CONTACT: Jim Ennis, Food Alliance Midwest, 651-265-3684; jim@foodalliance.org

3/1/06
KERKHOVEN, Minn.— The VanDerPol family of Kerkhoven has been named “Keeper of the Vision for a Sustainable Future 2006” by Food Alliance Midwest. Food Alliance, one of the nation’s fastest growing sustainable food certification programs, recognized the VanDerPols for their commitment to producing healthy livestock products in a manner that protects the environment and is good for the community.

“The VanDerPols have long been recognized as pioneers in sustainable swine production, “ said Jim Ennis, Director of Food Alliance Midwest. “And now they are using third-party certification to get rewarded in the marketplace for the extra care they take on the farm.”

“We feel sustainability is something you can do over and over again without damage to the environment and to the community,” said Jim VanDerPol at the award ceremony during the Food Alliance’s annual meeting in the Twin Cities last month.

Jim farms with his wife LeeAnn, along with their son Josh and his wife Cindy. Their “Pastures A’ Plenty” farm (www.prairiefare.com/pastureshp.htm) produces hogs without antibiotics or hormones utilizing natural production methods such as pasture farrowing and deep-straw bedding. The pork is marketed to natural food cooperatives, restaurants, institutions and directly to consumers.

Pastures A’ Plenty pork has been Food Alliance certified since 2000. Food Alliance farms and ranches are certified for using environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural practices. During the past five years, Food Alliance has certified more than 80 producers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. Fifty-five retail stores, 13 college and high school campuses, and 20 corporate campuses in the Upper Midwest offer Food Alliance certified products. Food Alliance Midwest, based in Saint Paul, Minn., was established in 2000 by the Land Stewardship Project and Cooperative Development Services.

For more on Food Alliance Midwest, call 651-265-3682, or visit www.foodalliance.org.

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EDITORS: For a digital photo of the VanDerPols accepting their award, contact Brian DeVore at bdevore@landstewardshipproject.org or 612-729-6294

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