AnimalWelfareCertificationPrograms
UnderstandingOpportunitiesandCosts
Relatedto
CertificationsforHumaneFarmAnimalTreatment1,2
1 PaperpreparedbyDavidWeiss,GraduateStudent,DepartmentofAgriculturalandResourceEconomics,[email protected]);andMarthaSullins,ExtensionSpecialist,ColoradoStateUniversity([email protected]).
2FundedbytheUSDANationalInstituteforFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)BeginningFarmerandRancherDevelopmentProgramunderaward#2009‐49400‐05871.
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TableofContents Page
I.Overview–UnderstandingOpportunitiesandCosts ................................................................................ 2
Typesoflabelsandcertifications ....................................................................................................... 4
II.ProfilesofLeadingCertificationPrograms ................................................................................................. 5
1.AnimalWelfareApproved ............................................................................................................... 5
2.HFACCertifiedHumane ................................................................................................................... 6
3.USDACertifiedOrganic .................................................................................................................... 8
4.GlobalAnimalPartnership ............................................................................................................ 10
5.AmericanHumaneCertified.......................................................................................................... 12
6.FoodAlliance .................................................................................................................................... 13
7.CertifiedNaturallyGrown ............................................................................................................. 15
8.AGAGrassfedandPastureFinished ............................................................................................ 16
9.Kosher ................................................................................................................................................ 17
10.HalalandZabihaHalal ................................................................................................................. 19
III.ComparisonofAnimalWelfareStandardsbyProgram........................................................................ 21
LivingConditions–BeefCattle ......................................................................................................... 22
LivingConditions–Chickens ............................................................................................................ 23
LivingConditions–Pigs ..................................................................................................................... 24
LivingConditions–Goats&Sheep .................................................................................................. 25
LivingConditions–Turkeys.............................................................................................................. 26
IV.CharacteristicsofPoultryCertificationsandLabels ............................................................................. 28
PoultryLabels ....................................................................................................................................... 28
V.Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
I.Overview–UnderstandingOpportunitiesandCostsThewelfareofanimalsraisedforfoodproductionisamatterofgrowingimportancetobothU.S.consumersandproducers.Asmoreconsumersseekoutlabelsassuringthemthattheproductstheybuyarecomingfromhumanelytreatedfarmanimals,producersincreasinglyareconsideringcommitmenttoanimalwelfareamoral,andcorporate,responsibility.
Thepastfewdecadeshavewitnessedapronouncedgrowthinthenumberoforganizationsthatprovideanimalwelfarecertificationstoproducers.Recently,theincreasedfocusontheissueoffarmanimalwell‐beinghashelpedaltertheproductionpoliciesofsupplychainpartnerstocorporationsaslargeasMcDonald’s.
AccordingtoaFebruary2012LempertReport,anumberoflargeproducersmadesignificantcommitmentsin2011tosourcingethicallytreatedanimalsandanimalproducts.Highlightedinthereportwerethefollowing:
BothHormelFoodsandSmithfieldFoods,thelargestporkproducerintheU.S.,recommittedtoa2017phase‐outofgestationcratesoncompany‐ownedfarms;
UnileverandHyattHotelscommittedtoserving100percentcage‐freeshelleggs; ConAgraandGeneralMillseachagreedtosourcingonemillioncage‐freeeggsannually;and McDonald’sagreedtosource12millioncage‐freeshelleggsannually.
Thisdocumentseekstohelplivestockproducersnavigatethemanyanimalwelfarecertificationsandlabelsavailableandtoidentifywhichmaybemostappropriateanddesirablefortheirlivestockproductionandmarketingoperations.Thefollowingkeycomponentsofeachcertificationprogramarehighlighted:
1. descriptionoftheprogram’sprimarygoals;
2. animalsincludedintheprogram;
3. certificationrequirements;
4. certificationprocedures,
5. feesandtimelines;
6. scaleconsiderations;
7. potentialchangestoproductioncosts;
8. benefitsofcertification,includingaccesstonewmarketsandpotentiallyhigherrevenuestreams,aswellasmarketabilityoftheprogramlabel;and
9. contactinformationforeachprogram.
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Foreachcertificationprogram,acoresetofprinciplesoutlinethecreationoftreatmentstandardsthat,asaresult,aresimilaracrossspecies.Generally,eachprogramorlabeladoptsananimaltreatmentphilosophyandthenidentifiesspecies‐specificcriteriawithwhichaproducermustcomplytobecertified.
SectionIIofthisdocumenthighlightsaspectsofeightwell‐knowncertificationprogramswhosestandardsaresimilaracrosslivestockspecies.Theprogramsthatareprofiledinclude:AnimalWelfareApproved,CertifiedHumane,USDA’sNationalOrganicProgram,GlobalAnimalPartnership,AmericanHumaneCertified,FoodAlliance,CertifiedNaturallyGrown,andAmericanGrassfedAssociationGrassfedandPastureFinishedStandards.Alsoprofiledattheendofthissectionare“kosher”and“halal”standards.
InSectionIII,animalwelfarestandardsoffiveleadingprogramsarecomparedside‐by‐side.Individualsectionsregardinglivingconditionsforbeefcattle,chickens,pigs,sheepandgoats,andturkeysareincluded.
SectionIVisatabledisplayingcharacteristicsofdifferentpoultrycertificationsandlabelsand,finally,SectionVoffersaglossaryofkeytermsrelatedtoanimalwelfarecertificationsandlabels.
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Typesoflabelsandcertifications
AsignificantchallengefacinglivestockproducersseekingtodifferentiatetheirproductsisdistinguishingbetweenlabelsthatarebasedoncertificationstandardsissuedbyorganizationsandinstitutionssuchasHumaneFarmAnimalCare(HFAC)andtheUSDA,andthosethatcontainappealinglanguagebutarenotbasedonanycertificationand,insomecases,canmisleadtheconsumer.Generaldefinitionsofthedifferenttypesofcertificationsandlabelsareprovidedbelow.Theglossaryattheendofthedocumentfurtherclarifiesthesignificanceofcommonlyusedtermsassociatedwithcertificationsandlabels.
1. First‐PartyCertification:Determinationbyaproducerthattheyabidebyanimalwelfarestandardsofacertifyingorganization.Noneoftheleadingcertifyingorganizationsprofiledinthisdocumentprovidesforfirst‐partycertifications.
2. Second‐PartyCertification:Acknowledgementbyacertifyingorganizationthataproducerisincompliancewiththatorganization’sanimalwelfarestandards.Anotableexampleofasecond‐partycertificationisAnimalWelfareApproved,whichdoesnotuseindependentauditors.Inothercases,second‐partycertificationtakestheformofareviewbythecertifyingorganizationofathird‐party’sauditinformation.
3. Third‐PartyCertification:Determinationbyanindependentandauthorizedauditorthataproducerisincompliancewiththeanimalwelfarestandardsofacertifyingorganization.Mostprominentanimalwelfarecertificationsrequireanauditbyanindependent,approvedthird‐partyaspartofthecertificationprocess.
4. MarketingLabel:Notbasedonanyformalizedcertification,somelabelsaredesignedtohelpmakeaproductmoreappealingtoaparticularmarket.TwoexamplesofregionallyusedmarketinglabelsaremembershiplabelsaffiliatedwithColoradoProudandBeLocalNorthernColorado.
II.ProfilesofLeadingCertificationPrograms
1.AnimalWelfareApproved
Summary
AnimalWelfareApproved(AWA) isasecond‐partyanimalwelfarecertificationprogramthatauditsandcertifiesfamilyfarms’humanetreatmentoftheiranimalsaccordingtothestandardsoftheWorldSocietyfortheProtectionofAnimals.Therearenocostsassociatedwiththecertificationprocess.
AnimalsBeefcattle,dairycattle,pigs,layinghens,meatchickens,turkeys,duck,geese,sheep,goats,bisonandrabbits
KeyStandards
Thebasicpremiseofallthestandardsisthatanimalsmustbeabletobehavenaturallyandbeinastateofphysicalandpsychologicalwell‐being.Specifically,AnimalWelfareApproved:
Requiresthatanimalsberaisedonpastureorrangeandthattheamountofoutdoorareamustbesuchthatthehealthandwelfareoftheanimalsandrangeandforagequalityismaintained;
Prohibitsdualproduction(milkandmeat)ofanimals; Awardsapprovalonlytofamilyfarmers;and Chargesnofeestoparticipatingfarmers. Thesestandardsaddresseveryaspectofeachspecies’lifecycleneeds. DetailedcertificationrequirementscanbefoundontheAWAwebsite:
http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org.
Certification&Re‐CertificationProcessandFees
FilloutanAnimalWelfareApprovedapplicationonline:http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/farmerinquiry.php.
AWAwillcontactthefarmertodiscusstheapplicationprocessandtoscheduleafarmvisit. AqualifiedAWAprogramauditorwillvisitthefarmtoperformaconfidentialaudit. AWAwillcompleteareviewofslaughterfacilitiestoensurecompliancewithAWA
standards. Oncetheabovereviewsarecompleted,thefarmerwillsignanaffidavitagreeingtoabideby
AWAstandardsandtoallowoneormoreannualinspectionstore‐certifycompliance. ApplicationtotheAWAprogram,aswellasre‐certification,isfree.
TimelineTypicallyafewmonths,butvariesaccordingtopreparednessofthefarmandavailabilityofthefarmer.
