RALEIGH, NC (November 16, 2010) – Green Planet Catering along with an organizer from Food and Water Watch met with Representative Grier Martin at the Legislative building downtown today to discuss issues surrounding the hog farming industry in North Carolina.  

Green Planet Catering represents a sustainable catering company that, among other things, maintains a biodiesel facility and a shared farm site with a local university. The company boasts multiple awards from Sustainable NC, Triangle Business Journal, and regional cooking competitions.

Henry Symon of Food and Water Watch, a non-profit organization based out of Washington, D.C. that advocates for healthy, safe and affordable drinking water and food, was there to discuss the need to educate people that are not directly affected by hog farms and waste.  He informed Representative Martin that there is a growing health and environmental concern in the central and western part of the state because of this industry.

Green Planet Catering worked with Food and Water Watch to impress upon Democratic Representative Martin that his constituents’ of District 34, although not directly affected, are concerned about this issue.  Co-owner of Green Planet Catering, Daniel Whittaker stated "Having a member of the NC House of Representatives, who is willing to listen to issues related to food safety and quality, is extremely important in our industry. The recent shift towards a focus on local food, sustainable farming methods, & food quality are not only important to those of us in the hospitality industry but to everyone who eats food. Literally, everyone is our audience."

Representative Martin, along with Green Planet Catering and Food and Water Watch, believe that the greatest voice on the issue is going to be the constituents and sustainable farmers, who have proven to be financially successful through sustainable hog farming.  Representatives need to see not only that this is a healthier option and environmentally conscience, but that it is a viable alternative for farmers.