Retirement
  Disability
 
  $  $ (1)  $  $  $ (2) 
 
Gary M. Rodkin
                    
Salary Continuation  2,740   2,002,740   2,740   2,740   2,740 
Annual Incentive Plan     6,000,000      2,000,000   2,000,000 
Performance Shares     5,191,905      5,191,905   5,191,905 
Accelerated Stock Options     3,441,000      3,441,000   3,441,000 
Non-Qualified Pension     7,215,078          
Benefits Continuation     26,617          
Death Benefits     3,648         1,000,000 
Disability Benefits     1,062         575,000 
                     
Total
 $2,740  $23,882,050  $2,740  $10,635,645  $12,210,645 
John F. Gehring
                    
Salary Continuation     519,231          
Annual Incentive Plan     450,000      450,000   450,000 
Performance Shares           1,191,204   1,191,204 
Accelerated Stock Options           1,133,520   1,133,520 
Benefits Continuation     13,347          
Death Benefits              900,000 
Disability Benefits              300,000 
                     
Total
 $0  $982,578  $0  $2,774,724  $3,974,724 
Colleen R. Batcheler
                    
Salary Continuation     438,942          
Annual Incentive Plan     332,000      332,000   332,000 
Performance Shares           792,983   792,983 
Accelerated Stock Options           672,160   672,160 
Benefits Continuation     11,600          
Death Benefits              830,000 
Disability Benefits              282,500 
                     
Total
 $0  $782,543  $0  $1,797,143  $2,909,643 
Andre J. Hawaux
                    
Salary Continuation     1,200,000          
Annual Incentive Plan     600,000      600,000   600,000 
Performance Shares           1,661,408   1,661,408 
Accelerated Stock Options           1,820,120   1,820,120 
Benefits Continuation     23,135          
Death Benefits              1,000,000 
Disability Benefits              375,000 
                     
Total
 $0  $1,823,135  $0  $4,081,528  $5,456,528 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.
                    
Salary Continuation  1,849   1,351,849   1,849   1,849   1,849 
Annual Incentive Plan     2,025,000      675,000   675,000 

50


                     
     Involuntary w/o
          
     Cause or
          
  Voluntary w/o
  Voluntary w/
     Normal
  Death or
 
  Good Reason
  Good Reason
  For Cause
  Retirement
  Disability
 
  $  $ (1)  $  $  $ (2) 
 
Performance Shares     1,661,408      1,661,408   1,661,408 
Accelerated Stock Options     1,238,760      1,238,760   1,238,760 
Non-Qualified Pension     3,185,771          
Benefits Continuation               
Death Benefits     3,648         1,000,000 
Disability Benefits     1,062         412,500 
                     
Total
 $1,849  $9,467,498  $1,849  $3,577,017  $4,989,517 
1.For Messrs. Gehring and Hawaux and Ms. Batcheler, no incremental benefits are paid upon a voluntary termination with “Good Reason.” In that scenario, payments are zero. For these individuals, this section is only applicable in the event of an involuntary termination without “Cause.”
2.Amounts shown as benefits from the Annual Incentive Plan and Performance Shares are payable in the event of a death or disability. Amounts shown as benefits from Accelerated Stock Options and Death Benefits are paid only in the event of death. Amounts shown as Disability Benefits are payable only in the event of disability. All amounts are totaled for illustrative purposes only.
In the table that follows, if, following a change of control, any of Messrs. Gehring or Hawaux or Ms. Batcheler was terminated for “Cause” or voluntarily terminated employment without “Good Reason,” the individual would not receive any benefits incremental to those shown in the “No Termination” column. Messrs. Rodkin and Sharpe would be entitled to salary continuation per their employment agreements through the end of the month of the event.
         
