Grant J. Hunt receives Food Alliance certification
Grant J. Hunt receives Food Alliance certification
For the second time this decade, Grant J. Hunt has received the Food Alliance Certification Seal in recognition of agricultural standards practiced by Orchard View Farms Inc. in The Dalles, OR.
According to Eric Patrick of Grant J. Hunt's Yakima, WA, office, Orchard View Farms was initially certified in June 2000 for cherries and pears and, with the recent certification awarded in late 2006, is certified through December 2009 for both products.
Grant J. Hunt Co. is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Orchard View Farms.
The Food Alliance, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways, also educates consumers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.
The organization operates the most comprehensive third-party certification program in North America for sustainably produced food and through its certification distinguishes foods produced by farmers, ranchers and food processors who use environmentally and socially responsible practices.
Mr. Patrick said that Orchard View Farms received this certification due to the commitment by the orchardists to "leave the land healthy and productive for future generations."
He continued, "The Baileys, who own Orchard View Farms, and their workers were recognized for dedicating themselves to environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices for cherries and pears.
"The most important piece of the Food Alliance Certification is that it clearly demonstrates Orchard View Farms commitment to the sustainability of agriculture. This is a great tool for us in today's marketplace to help separate Orchard View Farms and the Grant J. Hunt Company from the competition."
Mr. Patrick said that retail leaders in both domestic and international markets "want to work with partners who are doing their best to take care of the land. They want to tell the story to their customers that they are working with farmers and not corporate farms, with growers who really produce the best fruit in the best way possible."
He added, "This certification tells that story and shows that as a group we are dedicated to environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices, and ultimately that is what today's consumer expects -- along with a great eating experience, of course."
According to Eric Patrick of Grant J. Hunt's Yakima, WA, office, Orchard View Farms was initially certified in June 2000 for cherries and pears and, with the recent certification awarded in late 2006, is certified through December 2009 for both products.
Grant J. Hunt Co. is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Orchard View Farms.
The Food Alliance, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways, also educates consumers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.
The organization operates the most comprehensive third-party certification program in North America for sustainably produced food and through its certification distinguishes foods produced by farmers, ranchers and food processors who use environmentally and socially responsible practices.
Mr. Patrick said that Orchard View Farms received this certification due to the commitment by the orchardists to "leave the land healthy and productive for future generations."
He continued, "The Baileys, who own Orchard View Farms, and their workers were recognized for dedicating themselves to environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices for cherries and pears.
"The most important piece of the Food Alliance Certification is that it clearly demonstrates Orchard View Farms commitment to the sustainability of agriculture. This is a great tool for us in today's marketplace to help separate Orchard View Farms and the Grant J. Hunt Company from the competition."
Mr. Patrick said that retail leaders in both domestic and international markets "want to work with partners who are doing their best to take care of the land. They want to tell the story to their customers that they are working with farmers and not corporate farms, with growers who really produce the best fruit in the best way possible."
He added, "This certification tells that story and shows that as a group we are dedicated to environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices, and ultimately that is what today's consumer expects -- along with a great eating experience, of course."
