Premium Standard Farms Achieves ISO Certification in Missouri

PRINCETON, Mo., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Standard Farms (PSF) announced today that all of its farms in Missouri now are ISO 14001 certified, long considered the "gold standard" in environmental leadership.

The achievement was noticed by many throughout Missouri, including U.S. Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Brad Lager, Chairman of the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and Environment Committee, both of whom have PSF farms in their legislative districts as well.

"This ISO certification is evidence of PSF's leadership and commitment in the area of environmental stewardship," Congressman Graves said. "When a company that carries the profile of PSF reaches a milestone such as this, everyone takes notice."

"Through the achievement of the ISO 140001 Certification, they've set a wonderful example for all companies to follow," stated Senator Lager. "Animal agriculture is vital to the state and this region economically, and PSF's continued support of our local communities through providing jobs and working to protect the environment is especially important in these tough economic times."

"As a member of the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. Congress, I am excited to see our State's agriculture leaders receive recognition for their efforts in our State," continued Congressman Graves. "PSF has shown other producers and the nation that it is committed to providing food for Missourians with the highest standards and care for both their animals and the environment. That should make all Missourian's proud."

Bill Homann, president of PSF, was quick to thank both legislative leaders for their leadership, while noting the critical role environmental policy plays in his company's business.

"Showing environmental leadership is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do from a business perspective," Homann said. "We are honored to be recognized in such a way and we wish to thank Congressman Graves and Senator Lager for their leadership in this area."

ISO 14001 is the international gold standard for environmental management. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, promotes the development and implementation of voluntary international standards for environmental management systems. A facility receiving ISO certification has implemented environmental management systems that include formalized practices to protect the environment.

To obtain ISO certification, a company must meet a rigorous and comprehensive set of requirements and criteria developed by more than 2,000 experts worldwide. The certification process is conducted by an accredited third-party auditor and ensures that anyone receiving certification has mechanisms in place to ensure, and move beyond, environmental compliance.

SOURCE Premium Standard Farms