March 1, 2012 | Food Alliance

News Release – (Portland, OR) – Food Alliance recently published an updated list of food and farm products certified to its Sustainability Standards for Agricultural Production and Food Handling Operations. 46 new farms and food handling operations became certified in 2011, representing a 15% annual increase.

“There are now nearly 100 companies marketing thousands of Food Alliance Certified products throughout the United States and Canada” said Executive Director Scott Exo. “Whether you’re a food buyer for a big company or an everyday eater, it means you have a growing array of ‘good food’ options that meet stringent, comprehensive standards for social and environmental responsibility.”

With the addition of a Sustainability Standard for Farmed Shellfish in 2011, Food Alliance now certifies products in every retail grocery category: produce, meat, eggs and dairy, seafood, and bulk foods and grocery, including wine. The updated list of Food Alliance Certified food and farm products is organized by these categories. To help commercial food buyers source more sustainable menu options, the product list also includes Food Alliance certified distributors.

In total, there are now 330 Food Alliance Certified operations in 23 states and provinces. Certified farms and ranches, many of whom supply marketing groups or producer cooperatives, manage more than 5.5 million acres throughout North America.

The 2012 list of Food Alliance Certified products and distributors, an interactive map and search tool are available online at: www.foodalliance.org/client-search.

About Food Alliance

Food Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that defines sustainability in agriculture and food handling operations with a comprehensive third-party certification program that addresses a wide range of consumer and industry concerns. Food Alliance certification is a tool that ensures safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and careful stewardship of ecosystems. Food Alliance Certified products include meats, shellfish, eggs, dairy, mushrooms, grains, legumes, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and prepared products made with these certified ingredients. Today, there are more than 330 Food Alliance Certified operations, and over 5.5 million acres managed by Food Alliance Certified producers throughout North America.

Source: http://bit.ly/x1RYtp