     Involuntary w/o Cause or
 
  No Termination
  Voluntary w/ Good Reason
 
Change of Control and:
 $  $ 
 
Gary M. Rodkin
        
Salary Continuation     3,002,740 
Annual Incentive Plan  2,000,000   8,000,000 
Performance Shares  5,191,905   5,191,905 
Accelerated Stock Options  3,441,000   3,441,000 
Non-Qualified CRISP     185,823 
Non-Qualified Pension     7,215,078 
Benefits Continuation     39,925 
Death/Disability Benefit     7,064 
Outplacement     30,000 
Excise TaxGross-Up
     10,838,129 
         
Total
 $10,632,905  $37,951,665 
John F. Gehring
        
Salary Continuation     1,350,000 
Annual Incentive Plan  450,000   1,800,000 
Performance Shares  1,191,204   1,191,204 
Accelerated Stock Options  1,133,520   1,133,520 
Non-Qualified CRISP     56,305 
Non-Qualified Pension     283,790 
Benefits Continuation     39,925 

51


         
     Involuntary w/o Cause or
 
  No Termination
  Voluntary w/ Good Reason
 
Change of Control and:
 $  $ 
 
Death/Disability Benefit     6,517 
Outplacement     30,000 
Excise TaxGross-Up(1)
      
         
Total
 $2,774,724  $5,891,262 
Colleen R. Batcheler
        
Salary Continuation     1,245,000 
Annual Incentive Plan  332,000   1,328,000 
Performance Shares  792,983   792,983 
Accelerated Options  672,160   672,160 
Non-Qualified CRISP     31,431 
Benefits Continuation     39,132 
Death/Disability Benefit     6,134 
Outplacement     30,000 
Excise TaxGross-Up
     1,360,397 
         
Total
 $1,797,143  $5,505,237 
Andre J. Hawaux
        
Salary Continuation     1,800,000 
Annual Incentive Plan  600,000   2,400,000 
Performance Shares  1,661,408   1,661,408 
Accelerated Stock Options  1,820,120   1,820,120 
Non-Qualified CRISP     87,852 
Non-Qualified Pension     579,803 
Benefits Continuation     39,925 
Death/Disability Benefit     7,064 
Outplacement     30,000 
Excise TaxGross-Up
     2,849,056 
         
Total
 $4,081,528  $11,275,229 
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr.
        
Salary Continuation     2,026,849 
Annual Incentive Plan  675,000   2,700,000 
Performance Shares  1,661,408   1,661,408 
Accelerated Stock Options  1,238,760   1,238,760 
Non-Qualified CRISP     95,732 
Non-Qualified Pension     3,185,771 
Death/Disability Benefit     7,064 
Outplacement     30,000 
Excise TaxGross-Up
     4,622,170 
         
Total
 $3,575,168  $15,567,755 
1. As described on page 48, excise tax gross up payments are triggered only when amounts exceed the Section 280G limit by greater than 10%. Mr. Gehring’s amounts do not exceed this limit.

52


Agreement with Former Executive Officer
On December 31, 2009, the company entered into a Transition and Severance Agreement with Mr. Perez, who ceased to hold executive officer status on October 30, 2009. Mr. Perez agreed to non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants and provided a full release of claims against the company. If Mr. Perez complies with his obligations under the Severance Agreement, he will be entitled to receive the following:
•      two years of cash severance. In the first year, this amount is paid bi-weekly at an annual rate of $300,000, and supplemented with two lump sum payments of $65,000 each. The first lump sum payment was made on July 9, 2010; assuming Mr. Perez’ continued compliance with the covenants in his agreement, the second lump sum payment will be made on or about December 1, 2010. In the second year, his cash severance will be paid bi-weekly at an annual rate of $430,000;
•      payments for COBRA coverage; and
•      outplacement services.
Because he complied with the covenants contained in his agreement through the payout date for awards under the MIP, Mr. Perez became eligible for, and was paid, a cash incentive for fiscal 2010 of $550,400. This amount equated to the overall funding level approved by the Committee for the executive officer MIP.
Under the Severance Agreement, Mr. Perez forfeited all of his outstanding performance shares upon his separation. However, in recognition of his service to and performance with the company, we agreed to amend two of his option awards, effective December 31, 2009, contingent on his compliance with his obligations under the Severance Agreement. Specifically, an option grant for 70,000 shares made on February 14, 2004 with an exercise price of $26.17 per share was amended to extend the exercise period from 90 days after termination of employment to three years after termination of employment. Further, an option grant for 120,000 shares made on July 15, 2009 with an exercise price of $19.05 per share was amended to provide for immediate vesting and exercisability for three years after termination of employment. All other stock options granted to Mr. Perez during his employment ceased to vest as of December 31, 2009 and remained exercisable for 90 days in accordance with their terms.
Proposals for 2011 Annual Meeting
To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement,Proxy Statement, stockholder proposals must be received at our principal executive offices no later than the close of business on April 11, 2011.
14, 2014. Address proposals to the Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc., One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

