Peron Parker of Parker Farms in Four Oaks, NC is celebrating 10 years of certification with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), the leading animal welfare and sustainability label across North America.
Parker achieved Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification for his pasture-raised pigs in 2009. He manages Berkshire, Duroc and Yorkshire cross pigs outdoors on pasture and range, where they are able to root and forage as pigs naturally do. This high-welfare management approach is a fundamental component of the AGW standards and is known to have environmental, nutritional and culinary benefits. Parker will receive a commemorative metal farm sign to acknowledge the decade of certification–and ongoing commitment to high-welfare, sustainable farming.
The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label lets consumers know farm animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Consumer Reports has rated Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW as a “highly meaningful” label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability–and the only animal welfare certification in which they have confidence. A recent report from the influential Hartman Group, a leading food and beverage market research company, reveals Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label has the highest impact on consumer purchasing behavior of any food label.
AGW Executive Director Andrew Gunther said, “We’re so proud to celebrate 10 years with Parker Farms and we applaud their commitment to good stewardship, community values and transparency. Peron is truly a pioneer of the growing market for verified sustainable products. As this market continues to expand, AGW farmers are at the forefront–offering trusted and verified products to a public hungry for honestly labeled meat, dairy and eggs. We celebrate our shared successes over the last decade–and look forward to the next!”
