DuBreton, a Canadian producer of organic and certified humane raised and handled pork, announced its commitment to raising 300,000 more crate-free pigs by 2018. This unprecedented move represents an investment of $30 million to advance the duBreton vision to be the world leader in Organic and Certified Humane Raised and Handled pork and an international role model for best practices based on animal welfare and organic, GMO-free practices. This is one of the biggest announcements ever in advancing the crate-free farming movement, the company said in a statement.

"DuBreton has been at the forefront of the humanely raised movement since the late 1990s, and this announcement simply solidifies and expands our commitment," says Vincent Breton, third-generation president of duBreton. "Compared to commodity or traditional farming practices, it costs us 50 percent more to raise Certified Humane pork and more than double to raise an organic pig. The result is the highest quality pork possible, and as this translates into only a slight increase at retail, we believe it is well worth the cost to preserve the dignity and respect of the animals in our care. Obviously, consumers agree as demand is outpacing supply in many markets where we trade."

Both the duBreton Organic and Rustic Farm Pork Products lines are Certified Humane, antibiotic-free and hormone-free, and the pigs are fed a diet that does not contain any animal by-products. All pigs are raised crate-free which means they are allowed to roam in a communal environment with other pigs. The duBreton logo means that the pigs have enjoyed a controlled and Certified Humane environment – including farms, transportation and processing. Organic pigs also have a certified organic, GMO-free diet and are guaranteed outdoor access. 

"DuBreton first approached us in 2003 to begin the certification process," says Adele Douglass, founding executive director of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), the U.S. based non-profit organization that grants the Certified Humane certification. "Since then, duBreton has made great strides to expand on its Certified Humane properties and operations and we are proud to partner with this progressive leader. DuBreton truly cares about animal welfare and is changing farming industry standards."

For more information, please visit dubreton.com  or duBreton's Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn accounts. 

Source: Les Viandes du Breton