Other Stockholder Proposals to be Presented at our 2014 Annual Meeting

Our bylaws outlinerequire that any stockholder proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement, but is instead sought to be presented directly at the process for stockholders to follow to nominate a director or present any other business at an2014 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. Generally, a stockholder must give timely notice to the ConAgra Foods Corporate Secretary. To be timely, that notice for the 2011 annual meeting mustMeeting be received at our principal executive officesoffice not less than 90 nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the 2010 annual meeting. However, if2013 Annual Meeting. If the date of the 2010 annual meeting2014 Annual Meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date, then the notice must be received not later than the 90th90th day prior to the meeting day or the tenth day following public announcement of the meeting date. TheOur bylaws also specify the information that must accompany any such stockholder notice. Our proxy cardProxy Card for the 20112014 annual meeting will give discretionary authority with respect to all stockholder proposals properly brought before the 2011 annual meeting2014 Annual Meeting that are not included in the 2011 annual meeting proxy statement.

Proposals, nominations and inquiries regarding these matters should be addressed2014 Annual MeetingProxy Statement. Address proposals to the Corporate Secretary, ConAgra Foods, Inc., One ConAgra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.


53


***

Appendix A

(GRAPHIC)
Regulation G Disclosure

Below is a reconciliation of FY13 and FY12 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, adjusted for items impacting comparability. Amounts may be impacted by rounding.

FY13 and FY12 Diluted EPS from Continuing Operations

   

Total

    FY13    

   

Total

    FY12    

  %
Change

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

   $    1.85     $    1.12   65%

Items impacting comparability:

     

Acquisition expenses, including restructuring, and integration costs

   0.26     0.01   

Expense related to restructuring charges

   0.05     0.09   

Net expense related to acquisition-related tax expense

   0.04     -   

Net expense related to impairment charges for assets within Commercial Foods

   0.02     -   
Net expense related to year-end remeasurement of pensions and early retirement of debt   0.02     0.60   

Net expense (benefit) related to unallocated mark-to-market impact of derivatives

   (0.07)     0.14   

Net expense related to historical legal, insurance, and environmental matters

   -     0.03   

Benefit related to acquisition of majority interest in Agro Tech Foods, Ltd.

   -     (0.14 

Rounding

   (0.01)     (0.01)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

Diluted EPS adjusted for items impacting comparability

     $    2.16       $    1.84       17%    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

Management considers GAAP financial measures as well as such non-GAAP financial information in its evaluation of the company’s financial statements and believes these non-GAAP measures provide useful supplemental information to assess the company’s operating performance and financial position. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the company’s diluted earnings per share as calculated in accordance with GAAP.

LOGO

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

ONE CONAGRA DRIVE

OMAHA, NE 68102-5001

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instructionproxy card.

2. Go to Website www.proxyvote.com.

3. Follow the instructions. CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 ONE CONAGRA DRIVE

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instructionproxy card. OMAHA, NE 68102-5001

2. Call toll free 1-800-690-6903.

3. Follow the recorded instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instructionproxy card.

2. Mark, sign and date your voting instructionproxy card.

3. Return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to

    Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

If you vote by Phone or Internet, please do not mail this Voting InstructionProxy Card.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: M26519-P00506

M61825-P42189                         KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN

THIS PORTION ONLY THIS VOTING INSTRUCTIONPROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

COMPANY PROPOSALS

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following nominees:

For

All

¨

Withhold

All

¨

For All

Except

¨

To withhold authority to vote for any individual All All Except nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the The Board of Directors recommends a vote number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. FOR the following: 0 0 0

1.Election of Directors

01)    Mogens C. Bay

07)    Richard H. Lenny

02)    Stephen G. Butler08)    Ruth Ann Marshall
03)    Steven F. Goldstone09)    Gary M. Rodkin
04)    Joie A. Gregor10)    Andrew J. Schindler
05)    Rajive Johri11)    Kenneth E. Stinson
06)    W.G. Jurgensen For Against Abstain
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal:ForAgainstAbstainThe Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST the following proposal:ForAgainstAbstain

2. Ratify

Ratification of the appointment of Independent Auditor 0 0 0

¨

¨

¨

4.   Stockholder proposal regarding bylaw change in regard to vote-counting

¨

¨

¨

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal:

3.

Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation

¨

¨

¨

NOTE: The shares will be voted as directed, or if no direction is indicated, as described on the reverse side of this instructionthisproxy card. Yes No

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. 0 0

¨

¨

Yes

No

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date


LOGO

ADMISSION TICKET

ConAgra Foods 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

Friday, September 27, 2013

NOTE NEW TIME: 8:30 a.m. CT

Witherspoon Concert Hall

Joslyn Art Museum

2200 Dodge Street

Omaha, Nebraska 68102

You must present this admission ticket, along with some form of government-issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport, in order to gain admittance to the September 27, 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. This ticket is not transferable and admits only the stockholder(s) listed on the reverse side and one guest. Cameras, recording devices and large packages/containers will not be permitted at the meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 


M61826-P42189        

(GRAPHIC)
ADMISSION TICKET ConAgra Foods 2010 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Friday, September 24, 2010 1:30 p.m. CT Witherspoon Concert Hall Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 You must present this admission ticket, along with some form of government-issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport, in order to gain admittance to the September 24, 2010 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. This ticket is not transferable and admits only the stockholder(s) listed on the reverse side and one guest. Cameras, recording devices and large packages/containers will not be permitted at the meeting. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com. M26520-P00506 VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD —
PROXY - CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
Please vote and sign on reverse side

This Proxy is Solicited by the Board of Directors for the

September 24, 201027, 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

The undersigned appoints each of Steven F. Goldstone and Gary M. Rodkin as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of common stock of ConAgra Foods, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and any adjournment thereof.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AS INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PROXY. IF YOU SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY BUT DO NOT CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX FOR A PARTICULAR ITEM, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE THE SHARESFOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1,FOR ITEMS 2 AND 3,AGAINST ITEM 4, AND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING.

If you wish to vote by mailing this proxy card, please mark the boxes accordingly. Indicate the date, sign your name exactly as it appears on this card and return it in the enclosed envelope. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or officer of a corporation, please give your full title as such. Information on telephonic and Internet voting is on the reverse side of this proxy card.

Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote these shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Telephone and Internet voting are available until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on September 26, 2013.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side


LOGO

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

ONE CONAGRA DRIVE

OMAHA, NE 68102-5001

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instruction card.

2. Go to Website www.proxyvote.com.

3. Follow the instructions.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instruction card.

2. Call toll free 1-800-690-6903.

3. Follow the recorded instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this voting instruction card.

2. Mark, sign and date your voting instruction card.

3. Return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote

    Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

If you vote by Phone or Internet, please do not mail this Voting Instruction Card.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M61823-P42189                         KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

CONAGRA FOODS, INC.

COMPANY PROPOSALS

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following nominees:

For

All

¨

Withhold

All

¨

For All

Except

¨

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

1.Election of Directors

01)    Mogens C. Bay

07)    Richard H. Lenny

02)    Stephen G. Butler08)    Ruth Ann Marshall
03)    Steven F. Goldstone09)    Gary M. Rodkin
04)    Joie A. Gregor10)    Andrew J. Schindler
05)    Rajive Johri11)    Kenneth E. Stinson
06)    W.G. Jurgensen
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal:ForAgainstAbstainThe Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST the following proposal:ForAgainstAbstain

2.

Ratification of the appointment of Independent Auditor

¨

¨

¨

4.   Stockholder proposal regarding bylaw change in regard to vote-counting

¨

¨

¨

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal:

3.

Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation

¨

¨

¨

NOTE: The shares will be voted as directed, or if no direction is indicated, as described on the reverse side of thisvoting instruction card.

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.

¨

¨

Yes

No

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date


LOGO

ADMISSION TICKET

ConAgra Foods 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

Friday, September 27, 2013

NOTE NEW TIME: 8:30 a.m. CT

Witherspoon Concert Hall

Joslyn Art Museum

2200 Dodge Street

Omaha, Nebraska 68102

You must present this admission ticket, along with some form of government-issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport, in order to gain admittance to the September 27, 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. This ticket is not transferable and admits only the stockholder(s) listed on the reverse side and one guest. Cameras, recording devices and large packages/containers will not be permitted at the meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com.

