Spray Creek Ranch of Lillooet has joined a handful of BC producers to receive certification through A Greener World (AGW), a five-year-old certification body based in Terrebonne, Oregon.
AGW offers four certifications: Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Grassfed, Certified Non-GMO and Certified Organic.
Spray Creek ranchers Tristan and Aubyn Banwell opted for Certified Animal Welfare Approved for its pasture-raised pigs, broilers, laying hens and Certified Grassfed for its beef because they felt the programs set the right bar for the animal husbandry practices and commitment to sustainability they aim to meet.
“AGW has created the strongest and most meaningful livestock standards available,” Aubyn Banwell said in a statement announcing completion of the certification process. “AGW standards set the bar for high-welfare and sustainable livestock production, and truly reflects the thought and care we put into the management of our livestock.”
The Banwells have played an active role in the renewal of sustainable ranching in BC since arriving at Spray Creek in 2014. The couple offer workshops to help other farmers build their skills and improve their stewardship of the land. They also operate a growing on-farm abattoir and meat shop. Tristan is vice-president of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association.
In addition to Spray Creek, Big Bear Ranch and Grassy Gnome Acres hold certification from AGW.
AGW’s certifications are among several available to BC producers, and stand alongside industry codes of practice to give consumers confidence in their purchases.
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