FIRST FARM IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NH, AWARDED TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION FOR PIGS
-- Templeton Family Organics uses sustainable agriculture methods to earn Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification for their pasture-raised pigs --
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GOFFSTOWN, NH (DECEMBER 5, 2017)--The pigs at Templeton Family Organics are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW). This certification and food label lets consumers know these 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. Templeton Family Organics is the first farming business in Hillsborough County to become Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW for pigs.
Like other Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers across the country, Brian and Christine Templeton recognize the growing consumer interest in how animals are raised on farms. Managing animals outdoors on pasture or range has known benefits for animals, consumers and the environment.
The Templetons, along with four of their six children, own and operate 13-acre Templeton Family Organics, overlooking Goffstown. The farmers believe in pasture-based, sustainable production, which in their experience leads to healthy animals and high-quality pork products. They raise Landrace and Berkshire-cross breeds for their ability to forage on pasture and handle the variable weather conditions. The pigs have continuous access to pasture, with plenty of room to demonstrate natural behaviors like wallowing, grazing and rooting with their snouts, and are regularly moved to fresh ground to minimize the risk of parasites and disease.
The Templetons chose to be Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW because it aligns with their philosophies of raising their animals according to high-welfare standards, and helps communicate their values and practices to their customers.
Christine Templeton of Templeton Family Organics, says:
"People should know that just because a pork product is labeled organic, it doesn't necessarily mean the pig ever saw a blade of grass. Our Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label shows our customers that we really are farming the way we say we are, raising pigs outdoors on pasture according to the highest welfare standards."
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW Program Director Andrew Gunther says,
"The accountability and integrity offered by Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers like Brian and Christine are unmatched in food production. We're glad to have Templeton Family Organics in the AGW family."
ABOUT A GREENER WORLDA Greener World (AGW) identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and ranchers and informing consumers. AGW's growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW's standards and procedures are robust and transparent and achievable. A nonprofilt funded by public donations and membership, A Greener World offers a range of resources to help people make informed food choices, including an Online Directory of certified farms and products and Food Labels Exposed--a definitive guide to food label claims (available in print, online, and as a smartphone app). For more information visit agreenerworld.org .
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