LEADING CERTIFIER LAUNCHES LOW-COST NON-GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD LABEL
-- Certified Non-GE by A Greener World is a cost-effective way for producers to meet consumer expectations --
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REDMOND, OR (MAY 9, 2016)--
A Greener World (AGW)--the leading sustainable farm certifier--is launching a new label: Certified Non-GE by AGW. This label will guarantee that a food product is produced without the use of genetically engineered (GE) feed, supplements or ingredients, and comes from animals raised according to the highest animal welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods.
As public concern about the labeling of GE (also known as genetically modified, or GM) food products continues to grow, the market for non-GE products is surging. High-profile companies like Campbell Soup Company and PepsiCo recently announced non-GE labeling initiatives, while Packaged Facts--a leading publisher of market research in the food and beverage sector--forecasts the total global market for non-GE foods and beverages will nearly double between 2014 and 2019.
With guidance from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), AGW developed the new Certified Non-GE by AGW label in response to significant demand from retailers, farmers and consumers for a verified non-GE label claim for meat, dairy products and eggs they could trust. As all products approved as Certified Non-GE by AGW must also come from livestock approved under the Certified AWA farm standards, this is the only non-GE label to offer further assurances about animal welfare and environmental sustainability (Certified Non-GE by AGW is an optional addition to AWA certification).
Building on AGW's successful portfolio of leading farm certifications--including Certified AWA and Certified Grassfed by AWA--the new Certified Non-GE by AGW label demonstrates AGW's position as a leader in the marketplace. These certifications help farmers and food producers differentiate themselves, while giving consumers more choices--and a way to find products that meet their expectations.
AGW Director of Outreach Emily Moose says,
"Our primary function is to bring transparency to the food system. In a marketplace crowded with misinformation and greenwashing, sustainable producers and conscientious consumers are hungry for ways to connect. Trusted third-party certifications like the
Certified Non-GE by AGW label make that connection possible." Moose continues, "Making verifiably sustainable food choices--especially for meat, dairy and eggs--is one of the easiest, most positive actions you can take to make the world a better place."
While other non-GE and non-GMO labels exist, AGW's is the only such certification in North America audited in conjunction with AWA's ISO 17065 International Accreditation. This accreditation demonstrates excellence in auditing and certifying, and is the gold standard for supply chain verification.
AGW's Certified Non-GE by AGW label will also come at a savings to farmers: While similar certifications can cost farmers upwards of $3,000 per year, Certified Non-GE by AGW is far more affordable only $500 plus auditing expenses (which can be further minimized by grouping audits). AGW is making this label and its associated market even more accessible by offering non-GE certification at only $300 the first year.
AGW's first Certified Non-GE Rancher Anthony Koch of Koch Ranches in San Antonio, TX, says,
"Many of our retail, institutional and commercial customers want reassurance that our products are non-genetically engineered and have no GE products used in their production. It will be a great advantage to our customers to have a prestigious, well-respected third party like A Greener World (AGW) certifying our products. After consideration of several other certifying organizations, we determined that Certified Non-GE by AGW will provide our customers the most trusted and respected verification of our farming and ranching operations and the products we sell."
For more information about Certified Non-GE by AGW, visit http://agreenerworld.org/solutions-and-certificates/ or www.CertifiedNonGE.org.
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ABOUT A GREENER WORLD
A Greener World (AGW) promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and informing consumers. AGW's growing portfolio of trusted certifications includes
AWA and
Certified Grassfed by AWA. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW's standards and procedures are robust and transparent, yet realistic and achievable for farmers.
AGW offers a range of resources to help people make informed food choices, including an Online Directory of certified farms and products and Food Labels Exposed--a definitive guide to food label claims (available in print, online, and as a smartphone app). For more information visit www.agreenerworld.org.
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