ScaleConsiderations
AWAisaviablecertificationforanyoperationthatmeetsitsstringentstandards. Certificationisavailableonlytofamilyfarmersandcooperativesoffamilyfarmers(i.e.,any
farmorganizedasasoleproprietorship,partnership,orfamilycorporation). Operationsofvaryingsizesmayhavedifficultyaccessingadequatepastureforlarger
livestock,especiallyinareaswhereanimalunitsarerestrictedduetoforagequalityandquantity.
PotentialProductionCosts
Extensiverecord‐keeping,including:o Whichanimalshavebeenbroughtintothefarmandwhichhavebeensold–whether
thatisindividualbirdsoranimals(breedingstockormeat)orproductsoflivestock–milk,eggs,wool
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o Anyanimalsthatbecameill,weretreatedordied,andthereasonwhy(ifknown)o Anyanimalsthatwerebornandrearedo Whattheanimalsarefed,andhowmuch
Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Minimumspacerequirementsforanimalsduringtransport Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards Compliancewithpestandrodentcontrolrequirements
NewMarkets SeveralColoradogrocerystoresandrestaurantsarerecognizedforsellingAWA‐certified
beef.AcompletelistofColoradoAWA‐certifiedbeefretailerscanbefoundontheAWAwebsite:http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/product‐search
Labeling&OtherBenefits
AWAprovidesmemberslabelingandmarketingmaterials,aswellasassistancedesigninglabels.
OffersGoodHusbandryGrantstohelpimprovewelfareonfarms. MembersoftheAmericanGrassfedAssociationmaybeauditedforboththeAnimalWelfare
ApprovedstandardsandAGAstandards,allowingfordualcertificationifstandardsforbothorganizationsaremet.
AWAofferstechnicaladviceandmarketingsupporttomembers.
NotesAcomparisonofanimalwelfarestandardsamongprofiledcertificationprogramsindicatesthatAWA’sarethemoststringentstandards.
ContactInformation
Web: http://www.animalwelfareapproved.orgPhone:202‐546‐5292Email:[email protected]
2.HFACCertifiedHumane
Summary
TheHumaneFarmAnimalCare(HFAC)Certifiedprogramisacertificationandlabelingprogramthatrequiresthehumanetreatmentoffarmanimalsfrombirththroughslaughter.
ThegoaloftheprogramistoimprovethelivesoffarmanimalsbydrivingconsumerdemandforkinderandmoreresponsiblefarmanimalpracticesandtoassureconsumersthatcertifiedproductsmeettheCertifiedHumanestandards.
Animals Beefcattle,dairycows,pigs,poultry,goats,sheepandturkeys.
KeyStandards
Offersufficientspace,shelterandthecompanyofsame‐species. Protectanimalhealththroughdiseaseprotectionmeasures. Assuregoodnutritionandaccesstofreshwater. Feedanimalsantibiotic‐andgrowthhormone‐freefood. Complywithenvironmentalstandards. ComplywithAmericanMeatInstituteStandards(processors). Examplesofanimal‐specificrequirementsinclude:
o Dairycattle–Minimumoffourhoursdailyoutdoorexerciserequired.o Pigs–Confinementofpregnantsowstogestationcratesisprohibited,andbeddingis
required.o Chickens–Litterfordustbathingisrequired,andslattedorwireflooringis
prohibited.o Layinghens–Confinementtowirecagesisprohibited,andlitterfordustbathingis
required.
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DetailedcertificationrequirementscanbefoundontheCertifiedHumanewebsite:http://www.certifiedhumane.org.
CertificationProcess
ConsulttheHumaneFarmAnimalCare(HFAC)manualtodeterminewhattypeofapplicationisappropriate(e.g.individualoperator,PooledProductOperator,ProductManufacturingOperation).
Completetheappropriateapplication,andincludetheUniversalApplicationfortheslaughterplantorprocessorfordairyandeggs.Itisimportantthatthefarmerkeepdetailedrecordsaboutthehistoryoftheanimalsunderhis/hercare.
HFACwillreviewtheapplicationandwillcontactthefarmeithertoclarifyinformationincludedintheapplicationortoscheduleaninspectionofthefarmandslaughter/processingplant.
Theinspectorconductsan“exitinterview”todiscusshis/herfindingswiththefarmer.TheinspectorthensubmitsthereportforadecisiontotheHFACoffices.
FarmsthatmeetHFACstandardsandrequirementsreceivecertificationforoneyear. Farmsmustrenewtheirapplicationsandbere‐inspectedeachyear.Allproducersinthe
programalsoaresubjecttounannouncedinspections.
Fees
$50processingfeefortheapplication $50feeeachtimefarmsubmitsandApplicationforRenewalofCertification $500/day/InspectorfeeforHFACtoconductafarminspection. Producersinclosegeographicproximitymaysplitthecostofinspectionfeesifinspections
arescheduledsothattheinspectorcanvisittheoperationsduringonetrip. Subsidiesmaybeavailabletohelpoffsettheinspectioncostsforsmalloperationswithno
morethan50headofbeefcattle. Aftersuccessfullypassingitsinitialreviewoftheapplicationforcertification,aneligible
operationmayrequestfundstofullyorpartiallycoveritsinspectionfee.Therequestismadebysubmission,totheHFACoffice,ofawrittenstatementofthereasonsthattheoperationisunabletoaffordtopaythenormalinspectionfee.TheHFACExecutiveDirectorwilldeterminewhetherthefarmiseligibleforasubsidy.
LabelingUponissuingacertification,HFACsendsapackettotheproducerthatincludesaCDwithlogographicsthattheproducercanusetocreatelabels.Labelscanbeusedforproductpackaging,shipping,andatpoint‐of‐sale.
TimelineThecertificationprocesstypicallytakesabout30days.However,itmaytakeafewyearsforproducerswhoarenotincompliancewithHFACstandards.Duringthistime,thefarmershoulddocumentandmaintainrecordsonallfarmmanagementactivities.
ScaleConsiderations
Auditorfeesmaymakecertificationprohibitivelyexpensiveforsmallfarmoperations. Securingadequatepasturemaybedifficultforoperationsraisinglargerlivestock.
PotentialProductionCosts
Extensiverecord‐keeping,includingo Healthhistoryofeachanimalo Whichanimalshavebeenbornonthefarmandwhichhavebeenpurchasedfrom
anotherHFACCertifiedHumanefarm Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Minimumspacerequirementsforanimalsduringtransport Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards Compliancewithpestandrodentcontrolrequirements
NewMarkets AlistofCertifiedHumaneproductretailerscanbefoundontheCertifiedHumanewebsite:
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http://www.certifiedhumane.org/index.php?page=where‐to‐buy.Thislistincludessmallgrocerystores,farmers’marketsandWholeFoodslocations.
Recentstudiesindicatethatanimalwelfareismoreimportanttoconsumersoflivestockproductsthanfactorssuchas“locallygrown,”“USgrown,”or“smallscale.”
Participationintheprogramhasgrownrapidly;from2003through2011,CertifiedHumaneexpandedfrom5certifiedproducersto88.
Notes
WhileCertifiedHumanestandardsarestrongerthanindustryguidelines,theypermitsomeindustrypracticesthatcauseanimalstosufferandpreventthemfromengaginginnaturalbehavior,including: Hornremoval(cattle) Outdooraccessisnotrequiredforchickensorpigs
ContactInformation
Web:http://www.certifiedhumane.orgPhone:703‐435‐3883Email: [email protected]
3.USDACertifiedOrganic
Summary
TheUSDA’sNationalOrganicProgram(NOP)develops,implements,andadministersnationalproduction,handling,andlabelingstandardsfororganicagricultural,foodandfiberproducts.
TheNOPalsoaccreditsthecertifyingagentswhoinspectorganicproductionandhandlingoperationstocertifythattheymeetUSDAstandards.
Animals Awideandunspecifiedrangeofdomesticlivestockspecies
KeyStandards
Organicmeat,poultry,eggsanddairyproductscomefromanimalsthataregivennoantibioticsorgrowthhormones.
Withfewexceptions,livestockproductsthataresold,labeledorrepresentedasorganicmustbefromlivestockundercontinuousorganicmanagementfromthelastthirdofgestationorhatching.
Livestockorediblelivestockproductsthatareremovedfromanorganicoperationcannotbesoldorlabeledasorganic.
Theorganicfarmermustmaintainrecordsoftheidentitiesofallorganicallymanagedanimals,aswellasbothedibleandnonedibleanimalproductsproducedonthefarm.
Producersoforganiclivestockandlivestockproductsmaynotfeedtheiranimalsarangeofdrugs,additivesandformulas.Inaddition,ruminantsmustbegrazedthroughoutthegeographicalregion’sentiregrazingseason,andforaminimumof120daysperyear.
Standardsforthehealthcareoforganiclivestockincludeensuringasuitablediet,adequatehousing,pastureandsanitationconditions,allowanceforexerciseandfreedomofmovement,andadministrationofvaccinesandpreventivehealthmeasureswhenappropriate.
DetaileddescriptionsofcertificationrequirementscanbefoundontheUSDAsite:http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop.
CertificationProcess
Smallfarmerswithlessthan$5,000inorganicsalesareexemptfromthecertificationprocess,buttheystillmustbetruthfulintheirlabelclaimsandcomplywiththenewgovernmentstandards.IndividualsorcompanieswhosellorlabelaproductasorganicwhentheyknowitdoesnotmeetUSDAstandardscanbefinedupto$10,000foreachviolation.Therequiredstepsforfarmerswhorequirecertificationare: Stopadministeringantibioticsandgrowthhormonestoyouranimals.
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MaintainaccurateandorganizedproductionrecordstodemonstratecompliancewithNOPstandards.Thisisnecessarytoobtainandkeeporganiccertification.
