Will the Real Grassfed Please Stand Up?

Dear Aggie,

What is the difference between Certified Grassfed by AGW and other grassfed labels?

Thanks,
Wondering in Wyoming

Dear Wondering,

According to recent research, demand for grassfed beef has increased by 25-30 percent every year over the last decade. As the market for grassfed products continues to grow, claims about grassfed production have proliferated as well. Some meat currently marketed as grassfed could come from animals confined on dirt feedlots for long periods outside the growing season, or where growth hormones and subtherapeutic antibiotics are used–just as long as they were fed cut grass or forage.

Certified Grassfed by AGW is the only grassfed label in North America to guarantee:

• Ruminant animals raised outdoors on pasture for their entire lives, with an entirely grass and forage diet
• Animals raised according to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards in the U.S. and Canada
• High-welfare handling, transport, and slaughter of animals–including an annual review of slaughter facilities

Certified Grassfed by AGW is an optional, additional accreditation for farmers meeting AWA’s standards of production (available here). Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW has been lauded by Consumer Reports as the only highly meaningful label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability. For more about Certified Grassfed by AGW, check out our Grassfed FAQs.

Thanks,
The AGW Team

Dear Aggie is an opportunity to ask farming and food questions. Have a question? Click on the mail icon on the right side, or email DearAggie@agreenerworld.org and submit your question to Dear Aggie!