Claire Thompson
Raising chickens on pasture is a sustainable method of agriculture that has existed for much longer than industrial-based farming. While there is no legal definition for pasture-raised in the United States, pasture-raised chickens are typically raised outdoors on pasture, with access to fresh grass and natural food sources such as insects, worms, seeds, and grass. This results in healthier chickens and better-tasting meat and eggs. To receive certain certifications, such as Certified Humane® or organic, producers must meet specific requirements, such as the amount of outdoor space provided and the prohibition of antibiotics and synthetic chemicals. However, the term pasture-raised itself does not require certification and is often used as a marketing tool.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for certification | There is no legal definition of "pasture-raised" in the US, but there are certifications available, such as Certified Humane®, organic, and animal welfare approved. |
| Space requirements | The Certified Humane® requirement is 1000 birds per 2.5 acres (108 sq. ft. per bird), with a minimum of 2 sq. ft. outdoor access per bird. |
| Outdoor access | Pasture-raised chickens must have access to the outdoors year-round, with mobile or fixed housing for protection from predators and inclement weather. |
| Feed | Pasture-raised chickens eat bugs, worms, grubs, grass, and grain-based feed. Organic certification requires feed produced without synthetic chemicals. |
| Antibiotics | Antibiotics are prohibited in Certified Humane® and organic certification. |
| Farmer interaction | Buying pasture-raised chickens typically involves purchasing directly from the farmer, who can answer questions about the bird's history and rearing. |
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What You'll Learn
There is no legal definition of pasture-raised in the US
There is currently no legal definition of "pasture-raised" in the United States. This means that the term is often used on poultry packaging with no unilateral definitions for consumers to trust. However, the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) organization has developed standards for poultry products that are labelled as "Certified Humane®" and "Pasture-Raised". These standards include specific requirements for the rearing of pasture-raised chickens, such as the amount of outdoor space available to the birds and the prohibition of cages.
The lack of a legal definition for "pasture-raised" in the US has led to some concerns about the welfare of chickens and the accuracy of labelling. In response, organizations like HFAC have worked to establish standards and certifications that provide consumers with more transparency and assurance about the conditions in which their food is produced.
While there may be no legal definition, pasture-raised chicken producers in the US typically follow certain practices. Pasture-raised chickens are usually raised outdoors, with access to fresh grass and insects, and their diet is supplemented with grain-based feed. This type of farming is considered to be more natural and beneficial for the chickens' health, resulting in meat that is richer in vitamins and minerals.
In addition to the lack of a legal definition for "pasture-raised", there are also varying standards for other commonly used terms in the poultry industry, such as "free-range". According to the USDA, free-range chickens must have "access to the outdoors", but there are no specific parameters defining what constitutes adequate access. This has led to a range of interpretations, with some chickens only having limited access through a small opening.
To address these inconsistencies and provide consumers with clearer information, organizations like HFAC have developed their own standards and certifications. While not legally mandated, these certifications offer consumers a way to make more informed choices about the welfare of the animals and the quality of the products they purchase.
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Pasture-raised and free-range are distinct categories
In the United States, there is no legal definition for "free-range" or "pasture-raised". This means that these terms are often used on poultry packaging without a clear definition for the consumer. However, the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) has revised its standards for products labelled as "Certified Humane®", "Free Range", or "Pasture Raised".
The previous "Free Range" standards have been updated to reflect what is now defined as "Pasture Raised". The revised standards add a third category for birds that are outdoors seasonally. This means that producers wishing to use the terms "Pasture Raised" or "Free Range" on their packaging must meet the requirements of the newly defined categories.
The HFAC's Certified Humane® "Pasture Raised" requirement is 1,000 birds per 2.5 acres (108 sq. ft. per bird) and the fields must be rotated. The hens must be outdoors year-round, with mobile or fixed housing where they can take shelter at night or during inclement weather.
On the other hand, the USDA's definition of "Free Range" simply states that birds must have "outdoor access", which may only be through a small opening. This definition does not specify a minimum space requirement.
Therefore, while both "Pasture-raised" and "Free-range" imply that the birds have access to the outdoors, the specific requirements and conditions for each category differ. "Pasture-raised" birds are typically given a larger space requirement and are expected to be outdoors year-round, while "Free-range" birds may have more limited outdoor access.
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Pasture-raised chickens are healthier
In the United States, there is currently no legal definition for "pasture-raised" or "free-range". However, pasture-raised chickens are generally considered healthier than conventionally raised chickens.