Chooseacertificationagency,alistofwhichcanbefoundat:http://omri.org/OMRI_who.html.
Obtainanapplicationpacketfromthecertificationagencyandreviewthematerialsinsidethepacket.CompleteandsubmitanOrganicSystemPlan,alongwiththecompletedapplicationtothecertifyingagenttoensurecompletenessandcompliancewithNOPstandards.
Aftertheapplicationisreviewedandcomplete,yourcertifyingbodywillsendanorganicinspectortoyourlandorfacility.HeorshewilldeterminewhetheryouarefollowingyourorganicplanandcomplyingwithNOPstandards.Theinspectoralsoreviewsdocumentsregardingfarmandanimalmanagement,aswellassalesrecords.Uponcompletionoftheaudit,theinspectorsignsaninspectionaffidavitandwillreviewanynon‐complianceissuesyoumayhave.Finally,theinspectorsubmitsadetailedreporttothecertifieroutliningtheinspectionfindings.
Finalreviewoftheplananddetailedreportisgivenbyeitheracommitteeorgrantorthatisexperiencedinorganicfarmingandcertificationstandards.
Fees
Anapplicationfeethattypicallyvariesfrom$400to$2000peryearisduewhentheapplicationissubmitted.Annualapplicationfeesgenerallyarenon‐refundableandvarybycertificationagency.
Therealsoisaninspectionfeethatusuallyvariesfrom$100to$20,500anddependsonproductionvolume,farmlocationandthecostoftime/travelfortheinspector.
ThroughtheUSDA’sOrganicCostShareProgram,anycertifiedproducerorhandlercanapplyforassistanceandreceiveamaximumof$750peryearandbereimbursedforupto75%ofannualcertificationcosts.Torequestthisassistance,contacttheUSDANationalOrganicProgrambyemailatamsadministratoroffice@ams.usda.gov.
Timeline
Dependsonhowlongaproducerhasbeenincompliancewithorganicstandards,aswellaswhat,ifany,changestotheoperationtheproducermustmake.
Anylivestockproductionmayonlybecertifiedafterapplyingexclusivelyorganicsubstancestoitsgrazinglandforthreeyears.
ScaleConsiderations
Thenon‐refundableapplicationfeemaydissuadesomesmallfarmingoperationsfromapplyingforNOPstandards.
However,smallfarmerswithlessthan$5,000inorganicsalesareexemptfromthecertificationprocess,and,throughtheUSDA’sOrganicCostShareProgram,anycertifiedproducerorhandlercanapplyforassistanceandreceiveamaximumof$750peryearandbereimbursedforupto75%ofannualcertificationcosts.
PotentialProductionCosts
Highorganicfeedcosts Extensiverecord‐keeping,includingfiveyearsofpost‐certificationrecordsontheraising
andslaughterofallcertifiedlivestock Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Minimumspacerequirementsforanimalsduringtransport Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards Compliancewithpestandrodentcontrolrequirements
NewMarkets
OrganicproductsaleshavegrowndramaticallyintheUS,from$3.6billionin1997to$24.8billionin2009.Organicfoodsareincreasinglyfoundnotonlyinmainstreamchannels,suchasgrocerystoresandclubstores,butalsothroughspecialtyretailers,farmers’markets,co‐opts,andcommunity‐supportedagriculture(CSAs).
AsofJanuary2012,demandfororganicmilk,bothregionallyandnationally,wasexceeding
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supply.Meanwhile,organicmeatsalesincreased150%from2002to2009. However,whilesalesoforganicfruitsandvegetableshaveseenthegreatestincreases,
trendsoforganicmeatsalesarenotaswelldocumented.
Labeling Certificationallowsafarmorprocessingfacilitytosell,label,andrepresenttheirproductsasCertifiedUSDAOrganic.
Notes
TheUSDA’sOrganicCostShareProgramcanhelpoffsetcertificationfeesthatotherwisemaybeprohibitivelyexpensiveforsmall‐scaleproducers.
Manycertifyingagencieshavechecklistsorplantemplatestoassistintheconversiontoorganic,andmanyuniversitiesprovidetechnicalassistancewithcertificationplans.
ContactInformation
Web: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nopPhone:202‐720‐2791Email:[email protected]
4.GlobalAnimalPartnership
Summary
GlobalAnimalPartnershipisanonprofitorganizationfoundedin2008withthegoalofimprovingthewelfareofanimalsinagriculture.
Comprisedoffarmers,scientists,ranchers,retailersandanimaladvocates,GlobalAnimalPartnership’s5‐StepAnimalWelfareRatingStandardsprogramclaimsthatitrecognizesproducersfortheirwelfarepractices,promotesandfacilitatescontinuousimprovement,andinformsconsumersaboutpotentiallymoreefficientandanimal‐friendlyproductionsystems.
Eachsetoftieredstandards,fromStep1toStep5+,hasitsownrequirementsthatmustbemetbeforecertificationtothatparticularSteplevelisassigned,andeachstepratinghasitsowndistinctlabelthatidentifiestheparticularSteplevelachieved.
Independent,third‐partycertificationcompaniesperformtheauditsofanimalproductionoperations.
Animals Beefcattle,broilerchickens,pigsandturkeys;developingprogramsforegg‐layinghensandlambs
KeyStandards
Thespecificsofanimalwelfarestandardsvaryinsomecasesbyspecies,butthegoalsforeachstepessentiallyare:Step1:Prohibitscagesandcrates.Steps2–5+require:Step2:environmentalenrichmentforindoorproductionsystemsStep3:outdooraccessStep4:pasture‐basedproductionStep5:ananimal‐centeredapproachwithallphysicalalterationsprohibitedStep5+:thattheentirelifeoftheanimalisspentonanintegratedfarmThesestepsareappliedtothefollowingcategoriesofanimalmanagement: Ranch/farmplananddocumentation Breedingandsourceofanimals Animalhealth Animalhandling Animalmanagement Feedandwater Range/pastureandoutdoorrequirements Housingconditions
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Insect,rodentandpredatorcontrol MovementandtransportofanimalsSpecificrequirementsarelaidoutinspecies‐specificstandardsdocumentsontheGAPsite:http://www.globalanimalpartnership.org/the‐5‐step‐program/our‐standards/.
CertificationProcess
ReviewtheGAPstandardsandprepareyourfarmforaudit. ContactGAPifyouhaveanyquestionsabouthowstandardsapplytoyouroperation. Contactindependent,third‐partycertificationcompaniestodiscussschedulingoptions,as
wellasauditfeesandprocesses,andselectacertifierwithwhomtocontract. Submitanapplicationtothecertificationcompany. Thecertifierreviewstheapplicationandschedulesanaudit. Theauditisconductedandisconcludedwithanexitinterview. Theauditorsubmitstheauditformandanyrelevantsupplementalmaterialtothecertifier. Thecertifiersubmitsacompliancereviewandmaycontacttheprocessordirectlytoget
clarificationwhereneeded. ThecertifiermakesadeterminationonwhethertoissueaStepcertificateornoticeof
correctiveactiontotheproducer. Ifcorrectiveactionisrequired,theproducersubmitsevidencetothecertifierthatissues
haveadequatelybeenaddressedbeforeafinalcertificationdecisionismade. AfterreceivingaStep‐ratingcertificate,contactGAPtodiscussmarketingandlabeling
guidelines.
Fees Allfeesareassessedbythird‐partyauditorsandtypicallyarearound$1,500orhigher.
TimelineThe5‐Stepcertificationcyclespans15months,overwhichtimefarmsareaudited,andtheanimalstheyraiseareobservedoverallfourseasons.
ScaleConsiderations
Auditorfeesmaymakecertificationprohibitivelyexpensiveforsmallfarmoperations. Securingadequatepasturemaybedifficultforoperationsraisinglargerlivestock.
PotentialProductionCosts
Largepastureacreageperanimal Increasednon‐pasturefeedcosts Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Changestoanimalhealthcarepractices
NewMarkets
Asofyear‐end2011,1,815operations,raisingmorethan140millionanimalsannually,hadbeenauditedandcertifiedtoGlobalAnimalPartnership’shighestwelfareStepstandards.
WholeFoodsMarketcurrentlyisthehighest‐profileparticipantinGAP’sanimalwelfarecertificationprogram.
LYFEKitchen,arestaurantcompanyinCalifornia,isservingStep‐ratedpoultryandbeef. GAPcurrentlyisinnegotiationswithotherrestaurantsandgrocerychainsinaneffortto
expandmembership.
Labeling RetailersthatsellStep‐ratedanimalproductsarepermittedtouseproprietaryGAPlabelsontheirproducts.
Notes
JohnMackey,Co‐FounderandCEOofWholeFoodsMarket,isamemberofGAP’sBoardofDirectors.
GAPisnotpartofWholeFoods;however,theretailerwasGAP’sexclusivepilotpartner,andthetwoentitiesworkedtogethercloselytodevelopwelfarestandardsduringtheprogram’sfirsttwoyears.
ContactInformation
Web:http://www.globalanimalpartnership.orgPhone:202‐540‐9880Email:[email protected].
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5.AmericanHumaneCertified
Summary
TheAmericanHumaneCertified(AHC)program(formerlyknownastheFreeFarmedprogram)providesthird‐party,independentverificationthatcertifiedproducers’careandhandlingoffarmanimalsmeetthescience‐basedanimalwelfarestandardsofAmericanHumaneAssociation(AHA).
TheprogramisavoluntaryauditprocessopentoproducersofanykindwhomeettheAmericanHumaneCertifiedstandardsofraisingandhandlingtheiranimals.
