2.7 Alternative Livestock Certification Programs

Rules for alternative livestock production

Every farm is unique. The geography, climate, animal species (domesticated and wild), land cover, and farmers’ beliefs and expectations tie into managing the land and livestock. For organic operations, federal regulations set the requirements for almost all farming practices (such as record-keeping and treatment of animals). This section focuses on alternative operations—ones that are not USDA-certified organic (including transitional operations) but follow non-conventional pasture practices (such as free-range or grass-fed) or welfare certification standards that might include the use or non-use of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, or GMOs.

Alternative agriculture may be considered an umbrella term with organic agriculture, non-conventional agriculture (such as greater pasture use), and higher-welfare certification programs falling underneath it. Organic agriculture, as we’ve previously discussed, has legally binding definitions and practices established for those who wish to seek USDA organic certification. The lack of federal regulations for other non-conventional farming practices and farm animal welfare has led to the formation of voluntary certification programs. These programs vary in standards, geographical reach, animal species covered, and consumer popularity. Some farmers may seek USDA organic certification and/or any certification programs if they find that the standards align with their practices and offer a marketing advantage. For various reasons, other farmers may follow similar practices but choose not to become certified by USDA or any other program. Farmers who choose not to become certified may still hire a third-party auditing company to assess their operation.

Alternative agriculture can include non-conventional practices like sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, and permaculture. We won’t go into detail about how each approach is similar and different. Instead, we will simply highlight that those who practice these types of agriculture do not follow prescribed national standards, which leaves definitions and practices open to interpretation by farmers and consumers. Oftentimes, the underlying goals are very similar to the goals of organic agriculture and the NOP. For instance, the emphasis on animal living conditions, protection of natural resources, and improved soil fertility are common themes for organic and alternative agricultural farmers.

See the certification programs below that complement or combine organic, alternative, and welfare claims. All these programs involve third-party, independent auditors to verify the operation’s practices. Remember that this list is not meant to be comprehensive or endorse any particular program. These programs are well-known examples that will help you be more conversive with organic and alternative farmers.

American Humane Certified

Since 1877, American Humane has set standards for animal welfare across many sectors. It created the first welfare certification program for farm animals in the US. The Certified Seal of Approval from the American Humane Farm Program is species-specific and based on the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. These standards are science-based and include freedom to express normal and natural behavior as well as freedom from:

• Hunger and thirst
• Discomfort
• Pain, injury, and disease
• Fear and distress

Certified Humane

Humane Farm Animal Care offers a Certified Humane Raised and Handled logo to assure consumers that the animals have been humanely raised, from birth through slaughter. It is a nonprofit organization located in the US but operates internationally. Their Animal Care Standards are primarily based on animal welfare practices (such as freedom to perform natural behaviors) but also comply with the North American Meat Institute’s slaughter standards. The logo can be found on agricultural products, pet food, textiles, and personal care products.

Global Animal Partnership

Global Animal Partnership (GAP) is a global organization that uses certifiers to audit farms, verify animal welfare standards compliance, and then assign a certification level from 1 to 5+. The tiered labeling strategy is meant to provide consumers with information on how the “animal’s environment mimics a natural environment,” which is specific for each type of animal.

Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit organization that certifies food products in North America and lets consumers know the products are free of GMOs. Brands can apply for this label through a verification process that includes working with an independent technical administrator, reviewing invoices and standard operating procedures, and certificates of analysis for the product’s ingredients.

OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic

Organic Plus Trust (OPT) offers a certification program for farmers who want to go above and beyond the USDA organic certification. The OPT’s Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program sets national organic, grass-fed meat and dairy ruminants standards. Some notable differences between the NOP standards are that an operation must have a grazing season of at least 150 days a year, and grain feeding is not allowed.

Regenerative Organic Certified

Regenerative Organic Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers the label Regenerative Organic Certified to ensure consumers that animals were raised on pasture and welfare standards are incorporated into daily living, transportation, and slaughter practices. This certification program is unique because it leverages existing certifications farmers have already earned. For farmers who want to go above and beyond the USDA organic certification, they can obtain higher welfare certification through Certified Humane, GAP (at step 4 or higher), or Animal

As you can see, there are no widely established “rules” for alternative agriculture farmers and ranchers. Businesses, industries, and consumers have developed their own sets of standards. There are dozens of different product labels and claims that consumers and farmers need to sort through. Unfortunately, some marketing claims like “all-natural,” “ethically raised,” “free-range,” and “raised without antibiotics” are not substantiated by independent verification. However, various voluntary certification programs are available and may offer a marketing advantage as they assure consumers about how the animals and animal products were raised and handled.

Animal health professionals can assist farmers and ranchers in meeting their certification goals by contributing and advising on a wide range of animal husbandry and health topics involved with these various programs. You do not need to be an expert at understanding ALL the different certification programs, but you should recognize when farm practices are mandated by law or label standards. Talking with your farmer to understand their guiding philosophies and future goals will help you both be on the same page. You must appreciate all your farmers’ values and standards, whether established by national regulations, association standards, or personal beliefs.

• Sustainable Agriculture
  • National Center for Appropriate Technology ATTRA
  • USDA Sustainable Agriculture
  • Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
• Regenerative Agriculture
  • Natural Resources Defense Council—Regenerative Agriculture 101
  • Regenerative certifications and verifications
• Permaculture
  • Permaculture Research Institute
• Animal Welfare Programs
  • Animal Welfare Audit and Certification Programs
  • Animal Welfare Institute
  • Farm Animal Welfare Certification Guide

For a current listing of all proposed amendments and their status, search “organic” in the Federal Register or visit Proposed Rules (USDA). An example of a recently passed (11-2-2023) Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards rule that should on your radar can be found here: Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards.

Key Takeaways

• USDA is responsible for certifying and enforcing organic rules and regulations.
• To find the most up-to-date rules and regulations for organic livestock production, visit 7 CFR 205.
• USDA standards for pasturing certified organic ruminant livestock include free access to certified organic pasture for at least 120 days of the grazing season, ruminants’ diets must contain at least 30% DMI (on average) from certified organic pasture, and ruminant slaughter stock are exempt from the minimum 30% DMI requirement from grazing during the finishing period.
• Many treatment options are common to conventional and organic livestock production with general guidelines being that natural substances are allowed (unless expressly prohibited) and synthetic substances are prohibited (unless specifically allowed).
• Organic and alternative livestock production often share similar values, but DVMs must appreciate when farmers must abide by federal regulations, company standards, and/or personal beliefs.