Fresno State's New Foster Farms Poultry Education and Research Facility First Ever Certified By American Humane Association

Education and Research Program Meets Same Stringent Animal Welfare Standards Used in Nation's First Humane Farm Animal Certification Program

LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, an educational and research facility has been certified by the 136-year-old American Humane Association, the nation's first national humanitarian organization.  Today, Fresno State dedicated its new Foster Farms Poultry Education and Research Facility (PERF) at Fresno State's Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The facility features a fully working, state-of-the-art poultry barn and is a reflection of the longstanding support of agricultural education and ongoing advancements in poultry science by major West Coast poultry producer Foster Farms.

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The 16,320-square-foot, eco-friendly, power-efficient building will include advanced climate-control and feed delivery systems replicating professional poultry production. The facility has been designed to provide hands-on agricultural training and education for more than 500 students in the Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department. Faculty and students will also conduct research in the areas of poultry nutrition, animal welfare and improved environmental practices.

The new educational and research facility will meet the same stringent animal welfare standards used by American Humane Association's American Humane Certified™ program, the nation's first, largest and fastest-growing farm animal welfare certification and audit program.  The program is based on the implementation and independent, third-party verification of more than rigorous 200 science-based animal welfare standards, covering everything from food and water to living conditions, lighting, ventilation, minimum space requirements, and the ability of animals to express natural behavior.

The dedication was made in conjunction with a major joint animal welfare announcement from American Humane Association and Foster Farms, which revealed that all the producer's fresh chicken products are now certified under the nonprofit's American Humane Certified program.

"American Humane Association is dedicated to the idea that all animals are entitled to humane treatment," said Kathi Brock, National Director of American Humane Association's Humane Heartland™ program. "We are very pleased to certify Fresno State's education and research facilities in its adherence to our rigorous, science-based animal welfare standards."

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About the American Humane Certified™ program
American Humane Association's "American Humane Certified" program is the United States' first third-party animal welfare program dedicated to the humane treatment of farm animals. It is the largest and fastest-growing independent animal welfare program in the U.S. with certified producers raising and handling millions of farm animals under American Humane Association's science-based animal welfare standards. Independent third-party auditors are ISO 9000 credentialed and rigorously trained in the American Humane Certified program's 200-point welfare standards for each species. As consumers and retailers are increasingly concerned about how food is raised, producers are seeking independent verification of humane treatment of their animals. The American Humane Certified™ program and its standards are reviewed regularly by its independent Scientific Advisory Committee, a panel of renowned animal science professionals and veterinarians, to ensure that new technology and research in farm animal welfare is reflected in the animal welfare standards. For more information, please visit www.humaneheartland.org .

About Foster Farms
Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality chicken products. Family-owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all natural chicken products free of preservatives, additives or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California's Central Valley, with ranches also in the Pacific Northwest, the company's fresh chicken is produced in or near each region served and delivered fresh within 48 hours. Foster Farms also produces delicious pre-marinated, ready-to-cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today's home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers.

About Fresno State
Fresno State is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system and serves Central California's diverse, growing population. With an enrollment of approximately 22,000 students, the University offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology offers students a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience. Students in traditional areas of agriculture train on Fresno State's 1,100 acre farm laboratory in animal sciences, plant science, agricultural education, viticulture and agricultural business. The college also offers programs related to agriculture including nutrition and dietetics, food science, enology, child development, family science, fashion merchandising and industrial technology.   

SOURCE American Humane Association