DuBreton, North America's #1 Organic Pork Producer, is Transforming Pig Farming as it Achieves Major Milestone of Raising More Than 340,000 Crate-Free Pigs

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Oct 04, 2018, 11:50 ET

Company is Proving Humane Farming Practices are Good for Animals, the
Environment, Business and is What Consumers Want

RIVIERE-DU-LOUP, QC, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - DuBreton, third-generation family farming business at the forefront of Certified Humane^® and organic pork production in North America, announced today it has achieved a world-wide milestone by surpassing its commitment to raise 300,000 crate-free pigs in three years. This unprecedented achievement is one of the biggest announcements ever in advancing crate-free pork and represents an investment of more than $40 million to achieve more humane farming practices. This firmly establishes North America as a global leader and makes duBreton an international role model for respectful agricultural procedures, and for helping to save small family farms capable of artisanal pork production. DuBreton pork is sold in the United States, Canada and Asia and is highly regarded and available at such esteemed grocery stores as Whole Foods Market, Crosby's in Massachusetts Doroty Lane and Mustard Seed in Ohio, and other purveyors of fine foods. By choosing duBreton pork, consumers are voting with their wallets to support independent family farms and the best animal welfare and organic farming practices.

Pigs enjoying a crate-free environment on a certified organic duBreton farm (CNW Group/duBreton)

To achieve its goal, duBreton did what no producer had ever done by working with recognized and credible third-party animal welfare certifying organizations including Certified Humane^®, the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Program and USDA Organic, and investing in its network of family farms. This includes:

Ninety-three existing barns were transformed to meet Certified Humane^® and GAP 5-step farming standards, 72 of which also meet USDA Organic standards
Twenty-two new barns were built to meet Certified Humane^®, and GAP 5-step farming standards, 21 of which also meet USDA Organic standards
Two dozen (24) new organic pork farmers were brought into the business

To learn more, click HERE to download the duBreton Difference Infographic.

DuBreton has a network of more than 300 family farms that meet the high standards for Certified Humane^® and organic pork production. DuBreton provides these farmers with a viable business alternative to selling out to big corporate factory farms. DuBreton enables the farmers to maintain their autonomy, increase their profitability and secure their future success. The farmers are always compensated fairly, without the risk of the uncontrollable highs and lows of pricing in the pork commodity market.

"While traditional, conventional or commodity pork farms have pigs that live in crates that are only 14 square feet, our farms in the duBreton network are crate-free and allow the animals to live in groups with plenty of space to engage in their natural behaviours," says Vincent Breton, third-generation president of duBreton. "We work with like-minded family farmers who believe in the duBreton values and principles of putting the animals, human health and the environment first. We're changing the face of Certified Humane^® and organic pork production in North America one farm and one pig at a time."

"DuBreton is setting the standard for ethically produced pork throughout North America and around the world," says Adele Douglass, founding executive director of Humane Farm Animal Care, the U.S. based non-profit organization that grants the Certified Humane^®certification. "We started working with duBreton in 2003 to begin the certification process and, over the years, we have seen consumer demand for meat that is ethically and sustainably raised increased dramatically. DuBreton has been vital to advancing the pork industry. I, and everyone at Certified Humane^®, congratulate duBreton on its major achievement of raising more than 340,000 pigs in crate-free environments."

DuBreton Allows Pigs to be Pigs
DuBreton believes in investing in organic and crate-free production because the demand for Certified Humane^® and organic pork is outpacing supply. Retailers and the premium hospitality industry are finding it difficult to fulfill the consumer demand and production is still limited.

All of duBreton's pork is from pigs that are raised with a simple philosophy: Allow pigs to be pigs! The products are from pigs that are raised without the use of antibiotics* in crate-free environments with more space, less noise and better air quality. They are fed a high-quality grain diet that contains no animal by-products, and the animals have free access to shelter and hay or straw bedded resting areas as well as the space and ability to engage in natural behaviours.

To find out more about how duBreton is raising its animals click HERE to download the duBreton Difference Pork Fact Sheet.

Better Choices Change the World: Pledge Your Support for Better Animal Welfare Standards and choose Certified Humane^® and Organic Pork
DuBreton products proudly display the Certified Humane^® and USDA Organic certifications on products. The brand also meets the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-step program standards – a mandatory program adopted by Whole Foods Market that recognizes farmers and ranchers that exceed industry standards and strive to continuously improve animal welfare. Certified Humane^® and Global Animal Partnership are recognized by the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) Shop With Your Heart program.

"The ASPCA recognizes DuBreton for giving these pigs space to move freely and rest comfortably," says Nancy Roulston, Director of Corporate Engagement for Farm Animal Welfare at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "DuBreton has stepped up to meet the growing demand for food that aligns with consumers' compassion for animals and earned a meaningful welfare certification to prove it, which is why we are pleased to include duBreton's Rustic Farm and Organic products on the ASPCA's Shop With Your Heart Brand list."

New duBreton Product Labels Provide Clear Information in Black and White
DuBreton appreciates its important role in helping consumers understand that raising pigs with respect means less stress on the animals and results in higher quality, and better-tasting pork. That's why duBreton has changed its labels to provide consumers with clear information about its products and is unveiling a new Black and White product label to ensure there is no confusion at the grocery store. Whether on duBreton's famous Bacon, Sausages, Tenderloin or other products, the new labels make it easy for consumers to understand product attributes and how the pigs are raised – in black and white. DuBreton pork products are available in All Natural Pork (meets Certified Humane^® standards) and Organic (meets both organic and Certified Humane^® standards).

"It's important that shoppers look beyond the label and educate themselves about animal welfare standards to truly understand where their products come from and how they are raised," adds Mr. Breton. "Third party certifications, such as Certified Humane^® and USDA Organic guarantee that all products displaying the logos meet the same precise standards."

About duBreton: A Family Business, A Tradition of Quality, A Commitment to a Better World
The year 1944 marked the beginning of a new company built by a passionate young farming couple named Napoleon and Adrienne Breton. Over time and through acquisitions and development of other companies, the Breton Tradition 1944 became one of the jewels of North America's agri-food production, particularly in the pork sector. Now a leading pork specialist, duBreton's^® goal is to satisfy the tastes of the best chefs, restaurants and homes throughout the United States, Canada and Asia. DuBreton^® offers a complete range of the highest quality pork products from pigs raised and processed to the highest standards of quality and animal care. DuBreton's^® All Natural Pork and Organic Pork lines have an increased focus on humane farming techniques and respect the animals' natural development and environment.

For more information, please visit duBreton.com or duBreton's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

*If an animal gets sick, the farmer is allowed to treat it, however it is automatically removed from duBreton's Certified Humane^® and organic pork supply.

SOURCE duBreton