Food Labels 101 Masterguide

FOOD LABELS 101

MASTER

GUIDE

CREATED BY:

Greener Pastures

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

2

4

5

6

43

44

45

7

9

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

25

27

29

31

33

35

37

39

Introduction

About Us

About Our Ratings

Glossary

Visual Breakdown

The Labels:

American Grassfed

American Humane Certified

Animal Welfare Approved by AGW

Certified Grassfed by AGW

Certified Humane Raised and Handled

Certified Non-GMO by AGW

Fair Trade

Food Alliance Certified

Food Justice Certified

Marine Stewardship Certified

Natural

NON-GMO

NON GMO Project Verified

Pasture Raised

Rainforest Alliance Certified

Salmon Safe

United Egg Producers Certified

41 USDA Organic

Acknowledgements

Continue Reading

Endnotes

VISUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our

Rating

Animal

Welfare

Environmental

Health

Human

Welfare

5

8

12

26

32

24

20

14

36 38

18

22

4

42

3

16

10

2

1

40

34

28 30

HEY THERE,

Finding food that aligns with your values can often feel like a

huge challenge.

Do you ever just stand in the grocery store aisle wondering

which product is best? Maybe you’ve asked: how do I know if

this was sustainably produced? Is this food label trustworthy?

Which of these was produced with the most ethical labor

conditions?

Yeah, same here.

Through countless conversations with people like you, we

heard loud and clear that dozens of labels and food claims

make it hard to get through a basic shopping list while bringing

your ethics along.

We get bombarded with a lot of information and marketing,

which makes it difficult to know what to trust. Especially when

we rely on food labels—some good and some not so good—to

help us get the job done.

Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve created an easy-to-use,

evidence-based guide to help you know which food labels you

can trust to meet your values.

Keep reading for the info you need to become a food labelsavvy

ethical eater.

1

ABOUT US

Greener Pastures is a nonprofit blog, community, and activism

hub headquartered in Minneapolis. We strive to make

everyday support of humane, sustainable agriculture easy and

seamless.

We’re your dose of inspiration, encouragement, and education

for making change in your food system. And we’re building the

grassroots movement away from factory farming. We provide

credible guidance on how to make values-based food choices

so you can vote with your fork and feel amazing about your

decisions.

Sarah Carroll (she/her), our Founder and Director, is a dedicated

food systems advocate. She is passionate about animal welfare, the

environment, food issues, and phasing out factory farms. After earning

her BA in Political Science at University Wisconsin-Madison, she worked

as an environmental organizer and lobbyist for a D.C. environmental

advocacy group and for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern

Wisconsin. She holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters

in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Sarah Wescott (she/her), our Communications Associate and the lead

researcher and designer on this project, shares a passion for food

systems, environmental activism, and the fight against factory farms.

Sarah earned her BA in Environmental Science with a Food Systems

emphasis from Macalester College. Before joining GP, she honed her

research and communications skills with the Minnesota Department

of Agriculture marketing team and several sustainability nonprofits.

She also currently works as the sustainability program manager for

Honeybear Brands.

Head to www.togreenerpastures.org to learn more.

2

A NOTE ON FOOD JUSTICE

We’re working for a world where the ability to access ethically

and transparently-produced food isn’t a privilege—it’s a right.

But right now, we know that many food products with labels

that convey ethical and sustainable production cost more.

And costlier food isn’t accessible for everyone, especially for

historically marginalized and underinvested communities,

particularly communities of color.

We’re clear on why this is the case: centuries of exploitation,

land theft, slavery, and racist policies in our food system and

beyond that create wealth inequities for people of color.

If you can afford to vote with your fork, we hope this label

guide helps you make better decisions. Regardless, join us in

our mission to create a just food system rooted in humane,

sustainable local agriculture. How?

• Join our email list where we send out opportunities to take action on

food policy issues.

• Explore other free resources like 8 Tips for Eating Ethically on a Budget.

• Check out our website for more ideas on healthy, ethical, sustainable

eating that won’t break the bank.

We won’t stop until we have a humane, sustainable food system

that works for everyone, especially those experiencing the

greatest disparities.

-The Greener Pastures team

3

ABOUT OUR RATINGS

We only want to provide you with information you can trust. Therefore, we source our

information from peer-reviewed sources, government entities, 1 point of sale sites, reliable

educational instituations, or directly from the label organization itself.

To calculate our rating, we use the following rating system based on five categories: impact,

beyond convention, clarity, reliability, and value. Each category refers to a different aspect of

the label. Within each category, there are three "yes" or "no" questions. For each “yes,” one

point is awarded, each “somewhat,” half a point is awarded, and each “no,” zero points are

awarded. A score of five is the best. A score of one is the worst.

