Heritage Acres Pork Now “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” JEFFERSON CITY, MO (October 20, 2004) – Heritage Acres Pork, which is produced by 52 family farmers throughout Missouri and processed by their Ozark Mountain Pork Cooperative, was recently certified by Humane Farm Animal Care, HFAC, to use the “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label on their products. With more than 20 companies certified to use the label, certification of each new producer follows a rigorous on-site inspection by HFAC veterinarians and animal scientists. The “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label, unveiled in May 2003, assures consumers that a meat, poultry, egg or dairy product has been produced according to HFAC’s precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space sufficient to support natural behavior. “I wasn’t that far from being antibiotic free in the first place,” said Norbert Falter, a family farmer and member of the co-op from Freeburg, Mo. “It has made sense for us all along that the more fresh air and sunshine our pigs have the healthier and happier they are.” Falter also believes that this certification will secure an all-natural niche market and help net a premium price for his hogs. For more information, go to www.heritageacresfoods.com and www.certifiedhumane.org. Technical assistance and continued support for the Ozark Mountain Pork Cooperative, located in Mountain View, Mo., was provided by the Family Farm Opportunity Center, the cooperative development branch of Missouri Farmers Union. Missouri Farmers Union’s mission is to protect and enhance the economic interests and way of life of family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities they represent. MFU is a true advocacy organization representing family farms and rural communities. For more information or to join, go to www.missourifarmersunion.org. ### |
