How does Niman Ranch support sustainable farming outside of its own practices?
We have created the Niman Ranch Foundation, to which we give a portion of our profits. The funds are in turn donated to the efforts of organizations whose missions are in harmony with ours. Through the Niman Ranch Foundation we have dedicated funds to Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to keeping international watersheds clean and safe, which has launched a campaign against corporate hog factories. We have also donated proceeds to Farm Aid, an organization founded in 1985 by musicians Willie Nelson, John Mellancamp and Neil Young in order to raise awareness about the plight of the American family farmer. Niman Ranch also supports The Earth Pledge Foundation, The Chez Panisse Foundation and the Chef’s Collaborative. Niman Ranch works closely with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), a non-profit organization that promotes humane and sustainable farming practices with regard to the treatment of animals. Independent family hog farms in compliance with the AWI’s husbandry standard
