BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Applegate, a leading processor of organic meat, marks its 30th anniversary in September with a commitment to its sustainable industry practices. 

A Hormel Foods Corp. subsidiary, Applegate, launched on its website a "Mission Dashboard" where consumers can learn about the company’s efforts to improve the way its food is produced.

The dashboard includes goals around industry practices and standards in the following areas: use of antibiotics, animal welfare, regenerative agriculture and clean, crave-able food for everyone.

"Applegate has spent 30 years asking questions like, 'What if you weren't afraid to read a hot dog label?' That boldness has led to many positive changes and best practices for cleaner food," said Steve Lykken, president of Applegate. "While we celebrate all that has been done, we also recognize there is always more to do, which is why we are proud to set new goals that will drive our mission and hopefully set new standards for the entire food industry."

By the end of 2017, Applegate says it will have 30 products third-party certified as non-GMO, and the company aims to have more than 140 products verified by 2020. The company also plans to have 100 percent of its poultry, pork and beef farms third-party certified for higher animal welfare by year’s end.