animal welfare certification programs

AnimalWelfareCertificationPrograms

UnderstandingOpportunitiesandCosts

Relatedto

CertificationsforHumaneFarmAnimalTreatment1,2

1 PaperpreparedbyDavidWeiss,GraduateStudent,DepartmentofAgriculturalandResourceEconomics,[email protected]);andMarthaSullins,ExtensionSpecialist,ColoradoStateUniversity([email protected]).

2FundedbytheUSDANationalInstituteforFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)BeginningFarmerandRancherDevelopmentProgramunderaward#2009‐49400‐05871.

1

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.

3

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.

4

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

6

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.

7

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.


Extensiverecord‐keeping,includingo Healthhistoryofeachanimalo Whichanimalshavebeenbornonthefarmandwhichhavebeenpurchasedfrom

anotherHFACCertifiedHumanefarm Largepastureacreageperanimal Alterationsoradditionstoanimalfacilities Minimumspacerequirementsforanimalsduringtransport Adherencetospecificanimalhealthcarestandards Compliancewithpestandrodentcontrolrequirements

NewMarkets AlistofCertifiedHumaneproductretailerscanbefoundontheCertifiedHumanewebsite:

8

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.


Smallfarmerswithlessthan$5,000inorganicsalesareexemptfromthecertificationprocess,buttheystillmustbetruthfulintheirlabelclaimsandcomplywiththenewgovernmentstandards.IndividualsorcompanieswhosellorlabelaproductasorganicwhentheyknowitdoesnotmeetUSDAstandardscanbefinedupto$10,000foreachviolation.Therequiredstepsforfarmerswhorequirecertificationare: Stopadministeringantibioticsandgrowthhormonestoyouranimals.

9

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.


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

10

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

11

Insect,rodentandpredatorcontrol MovementandtransportofanimalsSpecificrequirementsarelaidoutinspecies‐specificstandardsdocumentsontheGAPsite:http://www.globalanimalpartnership.org/the‐5‐step‐program/our‐standards/.


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.


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].

12

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.


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

13

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.


ReviewtheFoodAllianceCertificationrequirementsforfarmsandranchesbyreadingtheProducerStandardsandProcedures.

SubmitanapplicationonlineusingFA’sSelfAssessmentTool,ordownloadapplicationmaterialstoprintandmail.Alongwiththeapplication,provideanysupporting

14

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.

15

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.


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.

16

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.

17

AdetailedlistofAGAcertificationstandardscanbefoundontheAGAwebsite:http://www.americangrassfed.org.


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.

18

AnimalsIncludesmembersofthebovine,goat,sheepandbuffalofamily.Pigsareexcludedastheydonotchewtheirowncud.

KeyStandards

Meatfromananimalcertifiedaskosherrequiresthattheanimalhavesplithoovesandchewitscud.

Livestockmustbeinspected,slaughteredandpreparedbyaqualifiedspecialist. Kosherbirdsmusthaveacrop,anextrafinger,agizzardthatcanbepeeled,andmustnotbea

birdofprey.


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.


Higherslaughteringcosts

NewMarkets

Kosherpackagedfoodstypicallycarrya10‐25percentpremiumovernon‐Kosherfoods. Manynon‐Jewishconsumerspurchasekosherfoodsfortheirperceivedhighquality. AccordingtotheconsumermarketfirmPackagedFacts,salesofcertifiedkosherfoodsrose

fromnearly$150billionin2003tomorethan$200billionin2008,demonstratingacompoundannualgrowthratetwicethatoftheoverallfoodmarket.

PackagedFactsattributestheincreaseinkosherfoodsaleslargelytoagrowingnumberofconsumerswhodeliberatelyseekoutkosherfoods.

Labeling

TheKosher“K,”indicating“Kosher,”carrieslittleweightwithmanyobservingJews.Anycookorfoodprocessorcanlabeltheirproduct“K,”asinspectionbyacertifyingagencyisnotrequired.

