Contact: Jim Fallon

(816) 255-1965

jim.fallon@foodintegrity.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTER FOR FOOD INTEGRITY FORMED TO BUILD TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN U.S. FOOD SYSTEM

New Organization to Engage in Dialogue with Stakeholders,
Share Information with Consumers

KANSAS CITY, MO (March 19, 2007) – A group of food industry organizations are launching a new entity, The Center for Food Integrity, to increase consumer trust and understanding of the contemporary food system. The Center for Food Integrity is a combination of The Grow America Project and Best Food Nation, two national initiatives established in 2006 to increase public understanding about the food system.

According to Andy Miller, Indiana Agriculture Director, the organization’s primary mission is to engage with stakeholders, model practices that build trust with consumers, and share accurate, balanced information about the U.S. food system.

“The Center for Food Integrity will be a resource where consumers and other stakeholders can find information about the food system and discuss important issues,” Miller says. “We are providing leadership in building consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system.”

Miller said the new entity has support from more than 20 organizations representing each segment of the food chain, including farmers and ranchers, processors, and companies that deliver food products under local, regional and global brand names, and government.

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In the next few months, The Center for Food Integrity will coordinate teams to provide strategic leadership for addressing five important issues: 1) health and nutrition; 2) food safety; 3) worker care; 4) environment, and; 5) food animal well being. Within these areas, The Center for Food Integrity will work with its members to develop, recognize and celebrate responsible practices that build trust in our food system.

Mike McCloskey, owner of Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, says a distinguishing characteristic of The Center for Food Integrity is its focus on constantly improving and advancing the food system to meet consumer expectations.

“We know that we need to continually enhance our production methods to make sure they are aligned with societal expectations,” says McCloskey. “But most importantly, we want to establish a culture of trust and transparency that ensures the availability of safe, abundant and affordable food.”

The Center for Food Integrity is supported by the American Egg Board, The American Farm Bureau Federation, Countrymark Cooperative, Elanco Animal Health, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, Indiana Packers Corporation, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Maple Leaf Farms, Monsanto, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Restaurant Association, National Turkey Federation, Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University, United Egg Producers, and United Soybean Board.

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The Center for Food Integrity is a not-for-profit corporation established to build consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system. Our members, who represent every segment of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and addressing important issues among all food system stakeholders. The Center does not lobby or advocate individual food companies or brands. For more information, visit www.foodintegrity.org.