Animals Beefcattle,bison,broilerchickens,dairycattle,dairygoats,dairysheep,layinghens,meatsheep,pigs,turkeysandveal
KeyStandards
AmericanHumaneCertifiedstandardswerebuiltuponthevaluesoftheFiveFreedoms,whichwerecreatedbytheRoyalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals.Theseinclude: Freedomfromhungerandthirst Freedomfromdiscomfort Freedomfrompain,injuryordisease Freedomtoexpressnormalbehavior FreedomfromfearanddistressIndesigningitscertificationstandards,theAHAalsoconsultedanimalscienceexperts,veterinariansandotheranimalhusbandryspecialists.AHCDocuments,whichdetailspeciesspecificstandards,canbeaccessedontheAmericanHumaneAssociationwebsite:http://www.americanhumane.org.
CertificationProcess
Reviewthestandardsofcareforeachspeciesunderyourcare.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutcompliance,orneedadviceonhowtocomeintocompliancebeforetheaudit,calltheAmericanHumaneAssociationat303‐925‐9434.
Submitanonlineapplicationthatprovidesadescriptionofyouroperations.Uponcompletionandsubmission,AHAwillcontactyoutoreviewyourinformationandtoscheduleatimeforanon‐siteaudit.
AHAworkswithyoutoscheduleatimeforanindependentthird‐partyauditortovisityourfarmandperformtheaudit.Inlimitedsituations,onlinevideomonitoringisusedtofacilitatetheauditprocess.
Resultsoftheauditarepostedtoyourprivate,password‐protectedonlineaccount.AHAwillworkwithyoutoidentifycorrectiveactionandtimetablesforanyareasthatareoutofcompliancewiththestandards.Withyourpermission,theAHAwillprovideyourresultstospecificretailers,processorsorfoodserviceoperatorswhomyourequestreceivetheinformationsothattheycanverifyyourcertificationandauditdata.
Auditsareperformedannuallyusingthesamemethodologyeachtime.AHAalsomaintainstherighttoperformunannouncedauditsifanyissuesarisethatmayjeopardizeyourcertification.
AHAofferstrainingprograms,eitheronlineorinaclassroomsetting,aswellashands‐ontrainingforallpersonsinvolvedinanimalcare.
AHAexpertsareavailabletodiscussquestionsyouhaveabouteitheryouroperationsortheprogram.AHAalsowillreviewthedesignofnewfacilitiesandequipmentselectionasitrelatestohumanecare,aswellasprovideadviceontechnologiesandtrendsinhumanecare.
Fees
AHCassessesallfeesassociatedwithcertification,accordingtothefollowingschedule: Auditfee
o $1795perdayforlargeproducerso $900perdayfora½‐dayauditofsmalloperations
Administrativefee
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o $600forlargeproducerso $300forsmallproducers
Timeline Fromstarttofinish,thecertificationprocesstypicallytakesabout30days
ScaleConsiderations
Auditorandadministrativefeesmaymakecertificationprohibitivelyexpensiveforsmallfarmoperations.
Securingadequatepasturemaybedifficultforoperationsraisinglargerlivestock.
ProductionCosts
Largepastureacreageperanimal Increasedcostsofnon‐conventionalfeed(whenusedasasupplementtopasturefeeding) Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards
NewMarkets
Morethan60millionfarmanimalsareunderAHC’sprogram. Overtwo‐thirdsofcage‐freeeggproductionintheUnitedStatesisAmericanHumane
Certified. AHCclaimstobethefastest‐growingindependentanimalwelfarelabelprogramintheU.S.
Labeling AHAsendsAHC‐certifiedfarmslogoinformationthattheycanusetocreatetheirownlabels.
NotesDuetoitsfeestructure,AHAcountsonlyafewsmallproducersamongitstotalmembershipof40farms.
ContactInformation
Web:http://thehumanetouch.orgPhone:800‐227‐4645Email:[email protected]
6.FoodAlliance
Summary
FoodAlliance(FA)offerscomprehensivecertificationprogramsthatbuilduponUSDAorganicstandards.FAstandardsappealtoNorthAmericanproducerswhosevaluesincludeminimizationofenvironmentalimpact,thehumanetreatmentofanimalsandfairlaborpractices.
FoodAlliance’sstatedmissionisto“…createmarketincentivesforsociallyandenvironmentallyresponsibleagriculturalpracticesandeducatebusinessleadersandotherfoodsystemstakeholdersonthebenefitsofsustainableagriculture.”
Animals Beefcattle,dairycows,bison,poultry,pigs,sheepandgoats
KeyStandards
FA’sstandardsarecontinuallyevolvingbutincludethefollowing: Providesafeandfairworkingconditions. Ensurethehealthandhumanetreatmentofanimals. Abstainfromtheuseofhormonesorantibioticsupplements. DonotraiseGMOcropsorlivestock. Protectwaterresources. Protectandenhancesoilresources. Providewildlifehabitat. Continuallyimprovepractices.
CertificationProcess
ReviewtheFoodAllianceCertificationrequirementsforfarmsandranchesbyreadingtheProducerStandardsandProcedures.
SubmitanapplicationonlineusingFA’sSelfAssessmentTool,ordownloadapplicationmaterialstoprintandmail.Alongwiththeapplication,provideanysupporting
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documentationnecessary,andincludepaymentfortheapplicationfee. OnceFAhasreviewedyourapplication,theywillforwardthedocumentstoanindependent,
third‐partyinspectorwhowillcontactyoutoscheduleasiteinspection. Duringtheinspection,theinspectorwilltouryouroperation,interviewmanagersandstaff,
andreviewrelevantrecordstoevaluatecompliancewithFAcertificationstandards. Afterthevisit,theinspectorwillsubmitaninspectionreporttoFoodAlliance. Oncethesitereportisreceived,FAwillmakeacertificationdecisionandinformyouofthe
decisionbymail.Youwillreceivebothaletterindicatingthedecisionandacopyofthesitereport.
Ifyoubelievethattheinspector’sfindingsareinaccurateorunfair,youmaysubmitarequestforre‐evaluationtoFA.Thisrequestmustdetailtheperceivedinaccuraciesandbesubmittedwithin30daysofreceivingthesitereport.
Ifyouaredeniedcertification,youmayreapplyonlyaftermakingchangestoyouroperation,assuggestedinthesitereport.
Thetermofcertificationforfarmersandranchersisthreeyears.FoodAlliancereservestherighttoconductunscheduledauditsofparticipatingfarmsandranches.Operationsareeitherselectedatrandomorchosenbasedonconcernsidentifiedintheoriginalsiteinspection.
Farmersmustalsocompleteannualupdatestomaintaincertification;theymustalsoreportanychangestotheiroperationandprogressmadetowardtheirimprovementgoals.
Fees
Independentfarmsandranchespayanannualfeebasedonpercentageofgrosssalesofcertifiedproducts.Theaveragecostisaround$400peryearandisassessedonaslidingpercentagescalethatdeclinesassalesincrease.
ProducersseekingfinancialassistancewithFoodAlliancecertificationmaybeeligibleforpaymentsundertheConservationSecurityProgram(CSP),authorizedbythe2008FarmBill.
Timeline
Aftersubmissionoftheinitialapplication,thecertificationprocessusuallytakesbetweensevenandnineweeks.However,thiscanvaryanddependsonfactorssuchastheavailabilityoftheauditorandwhethertheapplicationhasbeensubmittedduringaseasonallyappropriatetimeoftheyear.
ScaleConsiderations Annualfeesmaymakecertificationprohibitivelyexpensiveforsomeoperations.
ProductionCosts
Largepastureacreagerequirementsperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Minimumspacerequirementsforanimalsduringtransport
NewMarkets
FoodAlliance’sstrategicmarketingemphasisdifferentiatesitfromothercertificationprograms.TheAlliance“operatesanextensivemarketdevelopmentprogram–connectingfarmersandrancherswithconsumersacrossthecountry.”
FAmaintainspartnershipswithgrocerychains,restaurants,nationalfoodservicecompanies,wholesalers,foodcooperativesandspecialtystores.
FAprovidesitsmembersarangeofmarketsupportservices,publicrelationsefforts,marketingstrategiesandpoint‐of‐salematerials,whilepartnerscommittosourcingandpromotingFAcertifiedproducts.
FA’sorganizationallowsittopoolmarketingdollarsamongfoodenterpriseswithsharedvaluesandcommonproductionpractices.
Labeling
FoodAlliancesendscertifiedproducersaPDFwithwhichtheycancreatelabels. FAmaintainsdistinctguidelinesfordifferentstepsofanimalfoodproduction,aswellasfor
differentkindsofanimalproducts(e.g.groundbeefandbeefjerky).AproducermustreceiveapprovalfromFAbeforeusingtheFoodAlliancelabelonanyproduct.
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Notes TherearesomeconcernsaboutthecomplexityofFA’sprogram,particularlybecauseFA
continuallychangesitsstandards. Thecertificationprocesscanbetime‐consuming.
ContactInformation
Web:http://foodalliance.orgPhone:503‐493‐1066Email:[email protected].
7.CertifiedNaturallyGrown
Summary
CertifiedNaturallyGrown(CNG)isanon‐profitorganizationthatofferscertificationtailoredforsmall‐scale,direct‐marketfarmersandbeekeepersusingnaturalmethods.CNGfarmsdonotuseanysyntheticfertilizers,pesticides,herbicides,fungicidesorGMOseeds,justlikeorganicfarms.CertifiedNaturallyGrownisanindependentprogramnotaffiliatedwiththeNationalOrganicProgram.
