Niman Ranch’s founding hog farmer, Paul Willis, was selected by EatingWell Magazine as a 2020 American Food Hero. This annual list celebrates ten leaders who are changing the food world in innovative and meaningful ways. Paul is celebrated as a staunch animal welfare advocate who has revolutionized the hog production system and built a thriving brand that supports hundreds of likeminded and passionate small family farmers.
Paul joins other food sector luminaries including Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America; Anthony Bourdain, the late chef and celebrated food writer; George Siemon, the founder of Organic Valley; Chellie Pingree, organic farmer and Congresswoman representing the 1st District of Maine; Tom Colicchio, award-winning chef and food policy advocate; and Joann Lo & Jose Oliva, co-directors of the Food Chain Worker Alliance, to name a few.