First Farm in Africa awarded top environmental and animal welfare certification
HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY, WESTERN CAPE (JULY 25, 2019)–The pasture-reared pigs at Glen Oakes Farm are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW). Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW is the only animal welfare certification in South Africa and Glen Oakes Farm is the first farm in the country to meet the program’s standards, which were developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers and farmers across the globe to maximize practicable, high-welfare farm management.
This certification and food label lets consumers know these animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in South Africa, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW has been rated as a “highly meaningful” label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability–and has the highest impact on consumer purchasing according to recent research.
Like other Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers across the country, Charles and Julie Crowther recognize the growing consumer interest in how animals are raised on farms. Managing animals outdoors on pasture or range has known benefits for animals, consumers and the environment. “We are so thrilled, so proud and so honoured to be Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW,” says Julie Crowther. “We would farm this way irrespective of certification or not but it makes a HUGE difference to be acknowledged for our principles.”
Glen Oakes Farm is a 300-hectare livestock farm set in the picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Klein River mountains, fynbos and pasture lands. The farm uses rotational grazing practices and sustainable farming techniques, which results in lower environmental impact and a higher quality product. “Our pigs grow up slowly in a low-stress environment,” explains Jules Crowther. “This is what makes all the difference to the flavour and quality of our meat.” The Crowthers raise their Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW pigs on outdoors on pasture and range at Glen Oakes Farm and use the pork in a line of traditional charcuterie products. “We love what we do. We love our pigs and take pride in maintaining the most healthy, natural and sustainable life for our pigs.”
A Greener World Executive Director Tozie Zokufa says, “A Greener World is excited to offer internationally recognized labels that meet local demands, strengthen regional markets and compete globally. We’re proud to certify farms like Glen Oakes Farm that have demonstrated their commitment to transparency and verified, high-welfare, farming practices. These stewards of the countryside are building a greener world while elevating the market and level the playing field. We are thrilled to work with new and beginning farmers, previously disadvantaged individuals and established farmers to build new markets based on transparency and sustainability.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW pork products is available at various retail and restaurant locations in the Western Cape, as well as directly from the farm. To learn more about Glen Oakes Farm, visit glenoakes.co.za. Contact Jules and Charles Crowther at info@glenoakes.co.za and + 27 (0) 28 – 212 2050.