Kosherlabelingbyleadingcertifyingagenciesensurescompliancewithkosherstandards.

19

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.


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.


Higherslaughteringcosts

NewMarkets Onceaproductishalal‐certified,IFANCAliststhecompanyandproductonitswebsite. Halal‐certifiedfoodstypicallycarryapremiumovernon‐halalfoods. Severalmajorretailerscarryhalalproducts,includingSafeway,Walmart,ShopRite,Costco,

SuperSaverandWholeFoodsMarket. Withapproximately10millionMuslimslivingintheU.S.,andmorethan1.5billionoverseas,

alargepotentialmarketexistsforretailersofhalalproducts.

Labeling Onceaproductiscertified,permissionisgrantedtodisplaytheIFANCAcertificationlogo,the

20

CrescentM,ontheproductpackagingandlabel.

Notes HalalconsumptionisnotlimitedonlytotheMuslimpopulation;otherconsumergroupsareseekinghalalfoodduetoitsreputationforhealthyandsafefoodproducts,aswellasthehumanetreatmentofanimals.

ContactInformation

IFANCAWeb:http://www.ifanca.orgIFANCAPhone:847‐993‐0034

21

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

22

LivingConditions–BeefCattleAnimalWelfare


HumaneAnimalWelfare



Pasture/rangeRequirement

Beefcattlemustberaisedonrangeaswellasgrassandnotindoors.Someproducersfinishtheircattleonsmallfeedyards.

Allanimalsmustbepastureraised.

Canberaisedonrangeorgrassandcanbefeedyardfinished.

30%ofdrymatterintakemustcomefrompastureduringthegrazingseason,whichmustbeaminimumof120daysperyear.

Beefcattleareraisedonrangeandusuallynotindoors.

RequiredProtectionfromWind/ShadeRequirement

WindbreaksrequiredShaderequired


WindbreaksnotrequiredShadenotrequired



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.

23

priortooneweekofage.

HealthCareMustIncludeDisease/ParasitePrevention?

Yes Yes No Yes Yes

TransportationTimetoSlaughter

Mustbekepttoaminimumbutnotdefined

Maximumtransporttimeof8hours 25hours Notaddressed Notaddressed

Slaughter(AmericanMeatInstitute(AMI)Guidelines)

FacilitiesauditedbyHFACtomakesureAMIGuidelinesarebeingmet

FacilitiesauditedbyAWA

Notaddressed NotaddressedUnclearwhetherAHCperformsslaughteraudits

LivingConditions–ChickensAnimalWelfare


HumaneAnimalWelfare



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

24

CatchingofBirdsforTransport

Birdsmustbecaughtindividuallyandcarriedbybothlegs

Birdsmustbecaughtindividuallyandcarriedbybothlegs

Notaddressed Notaddressed Nomorethan3birdscarriedinonehand

LivingConditions–PigsAnimalWelfare


HumaneAnimalWelfare



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.

25

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


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

26

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


GlobalAnimalPartnership USDAOrganic AmericanHumane

CertifiedOutdoorAccess Notrequired Mustbepastureraised Notaddressed Notaddressed Notaddressed

SleepPeriodMusthave8hourscontinuousdarkness

Musthavenormaldaylightandnighttime

hours6hours Notaddressed 6hours

LitterManagement&AmmoniaLevels

Littermanagementprogramrequired

Ifhousedduringemergencies,ammonia

Nolittermanagementprogramrequired Notaddressed

Ammonialevelscannotexceed25ppm

27

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


Specificcatchinginstructions;nospace

requirements

Prohibitsfeedwithdrawalpriorto12hoursofcatching

Notaddressed

Specificcatchinginstructions

Prohibitsfeed


SlaughterStandardsandInspection?

Yes Yes No No Yes

28

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.


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.

29

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.

30

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.

31

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.

32

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.”