Animals SamerangeoflivestockasUSDACertifiedOrganic
KeyStandards
TheCNGstandardsarebasedonandnearlyidenticaltotheUSDANationalOrganicProgramstandards,withafewmodifications: CNGmaintainsmorestringentstandardsforlivingconditionsandaccesstopasture. Feedmustbegrownwithoutsyntheticfertilizers,pesticides,herbicidesorGMOseeds,butit
doesnothavetobecertifiedorganic.CNGmadethisexemptiontoencourageuseoflocalsources.
CNGallowsnon‐organiclivestocktobebroughtintotheoperationonlywhenthereisnoorganicornaturallygrownsourceforthesought‐afterlivestock,thepurposeofwhichistoencouragemorefarmerstogrownaturallyororganically.
AfulllistofCNGlivestockstandardsisavailableontheCNGwebsite:http://www.naturallygrown.org.
CertificationProcess
CompletetheLivestockCertificationApplicationonline.Onceaccepted,yourapplicationbecomespartofyouronlinefarmprofileontheCNGwebsite.Thisisapublicdocumentthatyoushouldkeepupdatedtoreflectyourcurrentpractices.
Makearequiredcontribution.Youmaywaituntilafteryourapplicationisacceptedtomakeyourcontribution.
Signandreturnyourdeclaration.YoursignatureindicatesthatyoumeetandagreetoallCNGstandards,aswellasthetermsofparticipatingintheprogram.Declarationsmustbereturnedannuallytomaintaincertification.AFeedSupplierDeclarationisalsorequiredforlivestockcertification.
Arrangeanon‐farminspection.Allfarmsmustarrangetheirownon‐siteinspection,whichmusttakeplacewithintwogrowingseasonmonthsofbeingacceptedintotheprogram,andatleastonceevery16monthsthereafter.InspectionsareconductedbyCNGvolunteersfreeofcharge,typicallybyotherCNGfarmers.
Conductaninspection.AllfarmerswhoparticipateintheCNGprogramagreetoconductatleastoneinspectionofanotherCNGfarmorapiaryeachyear.ThisrequirementiswaivedifthereisnotanotherCNGfarmorapiarywithinaonehourdrive.
Fees CNGrequiresanannualcontributionforcertification;theminimumforlivestock
certificationis$110. On‐siteinspectionsarefree.
Timeline AcceptanceintotheCNGprogramoccurssoonaftersubmissionoftheapplicationandpriortotheinitialon‐siteinspection.
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ScaleConsiderations
TherelativelylowcostofmembershipandstreamlinedapplicationprocessmaketheCNGprogramrealisticforsmallfarmers.
ProductionCosts
Highorganicfeedcosts Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards
NewMarkets AsofJanuary2012,30ColoradofarmswereCertifiedNaturallyGrownmembers.
Labeling
CertifiedNaturallyGrownoffersmembersthefollowinglabelingproducts: Non‐laminatedcertificate(free) Laminatedcertificate($7each) Laminatedfarmsigns($7each) Marketposters($7each) Bumperstickers(slidingpricescale) Rackcards(slidingpricescale) CNGstickerlabels(largeandsmall)
ContactInformation
http://www.naturallygrown.orgPhone:877‐211‐0308Email:[email protected].
8.AGAGrassfedandPastureFinished
Summary
TheAmericanGrassfedAssociation(AGA)andPastureFinishedRuminantStandardsemphasizeopenpasture,humaneanimalcare,preclusionoftheuseofantibioticsandhormones,theproductionofnutritiousandhealthymeats,andsupportforfamilyfarms.
TheAGAdefinesgrassfedproductsfromruminants,includingcattle,bison,goatsandsheep,asfoodproductsfromanimalswhosedietshaveconsistedexclusivelyoftheirmother’smilkandfreshgrassorgrass‐typehayfromtheirbirth.
TheAGArequiresthatanimals’dietsconsistsolelyofforageconsistingofgrass,forbs(e.g.legumesandbrassicas,browseshrubsandtrees,orcerealgraincropsinthevegetativestate.
Animalsmaynotbefedgrain. AmongtheAGA’stopprioritiesisworkingwiththeUSDAtoestablishalegaldefinitionfor
“grassfed”andtoimplementalabelingprogramthatbenefitsproducersduetotheirabilitytoacquireapremiumforproductsthatmeetthecriteria,whileprovidingaservicetoconsumerswhowishtobuygrassfedproducts.
ThemajorityofAGACertifiedmembersarefamilycattlefarmswith50to300headofcattle.AGAalsocountsamongitsmembershiponelargesheepproducerandseveralbisonproducers.
Animals Beefcattle,bison,lamb,pork,poultry,eggsanddairyproducts.
KeyStandards
AGAGrassfedandPastureFinishedRuminantStandardsmustbemaintained8outof10yearsforproducerstoremaincertified.
Animalslivetheirentirelivesonopenpastures. Thereisnoextendedorroutineconfinementofanyanimal. Noanimalbyproductsmaybeincludedintheanimals’diets. Noantibioticsorsynthetichormonesmaybeadministered. Theabuseofanyanimalisprohibited. Thenon‐emergencyuseofelectricprodsorhotshotsisprohibited.
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AdetailedlistofAGAcertificationstandardscanbefoundontheAGAwebsite:http://www.americangrassfed.org.
CertificationProcess
ReviewtheAGAcertificationstandardsand,ifrecertifying,makesureyourAGAmembershipisup‐to‐date.
Completeandsubmityourapplication.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheapplication,callAGAat202‐546‐[email protected].
AWAactsasthethird‐partyverifyingagencyforAGAcertificationapplications.AfterAWAverifiesthatyouareanAGAmember,theywillcallyoutoscheduleanon‐siteaudit.Theaudittypicallytakes1‐4hours.
AWAsendsauditresultstotheAGACertificationCommitteetodeterminewhetherornotyouqualifyforAGAgrassfedcertification.Ifyoudo,AGAwillsendyouacertificateofapproval,alongwithaLicensingAgreement.Ifyoudonotqualify,theAGACertificationCommitteeortheAWAwillexplainwhatadjustmentsarenecessaryforyoutosuccessfullycompletetheaudit.
FilloutandsendbackthelicensingagreementtoAGA,withthelicensingfee. Onceyouarecertifiedandlicensed,youcanusetheAGALogoonyourlabelsandpromotional
materials.
Fees
CertifiedProducermemberspayanannual$250membershipfee.Inaddition,certifiedproducermemberspayaper‐headfeeforeveryanimalharvestedforthecertifiedgrassfedprogram.ThisfeewillbedeterminedbytheAGAcertificationcommittee.
Currentlycertifiedproducermemberswhoalreadyhavepaidtheir$100annualmembershipdueswillpaytheremaining$150afterre‐passingtheaudit.
Timeline Aftersubmissionoftheoriginalapplication,thecertificationprocesstypicallytakes4‐8weeks.
ScaleConsiderations
Thefeeschedulemaymakemembershipprohibitivelyexpensiveforsmallfarmingoperations.
Securingadequatepasturemaybedifficultforoperationsraisinglargerlivestock.
ProductionCosts
Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards
NewMarkets AsofJanuary2012,13ColoradoproducerswereAGAGrassfedcertifiedmembers.
LabelingOncecertifiedandlicensed,aproducercanusetheAGAGrassfedLogoonlabelsandpromotionalmaterials.ThislogodistinguishesAGAcertifiedproductsfromthoseonlylabeled“grassfed.”
Notes AmongtheAGA’stopprioritiesisworkingwiththeUSDAtoestablishalegaldefinitionfor“grassfed.”
ContactInformation
Web:http://www.americangrassfed.orgPhone:877‐774‐7277Email:[email protected]
9.Kosher
Summary
KosherfoodsarethosethatareprocessedandpreparedaccordingtothecustomsandbeliefsoftheJewishfaith.
Thehumanetreatmentandslaughterofanimalsisakeyrequirementofthekosherdesignation.
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AnimalsIncludesmembersofthebovine,goat,sheepandbuffalofamily.Pigsareexcludedastheydonotchewtheirowncud.
KeyStandards
Meatfromananimalcertifiedaskosherrequiresthattheanimalhavesplithoovesandchewitscud.
Livestockmustbeinspected,slaughteredandpreparedbyaqualifiedspecialist. Kosherbirdsmusthaveacrop,anextrafinger,agizzardthatcanbepeeled,andmustnotbea
birdofprey.
CertificationProcess
Farmsthemselvestypicallyarenotcertifiedkosher.Rather,koshercertificationisgrantedtonon‐farmproducersandprocessors.
KosheranimalproductsmustpassinspectionbyanagencyorindividualsauthorizedbytheJewishhierarchy.
Thecertificationprocessforanimalproductsincludesthefollowingstepsforthefouragencieslistedbelow:
o Submitanonlineapplication.o Theagencywillcontacttheproducer/processortobeginthereviewprocess.o Theagencyconductsathoroughinspectionoftheprocessingequipment.o Theagencysubmitsacontractproposaloutliningthetermsforkoshercertification.o Afteralltermshavebeensatisfied,theagencysendsaletterofcertificationthat
authorizestheuseofitslabelonallapprovedproducts.
CertifyingAgencies
Whileindividualsrabbiscancertifyfoodsasbeingkosher,fouroftheworld’slargestKosher‐certifyingagenciesknownfortheirstringentstandardsoperateintheU.S.:
o TheOrthodoxUnionofNewYorkCity(http://www.ou.org/)o TheChicagoRabbinicalCouncil(http://www.crcweb.org/)o Kof‐KKosherSupervision(http://www.kof‐k.org/)o Star‐K(http://www.star‐k.org/)
Fees Auditfeestypicallyareassesseddirectlytoprocessorsandnotfarms.