Interested in the inner working of our rating system? Check out the chart below.

Impact

Are the standards directly

tied to actions that tangibly

improve humane, sustainable,

or just food production

conditions?

Does successful execution

of the standards push the

agricultural and adjoining

industries towards broader

systems change to address

root problems?

Do the standards become

more strict and holistic in

their long-term impact on

humane, sustainable, or just

food production conditions

over time?

Score

0-3

Example:

USDA

Organic

2.5

Beyond

Conventional

Do the standards go

beyond what conventional

producers are already

doing?

To what degree do the

standards go above the

conventional industry

norms?

Is achieving the label

accessible for small

producers, independent

farms, and grassroots

organizations and does it

allow for differentiation?

Score

0-3

2

Clarity

Does the label publicly

share its standards?

To what extent are the

standards clear and

understandable to both

producers and consumers?

Is the visual portrayal of the

label or claim consistent

and easily identifiable?

Score

0-3

3

Reliability

Are the guidelines defined

and specific?

Are the standards objective

and measurable?

Is the monitoring

appropriate, sufficient, and

stringent?

Score

0-3

3

Value

Is this label worth the price? To find out, we used this formula:

(labelled price-conventional price)/conventional price=markup

Then we took markup/sum of all other scores except value = “raw value” rating

Then we convert: 3<0.1, 2<0.2, 1<0.3, 0≥0.3

Score

0-3

1

Total of

raw scores

1-15

Overall Rating

We reduced all raw scores by a factor of three.

Final Total

1-5

USDA Organic = 4

4

GLOSSARY

Aquaculture: Raising fish in a farm-like

setting for human consumption that can

occur indoors or out.

Biosecurity: Strategies put in place to help

protect animals or organisms from disease.

In farming, this refers to the prevention of

disease spread from one animal to another.

Confinement: Being kept in a small area

without space to move around freely or

access the outdoors. This could look like

a small cage or a large building that is

overcrowded.

Crop rotation: Alternating which crops are

grown in a field on a yearly basis in order

to protect the health of the soil and prevent

nutrient decline in agricultural soils.

Dual production: Raising animals under

differing practices on the same farm. This

enables farmers to sell the same product

to multiple markets. For example, a farmer

could raise some cows under organic

practices and others conventionally.

Factory farming: Industrialized,

concentrated mass production of animal

products. Occurs in a low-cost, highefficiency

factory-like setting.

Genetically modified organism/GMO:

Genetically modified organism that has had

its DNA changed or altered through the

process of genetic engineering. This usually

takes place in a laboratory setting.

Independent farmer: Farmer who does not

operate under the control of a corporation.

They own their land, livestock, and seeds

and determine their own growing practices.

Industry standard: The norms of the

agricultural sector for raising animals,

producing crops, or taking care of people

and the land. This generally includes largescale

production, crowded living quarters,

chemical use, antibiotics, environmental

damage, and a focus on quantity over

quality.

Integrated pest management/IPM: Using

chemicals in a controlled manner to control

pests and disease while making as small of

an impact on the environment as possible.

Non-GMO/GMO free: Lacking the presence

of genetically modified organisms.

Organic: This can mean two things. Organic

generally refers to anything that was at some

point alive and can return to the natural

environment. In this instance, think about

sticks, leaves, fecal matter, food products,

and certain types of paper products. Organic

is also used to refer to USDA organic

certification guidelines, and the specific

growing practices behind the label. Many

farms use organic practices but don’t have

the certification. Therefore, this word is used

as a philosophy and a label.

Regenerative agriculture: Practices that

return life to land by bolstering soil health,

creating wildlife habitat, and protecting

waterways.

Ruminant: Mammals that chew food

multiple times as it is regurgitated from its

stomach. Ruminants usually have hooves

and multiple stomachs. This includes cows,

moose, and goats.

5

VISUAL BREAKDOWN

This is the name

of the label.

This is how

the label or

claim will likely

appear at the

store.

You’ll find a

brief label

description and

the regulating

party here.

Look here for

the positive

points of each

label.

We show you

the big picture

of how this label

affects things

you care about.

Look here to

see if this label

protects your

values.

We assigned

each label a

score from 1-5,

where 5 is the

best. Check out

pg. 3 for the

details.

Check this

section for the

major downfalls

of the label.

This is where

we’ll share our

recommendations

for shopping and

summarize our

findings.

6

AMERICAN GRASSFED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

American Grassfed

is a food label found

on meats and dairy

products. It is regulated

by the American

Grassfed Association.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Products are guaranteed 100%

grassfed in the United States.

Farmers may not give animals

added hormones or antibiotics.

