The pigs at Staples Farm 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. It is acknowledged by Consumer Reports as the only “excellent” food label for animal welfare and verification.
Like other Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers across the country, The Staples Family recognizes 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 Berkshire pigs at Staples Farm are free to root and forage as pigs naturally do. This high-welfare management is a fundamental component of AGW certification and is known to have environmental, nutritional, and culinary benefits. The farm uses rotational grazing practices and sustainable farming techniques, including planting different forages together to create a more diverse and resilient grazing system for the pigs. This offers benefits such as improved nutrition, weed control and soil health.
Leo Staples of Staples Farm says all of the hard work is worthwhile because, ultimately, “We believe in hard work, raising our animals with respect for their contributions to our life, and creating a better environment for future generations. Our AGW certification backs up our high-welfare management practices and provides the highest level of assurance for our customers.”
AGW Executive Director Emily Moose says,
“We’re proud to certify farms like Staples Farm that have demonstrated their commitment to transparency and verified, high-welfare, farming practices. These stewards are quite literally building a greener world while producing delicious food, and we’re honored to help consumers find them—and in doing so choose products that match their values.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW Berkshire pork from Staples Farm is available directly from the farm (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 2-6 pm) and at Conscious Community Co-op in Edmond, OK. Check AGW’s directory for details. For more information, visit staplesfarmok.com, follow the farm on Facebook. You can also contact Staples Farm at info@staplesfarmok.com, or give Leo Staples a call (405) 206-4805.
ABOUT A GREENER WORLD
A 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, Certified Regenerative 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, transparent and achievable.
A nonprofit funded by donations, AGW 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 and online). For more information visit agreenerworld.org
