Vincent Breton, president of duBreton, is dedicated to building an infrastructure that supports farmers who combine organic farming with animal welfare practices.
Supplied
Consumer demand for organic pork is growing at a rapid pace, but the switch to organic production takes time and effort – it is a trend worth supporting, believes Vincent Breton, president of duBreton, North America's leading producer of organic and Certified Humane pork. "We're very pleased that consumers increasingly select products that are aligned with their values," he says. "And we think combining organic farming with animal welfare practices can save small family farms."
Coming from a family where his grandfather, a farmer, started the business in 1944, and his father expanded it in the '60s, Mr. Breton is familiar with the plight of Canadian family farms, which have to compete with factory farms that achieve efficiencies through large-scale operations.
To support organic farming as a sustainable alternative, duBreton recently embarked on an initiative that represents an investment of $30-million and aims to raise 300,000 more crate-free pigs by the end of 2018, says Mr. Breton. "We invest in converting farms and building a grain centre. We have a small feed mill, but are also planning a new organic feed mill to meet increasing demand. We also minimize the risk for farmers by guaranteeing to cover production costs."
DuBreton partners with farmers in Ontario and Quebec to help them maintain autonomy, increase profitability and secure their future success, he adds. "We are basically betting the farm and hoping it's going to pay off down the road."
Strict organic and Certified Humane regulations affect every aspect of producing organic pork, from the farm to the processing facility, and building the infrastructure takes time and isn't cheap, says Mr. Breton. Pigs need to be fed high-quality, organic, GMO-free, vegetarian feed. They are raised without antibiotics in a crate-free environment where they have free access to shelter, hay or straw bedded resting areas and the space and ability to engage in natural behaviour, he explains. In contrast, in commodity farming, sows are typically confined to crates that measure approximately two by 0.6 metres, and are surrounded by bars on all sides.
Organic and Certified Humane farming methods are not only welcomed by many consumers, they also attract next-generation farmers, says Mr. Breton. "In our experience, young farmers are more interested in organic production than in commodity farming."
Mr. Breton believes this interest bodes well for the future of organic food production. "We really believe in the [organic and Certified Humane] model," he says. "It reflects the values of our family business, which is run by the third generation and already has fourth-generation family members involved."
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.