Global Food Collaborative

(Note:  Dr. Grandin is one of our favorite, most inspirational speakers and authors on autism.   She has dedicated her career to speaking out about her personal experience as an autistic child and adult.  Additionally, she is world re-nowned for her work with improving handling and care of livestock. On either front, we highly recommend.)

FILM ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE PIONEER DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN, MEMBER OF HFAC SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, TO PREMIERE ON FEBRUARY 6TH ON HBO


 (Herndon, VA, U.S.A., January 21, 2010) – Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), the leading non-profit certification organization improving the lives of farm animals in food production, announced today that a film based on the life of Dr. Temple Grandin, will premiere February 6th on HBO.  Dr. Grandin is a member of the HFAC Scientific Committee.

 The original film is the inspirational true story of Dr. Grandin and stars actress Claire Danes. Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism.  Beating the odds, Dr. Grandin became a successful animal scientist.  She is internationally known for applying unique situations she experienced growing up with autism and associating them with the treatment of animals in stressful situations. Her research and insight revolutionized the treatment of livestock handling processes. Dr. Grandin is a pioneer in creating humane handling systems in the livestock industry and is a teacher and consultant in the field.

 “Everyone, from the Board of Directors, to the Scientific Committee and the staff of Humane Farm Animal Care are pleased that Temple is getting the national recognition she so well deserves,” said Adele Douglass, Executive Director. In addition to her incredible abilities as an animal scientist, Dr. Grandin is the best-selling author of “Thinking in Pictures,” “Animals in Translation” and “Humane Livestock Handling.” 



Information related to autism and the HBO film is available at www.bn.com/templegrandin, including a free, downloadable coloring book, available through February 17, that tells Temple’s story through illustrations created by artists with autism.

Dr. Grandin will appear in New York City at a book signing and discussion on Monday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 150 East 86th St (at Lexington Ave). HBO and Barnes & Noble are sponsoring this free event.

The Certified Humane® designation assures consumers that meat, poultry, egg or dairy products they purchase have been produced according to HFAC's precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space sufficient to support natural behavior. Since the HFAC program was unveiled in May 2003, more than 60 companies, representing hundreds of farms and millions of farm animals, have been certified.

Endorsed by more than 36 humane organizations, the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® program is nationally recognized as the Gold Standard for certifying animal welfare from birth through slaughter.

HFAC’s Animal Care Standards were developed by a veritable “Who’s Who” of national and international animal scientists and farm-animal welfare experts. Producer compliance with the HFAC standards is verified through annual on-site visits by HFAC’s third-party inspectors.

More information is available at HFAC's website, www.certifiedhumane.org