PotentialProductionCosts
Higherslaughteringcosts
NewMarkets
Kosherpackagedfoodstypicallycarrya10‐25percentpremiumovernon‐Kosherfoods. Manynon‐Jewishconsumerspurchasekosherfoodsfortheirperceivedhighquality. AccordingtotheconsumermarketfirmPackagedFacts,salesofcertifiedkosherfoodsrose
fromnearly$150billionin2003tomorethan$200billionin2008,demonstratingacompoundannualgrowthratetwicethatoftheoverallfoodmarket.
PackagedFactsattributestheincreaseinkosherfoodsaleslargelytoagrowingnumberofconsumerswhodeliberatelyseekoutkosherfoods.
Labeling
TheKosher“K,”indicating“Kosher,”carrieslittleweightwithmanyobservingJews.Anycookorfoodprocessorcanlabeltheirproduct“K,”asinspectionbyacertifyingagencyisnotrequired.
Kosherlabelingbyleadingcertifyingagenciesensurescompliancewithkosherstandards.
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10.HalalandZabihaHalal
Summary HalalfoodsarethosethatareprocessedandpreparedaccordingtothecustomsandbeliefsoftheMuslimfaith.
DefinitionsofHalalandZabihaHalalo InArabic,“halal”meansthatwhichisallowed,permitted,orpermissible.”o Zabiharefersspecificallytotheslaughterofananimalbyslittingitsthroat.Assuch,
zabihaistheacceptablepracticeofbutcheringanimalsaccordingtotheIslamicfaith.
Animals Almostalllivestockproductsarehalalexceptthefollowing:o Pigproductso Animalsimproperlyslaughteredordeadbeforeslaughter
Birdsofpreyandcarnivorousanimalsarenothalal.
KeyStandards “Dhabiha”istheprescribedmethodofslaughteringallanimals,excludingfishandmostsea‐life,perIslamiclaw.Thismethodofslaughteringanimalsconsistsofusingawellsharpenedknifetomakeaswift,deepincisionthatcutsthefrontofthethroat,thecarotidartery,windpipeandjugularveinsbutleavesthespinalcordintact.
TheheadofananimalthatisslaughteredusinghalalmethodsisalignedwiththeQiblah(thedirectionaMuslimshouldfacewhenpraying).
Inadditiontothedirection,permittedanimalshouldbeslaughteredinthenameofAllah(theLord),andthepersonwhoisslaughteringshouldbeaMuslim.
CertificationProcess
Farmsthemselvesarenotdesignated“halal.”Rather,halalcertificationisgrantedtonon‐farmproducersandprocessors.
IFANCA’scertificationprocess(seebelow)consistsofthefollowingsteps:o Completeanonlineapplicationforcertification.o Arrangeforanaudit/inspectionofthefacility,throughwhichIFANCAreviewsthe
process,products,materialsandsanitationoftheproductionprocess.o Provideadditionalinformation,suchasspecificationsheets,labels,flowcharts,
cleaningprocedures,etc.o Negotiateanagreement,includingthefeesinvolved.o Ahalalcertificateisissuedeitherforoneyearorforeachbatchproduced,depending
onthetypeofproduct.
CertifyingAgencies
TheIslamicFoodandNutritionCouncilofAmerica(IFANCA)istheleadingcertifierofhalalfoodsintheU.S.(http://www.ifanca.org)
Fees SupervisionfeesassessedbyIFANCAvaryaccordingtothenumberandcomplexityoftheproductstobecertified.
PotentialProductionCosts
Higherslaughteringcosts
NewMarkets Onceaproductishalal‐certified,IFANCAliststhecompanyandproductonitswebsite. Halal‐certifiedfoodstypicallycarryapremiumovernon‐halalfoods. Severalmajorretailerscarryhalalproducts,includingSafeway,Walmart,ShopRite,Costco,
SuperSaverandWholeFoodsMarket. Withapproximately10millionMuslimslivingintheU.S.,andmorethan1.5billionoverseas,
alargepotentialmarketexistsforretailersofhalalproducts.
Labeling Onceaproductiscertified,permissionisgrantedtodisplaytheIFANCAcertificationlogo,the
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CrescentM,ontheproductpackagingandlabel.
Notes HalalconsumptionisnotlimitedonlytotheMuslimpopulation;otherconsumergroupsareseekinghalalfoodduetoitsreputationforhealthyandsafefoodproducts,aswellasthehumanetreatmentofanimals.
ContactInformation
IFANCAWeb:http://www.ifanca.orgIFANCAPhone:847‐993‐0034
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III.ComparisonofAnimalWelfareStandardsbyProgramAnimalWelfare
StandardHFACCertified
HumaneAnimalWelfare
ApprovedGlobalAnimalPartnership
USDAOrganic AmericanHumaneCertified
Entryintoprogram Pass/fail.Allstandardsmustbemet.
Pass/fail.Allstandardsmustbemet.
Five‐StepProgram.Allstandardsapplicabletoanyrangeofstepsmustbemet.
Pass/fail.Allstandardsmustbemet.
Farmsareauditedonapercentagebasis.Farmsthatdonotmeetallareasofcompliancehave90daystomakecorrections.
Traceability:BirththroughSlaughterManagement
Animalmustbeauditedfrombirththroughslaughter.
Animalmustbeauditedfrombirththroughslaughter.
Unclear.Step‐ratedfarmsmaybeabletobuyanimalsfromnon‐step‐ratedfarmsandthensellthemonthesteprating.
Animalmustbeauditedthroughoutlife,fromlastthirdofgestationthroughslaughter.
Unclear.Standardsandauditareincludedononeform.Nostandardsspecifiedregardingslaughter.
GrowthHormones Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited
AntibioticsProhibitedexceptfordiseasetreatmentofindividualanimal.
Prohibitedexceptfordiseasetreatmentofindividualanimal.
Prohibited Prohibited
Beef:Prohibitedexceptfordiseasetreatment.Chickens:allowedPigs:Prohibitedexceptfordiseasetreatment
HumaneEuthanasia Requiredwhenanimalwouldotherwisesuffer
Requiredwhenanimalwouldotherwisesuffer
Requiredwhenanimalwouldotherwisesuffer
Notaddressed Requiredwhenanimalwouldotherwisesuffer
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LivingConditions–BeefCattleAnimalWelfare
StandardHFACCertified
HumaneAnimalWelfare
ApprovedGlobalAnimalPartnership
USDAOrganic AmericanHumaneCertified
Pasture/rangeRequirement
Beefcattlemustberaisedonrangeaswellasgrassandnotindoors.Someproducersfinishtheircattleonsmallfeedyards.
Allanimalsmustbepastureraised.
Canberaisedonrangeorgrassandcanbefeedyardfinished.
30%ofdrymatterintakemustcomefrompastureduringthegrazingseason,whichmustbeaminimumof120daysperyear.
Beefcattleareraisedonrangeandusuallynotindoors.
RequiredProtectionfromWind/ShadeRequirement
WindbreaksrequiredShaderequired
WindbreaksrequiredShaderequired
WindbreaksnotrequiredShadenotrequired
WindbreaksrequiredShaderequired
WindbreaksrequiredShaderequired
StockingDensity
Onfeedyardsandwhenhoused:Specificallowancesforbeefcattlebasedonanimalbasedonsize,weightandslopeofground
Cattlecannotbefinishedonfeedyards.Whenhoused:Specificspaceallowancesdependinganimalweightandsize
Onfeedyards:250sq/ft.peranimalregardlessofsizeorage.
Onfeedyards:notaddressedWhenhoused:Notaddressed
Onfeedyardsandwhenhoused:Calculatedonslope/size/range
Disbudding
Hotirononlymethodallowedandmustbedoneduringfirst4monthsoflife.After4monthsofagemustuseanesthesiaandbedonebyaveterinarian.
Hotirononlymethodallowed.Mustbedoneduringfirst2monthsoflifeandwithanesthesia.
Allowedpriorto6weeksofage;norestrictiononmethod.
Permitted
Hotirononlymethodallowedduringfirst4monthsoflife.After4monthsofagemustuseanesthesiaandbedonebyaveterinarian.
Castration
Mustbedoneduringfirst2monthsoflife.After2months,mustbedonewithanestheticwithsurgicalremovalorspermaticcordcrush.Rubberrings:canonlybeusedforcastrating
Mustbedonelessthan2monthsofage.Rubberrings:canonlybeusedforcastratingpriortooneweekofage.
Permittedpriorto6monthsofagewithoutanesthesia.Rubberrings:Permittedpriorto6monthsofagewithoutanesthesia.
Permitted
Mustbedonelessthan2monthsofage.Rubberrings:Mustbeusedduringfirstweekoflife.
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priortooneweekofage.
HealthCareMustIncludeDisease/ParasitePrevention?
