North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association – NC

The North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association (NCNHGA) was established in 2007 when a group of North Carolina hog farmers banded together to pool their resources and build markets for their high-welfare, sustainable pork products. This cooperative of farmers manages hogs on pasture and range in North Carolina, using sustainable farm management practices that have known benefits for the animals, people and the environment.

In 2009, the group decided to make Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification a centerpiece of their operation—and a requirement for all members. The certification adds value to their marketing efforts and verifies their high-welfare and environmental management practices. Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW is the only truly pasture-based certification and food label—no cages, crates or feedlots. No other food label can offer this assurance and level of transparency.

Always at the front of market change, the NCNHGA became the first farming cooperative in the U.S. to commit to being Certified Non-GMO by AGW. This is the only certification and logo in the U.S. and Canada that guarantees food is produced without the use of genetically modified feed, supplements or ingredients, and comes from animals raised according to the highest welfare and environmental standards. The rigorous process involves every farm in the cooperative undergoing annual audits and input testing to ensure the integrity of the non-GMO claim.

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW pork from the NCNHGA can be found in restaurants, retailers and food processors throughout the region.