Pasture-raised chickens are allowed to roam and forage outdoors, which aligns with their primal instincts. They are provided with ample space, fresh air, and access to natural pastures. This not only improves their quality of life but also has benefits for their health and the nutrition they provide.
Studies have shown that pasture-raised chickens have a more favourable fatty acid profile, with a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. They also have significantly less fat, including 30% less saturated fat, and notably higher levels of vitamin A, which is essential for skin and bone health and a robust immune system.
The pasture-raising method also has environmental benefits. Chickens naturally fertilize the land with their manure, promoting the regrowth of thicker and greener pastures. This creates a more diverse and robust farm ecosystem, as good farms should have several interlocking and mutually supportive enterprises.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet and nutrition, choosing pasture-raised chicken may be a healthier option due to its improved nutritional profile and the positive impact it can have on the environment.
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Organic certification is costly
In the United States, there is currently no legal definition for "pasture-raised" or "free-range" chicken. However, producers wishing to use these terms on their packaging must meet certain requirements. For instance, the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) organisation has defined pasture-raised as requiring 1000 birds per 2.5 acres (108 sq. ft. per bird), with the fields being rotated. The hens must be outdoors year-round, with housing to protect them from predators or inclement weather.
While pasture-raised chicken is not a certified term, organic certification is an additional layer of protection in terms of quality and safety. Organic certification is costly, and there are many requirements that must be met. For example, organic chickens must be fed a certified organic, non-GMO diet that does not contain animal by-products, antibiotics, or growth hormones. The feed typically consists of a blend of organic, GMO-free corn and soybean meal, plus supplemental vitamins and minerals. The grains must also be raised without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
The cost of organic certification includes the expense of meeting these feed requirements. Organic grains are more expensive than non-organic grains, and the process of verifying that the feed meets organic standards can be time-consuming and costly. In addition, organic certification requires third-party certification by a USDA-approved food-certifying agency, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Furthermore, organic certification requires that chickens have access to the outdoors. This means that producers must provide outdoor range space and open pastures, which can be costly to implement and maintain. The cost of land, fencing, and other infrastructure can be significant, especially for smaller farms.
Another factor contributing to the cost of organic certification is the requirement for humane animal handling practices. These practices may require additional training for staff and the implementation of new protocols, which can be expensive and time-consuming. For example, one protocol involves catching chickens by hand after dark, which requires trained handlers and additional labour costs.
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Pasture-raised chickens are raised outdoors
In the United States, there is currently no legal definition for "pasture-raised", and therefore no requirement for certification. However, pasture-raised chickens are raised outdoors, and this method of farming has been around for much longer than industrial-based farming. Pasture-raised chickens must have access to at least 108 square feet of outdoor space, and they are allowed to roam and eat grass, insects, and other forage in the field. This method of farming is more sustainable and results in happier chickens and healthier, tastier meat and eggs.
Pasture-raised chickens are often raised in portable houses that can be moved to a new pasture, allowing chickens to access fresh grass every day. This also means that the chickens' manure acts as a natural fertiliser for the pasture. To prevent overgrazing, it is important to separate the foraging options into different fields and rotate the chickens between them. This also helps to reduce the likelihood of parasites in the chickens.
In addition to their forage, pasture-raised chickens need to be provided with supplemental feed. This should be high-quality and ethically and sustainably produced. Fermented feed is a good option as it is more digestible and adds beneficial bacteria to the chickens' guts. Organic, soy-free, and non-GMO feed are also good options. It is also possible to supplement their diet with certain table scraps, such as vegetable peels, cooked grains, and meat trimmings.
In terms of organic production, the USDA's National Organic Program requires outdoor access and organic feeds produced without synthetic chemicals. Any number of pasture-based systems can be classified as organic if the producer chooses to follow the certification process, which requires that the feed, pasture, and processor all be certified organic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you want to use the term "pasture-raised" on your packaging, you must meet the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) standards for the Certified Humane® label.
The HFAC's Certified Humane® "Pasture Raised" requirement is 1000 birds per 2.5 acres (108 sq. ft. per bird) and the fields must be rotated. The hens must be outdoors year-round, with mobile or fixed housing where the hens can go inside at night to protect themselves from predators or due to inclement weather.
Organic certification requires that the chicken is raised on organic feed produced without synthetic chemicals and prohibits the use of antibiotics. Pasture-raised certification focuses on the amount of outdoor space provided per bird and the rotation of fields.
Yes, organic certification can be costly and time-consuming. It requires a minimum of 3 years of record-keeping and thousands of dollars to apply.
