Blog Feed - Joseph O’Connor

Tell the USDA to Stop Clucking Around with Organic Standards!

September 23, 2022

The Organic label should reflect consumer expectations–including animal welfare. We all think we know what “organic” means when we see it on a label. When it comes to meat, that includes giving animals plenty of space and time outside. Unfortunately, there are fewer rules than you might think, especially for poultry. That has allowed some farmers to follow the letter, if not the spirit of the rules, weakening the credibility of the Organic standard and the Organic label we all know and, should, trust.

Mission Matters: Our first-ever Mission Report

March 04, 2024

Quantifying what we do at Applegate isn’t easy. But hard things aren’t something that puts us off. And so I am proud to announce our very first Mission Report, a comprehensive evaluation of our impact on people, animals and the planet.

On Earth Day and Every Day: One Planet, One Mission

April 05, 2024

The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. Some 20 million Americans – some 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time – took to the streets. Four years ago, on the 50th Earth Day, more than a billion people around the world participated in some form of action.

Growing change in the Garden State

June 07, 2024

New Jersey is known as the Garden State. But there are pockets, like Newark and the city of Camden, that need support. That’s why Applegate is announcing a new partnership with FoodCorps in support of New Jersey schools where a majority of students benefit from free school meals.

This Giving Tuesday, Applegate is Doing Our Part for the Planet

November 25, 2024

This Giving Tuesday, Applegate is stepping up for the planet with a $10,000 donation to the Climate Collaborative. Discover how this nonprofit is driving meaningful climate action across the food industry, and how you can shop your values to support sustainable initiatives.

The Cleaner Wiener™ Just Got Greener

March 25, 2025

Applegate surpassed its goal to source beef from verified regenerative grasslands for all its beef hot dogs — nine months early and 80% beyond target. Discover how 10.8 million acres were positively impacted through regenerative agriculture and why this milestone matters for the future of meat.