Whether in the grocery store or your social media feed, you’ve probably seen the term “heritage pork”. But what does the phrase mean? 

What is heritage pork? 

“Heritage” refers to the breeds of pigs that have been raised for hundreds of years. These select breeds were established through selective breeding to preserve their adaptable traits and to keep their bloodlines pure. Berkshires are a heritage swine breed. 

How do I know if the pork is Berkshire? 

The Registered Berkshire Pork is a meat program of the American

Berkshire Association. This program grants members access to market their Berkshire products as purebred Berkshire because they register their pigs and meet the requirements. 

Registered Berkshires have a pedigree that prooves:

1. Genetic purity through recorded DNA

2. Negative for the Napole gene 

3. Traceability to their original farm

Certified 100% Pure Berkshire Pork™ can only come from registered Berkshires. Members who are certified through the 100% Pure Berkshire Pork™ program are granted the right to use the certified label on their products.