The Animal Welfare Approved seal is a hard earned badge of difference and demonstrates the farmer’s commitment to the care of animals, land and the local community. Farmers in this program will be distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude towards the animals in their care as evidenced by physical audit and development of detailed plans and records of farm practices. Participation in the AWA program is voluntary.

Farmers in the program agree to a minimum of one visit a year from AWA staff or agents, with the possibility of additional visits if deemed necessary, to confirm compliance with the standards during various seasons and to allow observation of animals in different phases of life. Participation in the program is on an annual basis and must be renewed each year.

You may apply using the online application or request a Microsoft Word version of the application. If you would like a Microsoft Word Document version of the application form, please email Julie Suarez at Julie@AnimalWelfareApproved.org.

Before applying, you should review the standards for the species in question to make sure you believe they are consistent with your farming practices and values.

American Grassfed Association Audit Application

Farmers wishing also to be certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) should complete the online application. There are several additional questions for those applying for both certifications. Please review the AGA standards before applying.

Please note that a farmer must be a member in good standing of the AGA in order to be eligible for an AGA audit. Please contact the AGA for more information. Please also note the AGA will assess an annual licensing fee if the farm is approved.

For more information on the American Grassfed Association, please call (877) 774-7277 or email aga@americangrassfed.org.

Farmers currently approved by the AWA program may already be eligible for AGA status. If you have questions about this or any other part of the AWA application process, please contact Julie Suarez at Julie@AnimalWelfareApproved.org or by phone at (202) 546-5292.