World Society for the Protection of Animals (2008 and 2009 report)

“This program currently has the most stringent animal welfare standards and includes certain animals not covered by other programs, such as rabbits and ducks. Animal Welfare Approved requires that all animals have regular access to the outdoors and prohibits physical mutilations like debeaking of hens and tail docking of pigs. This program also requires that producers be family farmers and does not allow producers that have dual humane and factory-farming operations to participate.”

Nicolette Hahn Niman, author of Righteous Porkchop

“I think that as far as a humane label, the only one that is very good is the Animal Welfare Approved label (AWA), from the Animal Welfare Institute. They are the only ones in my opinion that give a consumer the assurance that the food is not from what most people would consider a factory farm.

The AWA standards require that all the animals be given outdoor access and, they don’t allow crowded conditions. They are also the only standards that require animals to be raised on a family farm. The farmers must own the animals, (so you can’t have contract growing), and the proprietors must provide the majority of the labor. The AWA standards also require that the owners live on and operate the farm. The reason AWA demand that is that is in their experience it makes a huge difference in the lives of the animals – people who actually own and control the farm and their animals have a much greater stake in the animals’ welfare. I also like the family farm requirement for another reason. From a community standpoint and an environmental standpoint, when you have people truly in charge of and running a farm and living there, they are more concerned about their neighbors and their own quality of life.”

Catherine Price, New York Times

“For eggs from chickens that live in the sort of utopia conveyed by the images on most egg cartons, look for ‘animal welfare approved.’ Available in limited markets, it is a new label by the Animal Welfare Institute that is given only to independent family farmers. Flocks can have no more than 500 birds, and chickens over 4 weeks old must be able to spend all their time outside on pesticide-free pasture with a variety of vegetation. They must have access to dust baths and cannot have their beaks trimmed (a practice on crowded egg farms) or be fed animal byproducts.”

Peter Kaminsky, author Pig Perfect

“Ultimately, all life (us included), is part of the food chain. The Animal Welfare Approved seal guarantees that our farm animals are treated with the respect and care that is due to every living thing.”

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“We demand the ultimate sacrifice of animals raised for food. Humans owe them a humane and dignified existence in return. The Animal Welfare Institute is setting the gold standard for how farm animals should be taken care of. I’ve worked closely with them for years and have seen their independence and deep commitment to humane animal farming. How these animals live affects us all because good animal husbandry provides wholesome food and protects our air, water, and landscapes.”

Rhonda Gothberg, Gothberg Farms

“I had not thought too much about “labels” before I became aware of this organization.  There are so many labels and tags out there, it is hard for me to decipher.  This one caught my attention for their comprehensive approach to all animals.  We strive very diligently here to provide the absolute best for our animals, at every stage of life.  It is nice to have third party, arms length confirmation that we are on the “right track” providing humane and ethical treatment of our animals.

Their standards are high.  Their process is comprehensive.  Being a part of this is an honor.”

Denis Scott, WVU extension agent, Morgan County

“The trend for successful small farmers these days is to find niche markets.  Since consumers are becoming more aware about the differing processes of meat production, many are looking for local alternatives that they can trust.  The folks at Animal Welfare Approved provide a practical certification that has real value for specialty marketing.  I’ve met several AWA labeled farmers who say that they have used direct marketing of their meats to turn their farms around.”

Michael Hurwitz, director of Greenmarket in NYC

“In a world where many food labels are losing their meaning or being usurped by industrial agriculture, it’s reassuring to know that Animal Welfare approved is out there, working with farmers to promote sustainably and ethically-raised livestock. AWA ensures that the animals that end up on our plates are treated with respect both while roaming in pasture and when taken to the slaughterhouse. AWA protects the integrity of animal production as well the consumer looking for a healthy, delicious meal.”

Bill Telepan, chef and owner of Telepan Restaurant in New York City

“Before working with Animal Welfare Approved I was curious about how my customers would react to the flavor of grassfed beef, but one of their farmers has convinced me that grassfed beef makes wonderful products that my customers love. It has been great working with a group that shares my ideals of improving farm animal welfare and the quality of ingredients available not only to chefs, but to everyone who eats.”

