One of the most comprehensive agricultural eco-labels in North America, Food Alliance Certified goes beyond humane animal treatment, also covering labor conditions and environmental protection.

"It's really a new world for agriculture," said Pure Country Manager Paul Klingeman, explaining his decision to seek certification. "More and more people want to know where their food is coming from and how it's being produced - and every new story that breaks in the newspaper is pushing them towards foods that meet independent, third-party standards."

"We're deeply committed to the health and well-being of our animals," Klingeman continued. "Our hogs are raised in open hoop houses with free access to food, fresh water, and clean bedding. They live in small social groups in a stimulating environment where they can have stress-free interaction with each other. And, of course, they are never fed animal by-products or given antibiotics. Now we have Food Alliance behind us to assure our customers we really are doing this the best, most sustainable way possible."

Pure Country Pork sells approximately 8,000 hogs a year to high-end grocery stores such as New Seasons Markets in Portland and PCC Markets in Seattle, and to Masami Foods Inc. which sells to select customers in Japan and the U.S. Some hogs are also sold directly to consumers.