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
TransportationTimetoSlaughter
Mustbekepttoaminimumbutnotdefined
Maximumtransporttimeof8hours 25hours Notaddressed Notaddressed
Slaughter(AmericanMeatInstitute(AMI)Guidelines)
FacilitiesauditedbyHFACtomakesureAMIGuidelinesarebeingmet
FacilitiesauditedbyAWA
Notaddressed NotaddressedUnclearwhetherAHCperformsslaughteraudits
LivingConditions–ChickensAnimalWelfare
StandardHFACCertified
HumaneAnimalWelfare
ApprovedGlobalAnimalPartnership
USDAOrganic AmericanHumaneCertified
OutdoorAccess
NotrequiredSpecificstandardsforfreerangeclaimsIndoorsystems:Specificairquality,litterandairqualitystandards
Standardsrequirethatallbirdsarepastureraised
Notaddressed Required Notaddressed
LitterManagementandAmmoniaLevels
LittermanagementprogramrequiredAmmonialevel:Maximum10ppm,nohigherthan25ppmforbriefperiods
LittermanagementprogramrequiredAmmonialevel:Housingmustbemanagedtoeliminateammoniaabovethe5ppmdetectablelevel
NolittermanagementprogramrequiredNoammonialevelrequirement
Nolitterrequirement,butmustprovidecleanbeddingAmmonialevelrequirementnotaddressed
LittermanagementprogramrequiredAmmonialevelnottoexceed25ppm
SpaceAllowances 6lbsper1sq.ft.0.67sq.ftperbirdroostingplusanoutdoorrangearea
Nospecificspaceallowancerequired Notaddressed 7.0lbsper1sq.ft.
SleepPeriodRequirement
Minimumof6hoursofdarknessinevery24‐hourperiod
Minimumof8continuoushoursofdarknessinevery24‐hourperiod
Notaddressed NotaddressedMinimum6hoursdarkperiodevery24hours
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CatchingofBirdsforTransport
Birdsmustbecaughtindividuallyandcarriedbybothlegs
Birdsmustbecaughtindividuallyandcarriedbybothlegs
Notaddressed Notaddressed Nomorethan3birdscarriedinonehand
LivingConditions–PigsAnimalWelfare
StandardHFACCertified
HumaneAnimalWelfare
ApprovedGlobalAnimalPartnership
USDAOrganic AmericanHumaneCertified
OutdoorAccessRequirement
Standardsforbothindoorandoutdoorsystems;neitherisrequired.
Allanimalsmustbepastureraised
Notaddressed Required Notrequired
SpaceAllowancesforHousedAnimals
Dependsonweight/sizeofanimal
Dependsonweight/sizeofanimal Notaddressed Notaddressed
GestatingSows:20sq.ft.indoororoutdoor.Alsomaybeheldingestatingstallsforfirst35daysofpregnancy
WallowsRequiredforallpigsinoutdoorsystems Requiredforallpigs Notaddressed Notaddressed Notrequired
TailDocking Notallowed Notallowed Notallowed Allowed Allowed
NoseRings Prohibited
Asingleseptumringpermittedonlytopreventsoildamageorenvironmentalpollution.
Allowed Allowed Allowed
EarNotching ProhibitedPermittedProhibitedwhencarriedoutwithaknife
Permitted Permitted Permitted
CastrationMustbeperformedatlessthan7daysofage
Mustbeperformedatlessthan7daysofage
Mustbeperformedatlessthan7daysofage Allowed
Mustbeperformedatlessthan7daysofage
Weaning Minimumweaningageof28days
Minimumweaningageof42days
Minimumweaningageof28days
Notaddressed Minimumweaningageof21days
AirQuality Max10ppmammonialevels
Max5ppmammonialevels
Noformaltargetlevelrequired
Notaddressed Max25ppmammonialevels
EnvironmentEnrichment
Environmentmustallowpigstoexpressnaturalbehaviors.
Allpigskeptonrangeandforagingareamustprovideforagingandrootingopportunities.
Notaddressed Notaddressed
Straworothersuitablematerial,orballsandhangingchainsrequired.
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HealthCareMustIncludeDisease/ParasitePrevention?
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
TransportationTimetoSlaughter
Mustbekepttoaminimum.Nomaximumtimespecified.
Maximumtransporttimeof8hours
Maximumtransporttimeof14hours Notaddressed Notaddressed
Slaughter
FacilitiesareauditedbyHFACtoensureAmericanMeatInstitute(AMI)standardsaremet.
FacilitiesareauditedbyAWA.
Noslaughterrequirementsorinspections
NotaddressedUnclearwhetherAHCperformsanyslaughteraudits
LivingConditions–Goats&SheepAnimalWelfareStandard
HFACCertifiedHumane
AnimalWelfareApproved
GlobalAnimalPartnership
USDAOrganic AmericanHumaneCertified
OutdoorAccessRequirement
Musthaveaccesstopastureandexerciseareaasclimateandgeographicareaallow
Continuousoutdoorpastureisrequired
n/a(nocertificationprogramforgoatsorsheep)
RequiredMusthaveaccesstopastureduringgrass‐growingseason
Feed
MustmeetorexceednutritionrequirementsdefinedbyNationalResearchCouncil
Goatsmustbeprovidedwith70%longfiberroughage/forageintheirdietonadailydrymatterbasisfromweaningonwards
n/a
Animalsmustreceiveatleast30%ofdrymatterintakefromgrazingduringthegrazingseason
Animalsmustbeprovidedwithfeedorforagewithadequatefibertoallowrumination
IndoorAirQuality Ammoniamaynotexceed15ppm
Whenanimalsaresheltered,ammoniamustberemovedfromtheairinthefacility
n/a Notaddressed Ammoniamustnotexceed25ppm
FloorSpaceAtleast1.5timestheanimal’slyingarea
2.5m2 recommendedforadultgoatsandsheep
n/a NotaddressedAtleast1.5timestheanimal’slyingarea
MinimumBeddedSpace
Goats:1.7m2peradultdoe2.8–3.7m2forbucks
1.5m2 n/a NotaddressedGoats:1.1 –1.4m2perdrydoe
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Sheep:1.1 ‐1.4m2perdryewe1.9–3.0m2perram
1.9– 3.0m2 perbuckSheep:Ofsufficientsizetoaccommodateallsheeplyingdowntogetherinnormalrestingposture
Confinement
Onlypermittedforfeeding,medicaltreatmentorothertemporaryactivities
OnlypermittedformedicaltreatmentConfinementfeedingisnotpermitted
n/a Notaddressed
Onlypermittedforfeeding,medicaltreatmentorothertemporaryactivities
CastrationOnlypermittedduringfirst7daysofanimal’slife
Onlypermittedduringfirst7daysofanimal’slife
n/a NotaddressedOnlypermittedduringfirst7daysofanimal’slife
TailDocking(sheep)Onlypermittedifthereishighriskofsufferingduetoflystrike
Prohibited n/a NotaddressedOnlypermittedifthereishighriskofsufferingduetoflystrike
Dehorning Allowed Prohibited n/a Notaddressed ProhibitedEarMarking Allowed Prohibited n/a Not addressed AllowedTransportationTimetoSlaughter Notaddressed
Mustnotexceed8hours n/a Notaddressed Notaddressed
HoofInspection Requiredperiodically
AllanimalsmustbeinspecteddailyHoofinspectionsmustbecarriedoutbyaskilledpractitioner
n/a Notaddressed Requiredannually
LivingConditions–TurkeysAnimalWelfareStandard
HFACHumaneCertifies
AnimalWelfareApproved
GlobalAnimalPartnership USDAOrganic AmericanHumane
CertifiedOutdoorAccess Notrequired Mustbepastureraised Notaddressed Notaddressed Notaddressed
SleepPeriodMusthave8hourscontinuousdarkness
Musthavenormaldaylightandnighttime
hours6hours Notaddressed 6hours
LitterManagement&AmmoniaLevels
Littermanagementprogramrequired
Ifhousedduringemergencies,ammonia
Nolittermanagementprogramrequired Notaddressed
Ammonialevelscannotexceed25ppm
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Ammonialevelsmustbetestedandrecordednohigherthan10ppm
levelscannotexceed5ppm Ammonialevelsmay
notexceed10ppm
SpaceAllowance 7.5lbs/sq.ft. Outdoorarea;5sq.ftperbird
10.0lbs/sq.ft. Notaddressed
13‐17lbs:2.0sq.ftperbird
17‐26lbs:3.0sq.ft.perbird
BeakTrimmingAllowedpriorto10
daysofage Prohibited Allowed Notaddressed Allowed
ToeTrimming Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Notaddressed Allowed
CatchingforTransport
Specificcatchinginstructions,includingspaceallowances
Prohibitsfeed
withdrawalpriorto12hoursofcatching
Specificcatchinginstructions
Prohibitsfeed
withdrawalpriorto12hoursofcatching
Specificcatchinginstructions;nospace
requirements
Prohibitsfeedwithdrawalpriorto12hoursofcatching
Notaddressed
Specificcatchinginstructions
Prohibitsfeed
withdrawalpriorto16hoursofcatching
SlaughterStandardsandInspection?
Yes Yes No No Yes
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IV.CharacteristicsofPoultryCertificationsandLabels
PoultryLabels
Label Uncaged?RequiredOutdoorAccess?
DietBeakCutting
Permitted?
ForcedMoltingthroughStarvationPermitted?
CertifyingBody Other
AGAGrassfed
Yes YesGrassisasignificantcomponent
Notaddressed
No AGATheAGAGrassfedlabeldenotesofficialcertification,whereasthelabel“grassfed”doesnot.
AmericanHumaneCertified
Notaddressed
NoFreedomfromhungerandthirstrequired
Yes NoAmericanHumane
Association
Allowsbothcageconfinementandcage‐freesystems.
AnimalWelfareApproved
Yes Yes No NoAnimalWelfareApproved
Highestanimalwelfarestandardsofanythird‐partyauditingprogram
CageFree Yes No Notaddressed Yes Yes None Canengageinsomenaturalbehaviors
CertifiedHumane Yes No Notaddressed Yes No
HumaneFarmAnimalCare
Requirementsforstockingdensityandnumberofperchesandnestingboxes
CertifiedNaturallyGrown
Notaddressed Yes
Nosyntheticfertilizers,pesticides,herbicidesorGMOseeds
Yes Yes CertifiedNaturallyGrown
PoultryorediblepoultryproductsmustbefrompoultrythathasbeenundercontinuousCNGmanagementbeginningnolaterthantheseconddayoflife.