David Schuttenberg, chef of Cabrito Restaurant in New York City

“With the continued increase in awareness of not only the ethical need for high standards of animal husbandry, but the better quality product that comes from raising animals under such standards, it is important to remain vigilant in having a full understanding of what the various labeling standards actually mean. Animal Welfare Approved operates completely transparently and its standards remain the highest in an industry that can sometimes feel like the wild west in terms of labeling regulations. When I see the AWA logo, I KNOW I will be eating products that not only come from animals raised humanely, but will be tops in terms of quality as well.”

Megan Saynisch, chef and founder of Brooklyn Farmhouse

“A lot of labels on meat, eggs, and dairy these days are confusing (who knows what “natural” or “naturally-raised” really means??). That’s why I always look for the Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) label. I trust the AWA label because I know AWA has transparent standards for the humane treatment of farm animals, which is important to me. When I buy meat, eggs, or dairy products with the AWA label, I know that I’m supporting family farmers that use the best practices for raising their animals. “

Rosemary Harris, actor

“I’ve long been an avid supporter of the Animal Welfare Institute and its programs. Personally I have visited some of the small pig farms they approve in North Carolina and seen for myself what a wonderful life the pigs have on Animal Welfare Approved farms. I’m delighted the Institute is expanding its program to include other animals, so that conscientious consumers can have an even greater choice of products of humane husbandry.”

Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurant in New York

“Here’s the beauty of the Animal Welfare Institute: their demands for husbandry standards, whether assuring the animal’s access to the outdoors, or securing proper bedding for sows, or the hundreds of other important things they watch out for, don’t just raise living standards and make for happier animals – they make for more delicious food. The Animal Welfare Approved seal is a seal of humanity and a promise for good flavor.”

Willie Nelson, legendary singer/songwriter

“Family farmers are the heart of this great country. And at their heart is a deep love and respect for the land and the animals they raise. The Animal Welfare Approved seal is a badge of honor for family farmers, since their attention to the health and well-being of their animals results in humane practices that serve as a model for all.”

Michel Nischan, managing partner of Dressing Room, a Homegrown Restaurant and author, Taste Pure and Simple and Homegrown Pure and Simple

“The way we treat the animals we rely on for our sustenance defines who we are deep inside. Making the decision to support producers who raise and fell their animals with dignity and respect shows we are truly compassionate. Nature rewards this decision by providing the most glorious results for our pallets, our conscience, and our personal health. The Animal Welfare Institute understands the relationship of respect between humans and the animals they rely on that once existed, and has made it possible to recapture those times in today’s ever-changing food system.  This is important to me as a chef with a conscience as there are so many standards to choose from. Unfortunately, this mish-mash of offerings does little more than to figuratively throw the freezing, sick and starving prisoner a half-empty pillow. AWI requirements assure consumers that the producers who follow them are applying the highest available standard.”

Kama Einhorn, Children’s Book Author and Founder/Blogger for The Carnivore’s Dilemma

“…Animal Welfare Approved is very different from the other two programs: in addition to having far stricter animal welfare standards, they’re the only certifier that charges nothing and that limits its focus to independent family farms. From this and other information Michael has found, it’s clear that the other two certifiers are targeting larger, more corporate producers (their looser standards, in particular, fit this conclusion1).  As Michael says, this might be about money, it might reflect differences in vision or strategy, or it might be about something we don’t yet understand.  In any case, while we will continue to buy products certified by any of the three programs, AWA has won our hearts.”

Patrick Martins, Co-founder, Heritage Foods USA

“We are delighted to have the Animal Welfare Approved seal of approval draw attention to the conscientious husbandry of farmers in our program, beginning with the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch network of farmers. Small family farms need as much attention as possible and an organization like the Animal Welfare Institute will help our farmers greatly.”

Andrea Reusing, chef and owner, Lantern Restaurant, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

“It is no coincidence that the most delicious foods are those cultivated with respect for the health and welfare of the entire food chain and the AWI’s Seal of Approval brings meaning to this simple idea. Breeding animals for fast, cheap growth is by definition inhumane. Independent family farms are our best hope for true, sustainable food security and humane treatment is not a marketing strategy, but a guarantee that benefits us all.”

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

“The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy salutes the Animal Welfare Institute on the release of the Animal Welfare Approved seal. This seal will help consumers vote for humane treatment of food animals with their dollars, one of the strongest votes for implementing change. AWI standards are devised to support humane treatment for the benefit of the livestock and poultry, not for solely economic benefit to agribusiness. Not only do the standards promote humane production practices in the usual sense, they also encourage the use of appropriate genetics for sustainable production systems.”