A new third-party verified sustainability standard for the poultry industry, PoultryCARE, certifies that farmers are implementing best practices in animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and engagement with their community.
“We continue to have to answer the question of feeding a growing population with fewer resources, so sustainability is critical in this equation. It also matters to consumers and consumers to have many choices when it comes to food,” said Kelly Crymble, a Customer Verification Specialist Regional Manager at Where Food Comes From.
“PoultryCARE gives customers confidence that they are purchasing a product that has measures in place to protect animals, people and the environment.”
Companies can become certified to the PoultryCARE standard following an on-farm evaluations based on:
- Animal husbandry: care and well-being policies and practices, biosecurity and emergency preparedness protocols, employee and grower animal care training, poultry handling and transport, animal health protocols and environmental and housing conditions.
- Environmental stewardship: land and water resources, greenhouse gas emissions, animal productivity, energy reduction, waste management and long-term strategy.
- People and community: safe working environment, fair compensation and treatment, growth and development opportunities, business and succession planning and local community support.
CARE Certified poultry products help consumers verify that the chicken and turkeys they buy meet exacting sustainability standards.
“We are always trying to help our customers meet the demands of the consumer,” Leann Saunders, President and COO, Where Food Comes From, explained. “We've been seeing an increased demand for brands and programs that can support messages around sustainability so we developed a standard that gives companies a measurable way to demonstrate continuous improvement and communicate the good that they’re trying to do.”
Where Food Comes From is “America’s trusted resource for third-party verification food production practices,” according to their website. The company also has BeefCARE and DairyCARE standards. PorkCare should be released later this year.
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