Chipotle has hired Bill Niman, founder of Niman Ranch, to be a “sustainable agriculture adviser,” the company announced today. The fast-food burrito shop has bought pork from Niman Ranch since 2001, and last summer pledged to buy more produce from small to mid-size local farms. At Chipotle, Niman will "lead Chipotle’s continued movement toward sourcing food from sustainable resources; assist in broadening Chipotle’s commitment to sustainable agriculture; and provide a voice to help carry the message of making food from sustainable sources available and affordable so everyone can eat better," according to a company statement. Niman was left off the locavore wish list for secretary of Agriculture, but if he can show a chain with more than 800 restaurants how to better source their food with tastier results, his effect on the food industry may be even greater than that of the nation’s farmer-in-chief.

Chipotle Bolsters Management Team [Official site]
Earlier: Chipotle Goes Loco for Local Produce