Key Takeaways:
- Perdue Farms leads a successful petition to establish clearer guidelines for the “pasture-raised” label, ensuring animals are raised on pasture for the majority of their lives.
- USDA updated its labeling guidelines to distinguish “pasture-raised” from “free-range,” aligning with consumer expectations.
- The new labeling guidelines are under a 60-day public comment period, with strong support for the changes.
- Perdue’s commitment to animal welfare and transparency was showcased at its ninth annual Animal Care Summit, where new initiatives and innovations in animal care were discussed.
- Perdue Farms continues to prioritize sustainable farming practices, including the use of biomimicry technology in pasture management.
Clarifying “Pasture-Raised” with New USDA Guidelines
Perdue Farms, a prominent name in animal care and regenerative farming practices, has set a new industry standard with its successful petition for clearer and more accurate labeling of “pasture-raised” poultry and meat. This move, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensures greater transparency for consumers by defining “pasture-raised” to mean that animals are raised on pasture for the majority of their lives.
Previously, terms like “free-range” and “pasture-raised” were often used interchangeably, causing confusion among consumers. Perdue’s efforts have led to a new USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guideline, which requires animals raised under the “pasture-raised” label to spend the majority of their lives on land with rooted vegetation or grass. This change aims to provide consumers with a clearer understanding of how their food is produced.
Consumer-Driven Label Changes
The USDA’s guideline update, influenced by a formal petition from Perdue Farms, was prompted by a consumer survey showing that the majority of respondents wanted a clearer distinction between “pasture-raised” and “free-range” to better match their expectations.
The guidelines are currently in a 60-day public comment period, set to end on November 12, 2024. To date, over 1,000 comments have been submitted, mostly in favor of the petition, indicating strong public support for greater labeling transparency.
“Consumers deserve transparency and clarity when it comes to how their food is raised,” said Ryan Perdue, Senior Vice President of Perdue Premium Meats and Emerging Brands. “This new standard ensures that ‘pasture-raised’ means what it says – raising chickens that spend the majority of their lives on pasture.”
Perdue’s Continued Commitment to Animal Welfare
This push for clarity is part of Perdue Farms’ broader commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming, highlighted during the company’s ninth annual Animal Care Summit. The event gathered industry leaders, government officials, and community partners to discuss advancements in animal welfare and sustainable agriculture.
At the Summit, Perdue showcased its innovative approaches, including its regenerative agriculture practices and new animal care initiatives such as improved welfare hatching techniques, bird activation practices, and enhanced farmer relations.
Summit attendees also toured Perdue’s operations, including demonstrations of Pasturebird’s biomimicry technology, which uses solar power to move chickens to fresh pasture land. This technology was recognized in Fast Company’s 2022 Innovation by Design Awards for its sustainable approach to poultry farming.
Looking Ahead: Innovations in Animal Care and Consumer Preferences
The Summit featured discussions on future trends in animal care, including addressing the growing gap between dietary ideals and actual eating habits among younger consumers. Other sessions covered the benefits of dark meat, including its higher nutrient content compared to white meat, and innovations in feed quality designed to improve the overall health of broilers.
“At Perdue, we’re dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of our chickens through research-driven practices and technology,” said Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, Chief Science Officer at Perdue Farms. “By prioritizing the well-being of animals, we create healthier environments that benefit the animals while also enhancing product quality.”
Latest News From Perdue Farms
Partners with SustainaBase for Carbon Accounting and Sustainability (2024/09/06)
Perdue Farms has partnered with SustainaBase, a carbon accounting platform, to enhance its environmental initiatives. The partnership will improve Perdue Farms’ emissions tracking, providing more comprehensive data on its environmental impact. The platform will track Scope 3 emissions, including those across its supply chain, enhancing sustainability reporting and emissions management. This partnership aligns with Perdue Farms’ broader environmental objectives, including reducing waste and water usage and promoting regenerative agriculture. The platform’s carbon accounting capabilities will offer greater transparency and accurate data on Perdue Farms’ environmental impact.
Supporting Agricultural Education and Leadership (2024/03/12)
Perdue Farms, through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, has announced a renewed donation of $20,000 to the National FFA Organization’s Give the Gift of Blue program. This initiative is a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders and enhancing community development as part of its Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® initiative.
Supports Food Bank of Delaware with Significant Chicken Donation (2024/01/17)
Perdue Farms donated 83,000 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Delaware, providing over 67,000 meals to those facing food insecurity. The donation is part of Perdue’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors initiative, which aims to improve community welfare. The company has a long-standing history of contributing to hunger relief efforts, having donated over 92 million pounds of protein since 2000.
Announces Major Leadership Changes (2023/12/20)
Perdue Farms has appointed Gregg Uecker as the new Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer and Julie Katigan as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Uecker’s role is pivotal in enhancing supply chain efficiencies and promoting sustainable growth, while Katigan’s promotion strengthens the company’s focus on talent acquisition and employee well-being. Both bring extensive experience from previous roles, promising a positive impact on Perdue Farms’ strategic directions.
Image provided by Perdue
1 Comment