CertifiedOrganic Yes Yes
Organic,all‐vegetarian,freeofantibioticsandpesticides
Yes Yes USDAThereareconcernsaboutlaxenforcementofrequirementforbirdstohaveoutdooraccess.
Fertile Typicallyyes
No Notaddressed Yes Yes None“Fertile”eggsarelaidbyhensthathavelivedwithroosters.Theyusuallyarenotcaged.
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PoultryLabels
Label Uncaged?RequiredOutdoorAccess?
DietBeakCutting
Permitted?
ForcedMoltingthroughStarvationPermitted?
CertifyingBody Other
FoodAlliance Yes Yes
Organic,all‐vegetarian,freeofantibioticsandpesticides
Yes Yes FoodAllianceFollowsalmostallCertifiedOrganicstandards
FreeRange Yes No Notaddressed Yes Yes NoneNostandardsfor “freerange”eggproduction.
GrassfedNot
addressed No Notaddressed Yes Yes None
TheUSDAcurrentlyhasnoformalstandardsforuseofthelabel“grassfed.”TheAmericanGrassfedAssociationispushingtheUSDAtoadoptaformaldefinition.
Natural Notaddressed
No Notaddressed Yes Yes None Thislabelhasnorelevancetoanimalwelfare.
Omega‐3Enriched
Notaddressed
No Notaddressed Yes Yes None Thislabelhasnorelevancetoanimalwelfare.
UnitedEggProducersCertified
Notaddressed No Notaddressed Yes Yes UnitedEgg
Producers
Eachhenisafforded67squareinchesofcagespace.Permitsinhumanefactoryfarmpractices.
Vegetarian‐Fed
Notaddressed
NoFeeddoesnotcontainanimalbyproducts
Yes Yes None Thislabelhaslittlerelevancetoanimalwelfare.
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V.GlossaryAmericanGrassfedAssociation(AGA)GrassfedandPastureFinishedRuminantStandardsTheAmericanGrassfedAssociation(AGA)GrassfedandPastureFinishedRuminantStandardsemphasizeopenpasture,humaneanimalcare,preclusionoftheuseofantibioticsandhormones,theproductionofnutritiousandhealthymeats,andsupportforfamilyfarms.Productsfromgrassfedanimalsincludebeef,bison,lamb,pork,poultry,eggsanddairyproducts.AmericanHumaneCertifiedTheAmericanHumaneCertifiedprogram(formerlyknownastheFreeFarmedprogram)providesthird‐party,independentverificationthatcertifiedproducers’careandhandlingoffarmanimalsmeetthescience‐basedanimalwelfarestandardsofAmericanHumaneAssociation.AnimalWelfareApprovedAWAisanorganizationthatauditsandcertifiesfamilyfarms’humanetreatmentoftheiranimalsaccordingtothestandardsoftheWorldSocietyfortheProtectionofAnimals.AWAistheonlyfreethird‐partyanimalwelfarecertificationprogram.BeLocalNorthernColoradoBeLocalNCisaFortCollins‐basednon‐profitorganizationwhosemissionistohelpdeveloptheeconomyofindependent,uniquelylocalbusinessesandfarmsthroughitsbusinessnetworkwhichprovidescommunityadvocacy,consumereducation,andbusinesspromotion.BeLocalNCcanbereachedat970‐219‐[email protected]‐freeLayinghensare“cage‐free”aslongastheyarenotatanytimeconfinedtocages.However,thisdesignationimpliesnothingaboutotheraspectsofthebirds’welfare.CertifiedTheterm"certified"impliesthattheUSDA'sFoodSafetyandInspectionServiceandtheAgricultureMarketingServicehaveofficiallyevaluatedameatproductforclass,grade,orotherqualitycharacteristics.Whenusedunderothercircumstances,thetermmustbecloselyassociatedwiththenameoftheorganizationresponsibleforthecertificationprocess,e.g.,"HFACCertifiedHumane."CertifiedHumaneCertifiedHumaneisacertificationandlabelingprogramwhosestatedgoalistoimprovethelivesoffarmanimalsbydrivingconsumerdemandforkinderandmoreresponsiblefarmanimalpracticesandtoassureconsumersthatcertifiedproductsmeettheCertifiedHumanestandards.CertifiedNaturallyGrown:CertifiedNaturallyGrown(CNG)isanon‐profitorganizationthatofferscertificationtailoredforsmall‐scale,direct‐marketfarmersandbeekeepersusingnaturalmethods.CNGfarmsdonotuseanysyntheticfertilizers,pesticides,herbicides,fungicidesorGMOseeds,justlikeorganicfarms.
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ColoradoOrganicThislogomaybeusedonlytomarketColoradoagriculturalproductsthathavebeencertifiedbyafederallyaccreditedorganiccertificationprogram.ColoradoProudAfreemarketingprogramofferedbytheColoradoDepartmentofAgriculturethatisdesignedtohelpconsumers,restaurantsandretailersidentifyandpurchaseColoradofoodandagriculturalproducts.FoodAllianceFoodAlliance(FA)offerscomprehensivecertificationprogramsthatbuilduponUSDAorganicstandards.FAstandardsappealtoNorthAmericanproducerswhosevaluesincludeminimizationofenvironmentalimpact,thehumanetreatmentofanimals,andfairlaborpractices.Free‐RangeAccordingtotheUSDA,free‐rangepoultrymustbeallowedaccesstotheoutside.However,itisnotspecifiedthatpoultryhaveaccesstograssorotherpasture.Bydefinition,otherfree‐rangelivestockarethosethatareallowedtoroamfreelyandarenotconfinedinanymanner.However,theUSDAdefinitionappliesonlytopoultry.GlobalAnimalPartnershipGlobalAnimalPartnershipisanonprofitorganizationfoundedin2008withthegoalofwantingtoimprovethewelfareofanimalsinagriculture.Comprisedoffarmers,scientists,ranchers,retailersandanimaladvocates,GlobalAnimalPartnership’s5‐StepAnimalWelfareRatingStandardsprogramrecognizesandrewardsproducersfortheirwelfarepractices,promotesandfacilitatescontinuousimprovement,andbetterinformsconsumersaboutvariousproductionsystems.Independent,third‐partycertificationcompaniesperformtheauditsofanimalproductionoperations.GrassfedTheterm“grassfed”currentlydoesnotimplyadherencetoofficialstandards.TheAmericanGrassfedAssociation,throughitsAGAGrassfedcertificationprogram,ispushingtheUSDAtoadoptaformaldefinitionfor“grassfed.”GrassFinishedGrass‐finishedbeefcomesfromcattlethathavebeenraisedonaforagediettheirentirelives.Whilemostcattlespendthemajorityoftheirlivesinpastureseatinggrassbeforemovingtoafeedlotforgrain‐finishing,grass‐finishedbeefcattleremainonapastureandforagediet.HalalandZabiahHalalProductspreparedbyfederallyinspectedmeatpackingplantsidentifiedwithlabelsbearingreferencesto"Halal"or"ZabiahHalal"mustbehandledaccordingtoIslamiclawandunderIslamicauthority.
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HeritageHeritagebreedsaretraditionallivestockbreedswithuniquegenetictraitsthatwereraisedbyfarmersinthepast,beforethereductionofbreedvarietycausedbytheriseofindustrialagriculture.However,thereisnoofficialdefinitionorcertificationfor“heritage”animals.HumanelyRaisedAnunregulatedtermimplyingthehumanetreatmentoffoodproductionanimals.KosherKosherfoodsarethosethatareprocessedandpreparedaccordingtothecustomsandbeliefsoftheJewishfaith.KosheranimalproductsmustpassinspectionbyanagencyorindividualsauthorizedbytheJewishhierarchy.Natural“Natural”isacommonlyusedlabelbyfoodproducersbuthasnorelevancetoanimalwelfare.Thus,itcanbemisleadingtoconsumersanddoesnotsignifyproductdifferentiationforproducers.NoAntibioticsTheterms"noantibioticsadded"maybeusedonlabelsformeatorpoultryproductsifsufficientdocumentationisprovidedbytheproducertotheUSDAdemonstratingthattheanimalswereraisedwithoutantibiotics.NoHormonesTheterm"nohormonesadministered"maybeapprovedforuseonthelabelofbeefproductsifsufficientdocumentationisprovidedtotheUSDAbytheproducershowingnohormoneshavebeenusedinraisingtheanimals.Sincehormonesarenotallowedintheraisingofpigsorpoultry,thelabel“nohormonesadded”canonlybeusedifitisfollowedbythestatement,“Federalregulationsprohibittheuseofhormones.”Omega‐3EggsAnunregulatedtermthatdoesnotnecessarilyimplythathensarepastured.PastureRaised(orPastured)AccordingtotheUSDA,“pastureraised”hens“…areraisedoutdoorsusingmovableenclosureslocatedongrassandfedanorganicdiet(freeofhormonesornon‐organicadditives)and/orraisedwithoutantibiotics.”USDAOrganicThe1990OrganicFoodsProductionAct(OFPA)establisheduniformnationalstandardsfortheproductionandhandlingoffoodslabeledas“organic.”TheActauthorizedanewUSDANationalOrganicProgram(NOP)tosetnationalstandardsfortheproduction,handlingandprocessingoforganicallygrownagriculturalproducts.ProducerswhomeetstandardssetbytheNOPmaylabeltheirproductsas“USDACertifiedOrganic.”