M61824-P42189        

VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD - CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
Please vote and sign on reverse side

This Voting Instruction Card is Solicited by the Board of Directors for the

September 27, 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

As a participant in the ConAgra Foods Retirement Income Savings Plan (the “CRISP”), I hereby direct State Street Bank and TrustandTrust Company as Trustee, to vote all shares held in this plan account as I instruct in the instructions listed below. on the reverse side.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AS INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD. IF YOU SIGN AND RETURN YOUR INSTRUCTION CARD BUT DO NOT CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX FOR A PARTICULAR ITEM, THE TRUSTEE WILL VOTE THE SHARESFOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1,FOR ITEMS 12 AND 2. 3, ANDAGAINST ITEM 4.

If you wish to direct the Trustee by mailing this voting instruction card, please mark the boxes accordingly, sign your name exactly as it appears on this card and mark, date and return it in the enclosed envelope. Information on telephonic and Internet voting is on the reverse side of this voting instruction card. If you are a current or former employee of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and have an interest in CRISP, your proportionate interest as of August 2, 2010July 31, 2013 is shown on this voting instruction card and your instructions will provide voting instructions to the Trustee of the plan. If this card is not returned, the Trustee will vote the shares in a single block in accordance with the instructions received with respect to a majority of the shares for which instructions are received, unless contrary to applicable law.

Your telephone or Internet voting instruction authorizes State Street Bank and Trust Company to vote these shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your voting instruction card. Whether you vote by mail, telephone or via the Internet, your vote must be returned by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on September 21, 2010. 24, 2013.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side


(GRAPHIC)
VOTE BY INTERNET — www.proxyvote.com 1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this proxy card. 2. Go to Website www.proxyvote.com. 3. Follow the instructions. CONAGRA FOODS, INC. VOTE BY PHONE — 1-800-690-6903 ONE CONAGRA DRIVE 1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this proxy card. OMAHA, NE 68102-5001 2. Call toll free 1-800-690-6903. 3. Follow the recorded instructions. VOTE BY MAIL 1. Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and this proxy card. 2. Mark, sign and date your proxy card. 3. Return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. If you vote by Phone or Internet, please do not mail this Proxy Card. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: M26521-P00506 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. CONAGRA FOODS, INC. For Withhold For All To withhold authority to vote for any individual All All Except nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the The Board of Directors recommends a vote number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. FOR the following: 0 0 0 1. Election of Directors 01) Mogens C. Bay 07) Richard H. Lenny 02) Stephen G. Butler 08) Ruth Ann Marshall 03) Steven F. Goldstone 09) Gary M. Rodkin 04) Joie A. Gregor 10) Andrew J. Schindler 05) Rajive Johri 11) Kenneth E. Stinson 06) W.G. Jurgensen For Against Abstain The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal: 2. Ratify the appointment of Independent Auditor 0 0 0 NOTE: The shares will be voted as directed, or if no direction is indicated, as described on the reverse side of this proxy card. Yes No Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. 0 0 Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date


(GRAPHIC)
ADMISSION TICKET ConAgra Foods 2010 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Friday, September 24, 2010 1:30 p.m. CT Witherspoon Concert Hall Joslyn Art Museum 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 You must present this admission ticket, along with some form of government-issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport, in order to gain admittance to the September 24, 2010 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. This ticket is not transferable and admits only the stockholder(s) listed on the reverse side and one guest. Cameras, recording devices and large packages/containers will not be permitted at the meeting. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report and Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com. M26522-P00506 Proxy — CONAGRA FOODS, INC. Please vote and sign on reverse side This Proxy is Solicited by the Board of Directors for the September 24, 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders The undersigned appoints each of Steven F. Goldstone and Gary M. Rodkin as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of common stock of ConAgra Foods, Inc. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and any adjournment thereof. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AS INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PROXY. IF YOU SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY BUT DO NOT CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX FOR A PARTICULAR ITEM, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE THE SHARES FOR ITEMS 1 AND 2, AND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPON SUCH OTHERS MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING. If you wish to vote by mailing this proxy card, please mark the boxes accordingly. Indicate the date, sign your name exactly as it appears on this card and return it in the enclosed envelope. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or officer of a corporation, please give your full title as such. Information on telephonic and Internet voting is on the reverse side of this proxy card. Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote these shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Telephone and Internet voting are available until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on September 23, 2010. Continued and to be signed on reverse side