Significant costs are required

to achieve certification for this

label.

Effective grassland

management protects the

soil, habitat, and animals.

THE WHY:

Protects strict animal

welfare standards

SHOULD I BUY?

Promotes healthy

grassland habitat

Supports American

meat and dairy farmers

This label gaurantees 100% grassfed products. In turn, it supports grassland habitats

and promotes animal welfare. It also distinguishes American-produced meats. This is a

label you can feel comfortable seeking out at your local store.

LEARN Food Labels MORE101

7

Greener Pastures

AMERICAN GRASSFED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Public Health

Animal Welfare

VERIFICATION

FREQUENCY:

Annually 2

OUR RATING:

55

The American Grassfed (AG) label is comprehensive in its approach to animal welfare, and

addresses everything from diet to living conditions, to antibiotic and hormone use. Farms

are not only held to strict standards regarding the health of the animals, but also regarding

the health of the environment, including soil, wildlife, and ecosystem health. Consumers are

assured that animals under the American Grassfed program were born and raised in the

United States. Farms that participate in this label are audited regularly by a third party to

ensure that they are following the rules and doing what is best for their animals.

FARMERS MUST:

FARMERS MUST NOT:

• Feed their animals grass, legumes

and brassicas, browse, cereal grain

crops, and harvested forages. 3

• Allow existing wildlife and their

habitat to coexist with animals on the

farm. 4

• Create a written pasture

management plan that promotes

biological diversity, natural resources,

and healthy soil. 5

• Not remove their animals from

pasture unless there is bad weather

or some other threat to their

wellbeing. 6

• Create a written herd health plan

that is updated every two years, or

participate in another third party

verifcation program that requires

regular farm visits. 7

• Treat sick or injured animals to

relieve their symptoms using AG

approved medications. 8

• Use electric cattle prods unless it is

absolutely neccesary to prevent injury

to the handler. 9

• Treat any animal with items on the

prohibited substance list including:

growth promoters, feather meal,

animal biproducts, milk replacer that

contains prohibited substances, or

antibiotics. 10

PESTICIDE USE:

Pesticides are not allowed under this

label, unless they are being used to treat

problem plants that couldn't be removed

using holistic methods, livestock have

been removed from the area, farmers

have collaborated with IPM program

to create an effective plan, and after

pesticide applications, there is a 30 days

delay before reintroducing animals. 11

Food Labels 101

8

AMERICAN HUMANE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

American Humane

Certified is a food label

found on animal products

such as meats, cheeses,

and eggs. It is regulated

by the American Humane

Association.

OUR RATING:

35

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Third party monitoring ensures

guidelines are being followed.

Standards improve broiler

chicken and cattle lives by

protecting welfare.

Protects animals' ability to

express normal behaviors

Egg-laying chickens may be

cage-raised or have trimmed

beaks.

Pigs may not have enough

space to turn around or have

outdoor access.

Cows may be raised in a

feedlot environment.

THE WHY:

Uneven protections

from species to species

SHOULD I BUY?

Supports high density

factory farming models

Outdated animal

welfare guidelines

This label was one of the cornerstones of the animal welfare movement, but hasn’t

adopted stricter standards with time. It offers some protections for cattle and meat

chickens that go above industry norms, but does little for laying hens or pigs. When at

the store, you can look to this label for beef, dairy, or chicken, but look elsewhere for

eggs or pork.


9

Greener Pastures

AMERICAN HUMANE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Public Health

ANIMALS

IMPACTED

YEARLY:

OUR RATING:

1 Billion+ 12

35

This label works towards a better life for animals by laying out a long list of guidelines for

farms to follow when it comes to living conditions, feed, handling, and animal behavior. For

beef, dairy, and poultry for meat, the standards are slightly higher than industry norms, but

they could be far stricter. These standards begin to make a change in the life of the animal,

but do little to change the norm of feedlots in the greater food system. For example, if you

are looking at a beef or dairy product with no label versus a product with this label, it is safe

to assume that the animal with the American Humane Certified label was treated better.

However, in contrast to other animal welfare labels, this one doesn’t really hold up.

FARMERS MUST:

FARMERS CAN:

• Create a herd health plan detailing

medical records, animal identities, injury

prevention plans, and food safety

plans. 13

• Separate sick or injured animals and

pursue treatment if possible. Animals

without hope of recovery must be

humanely euthanized. 14

• Ensure that there is enough feeder

space to prevent food competition. 15

• Prevent animal exposure to toxic

chemical fumes being used as pesticides

or herbicides on the property. 16

• Provide a minimum of 150ft 2 per

head of cattle depending on the

slope of the lot. 17

• Provide a minimum of 1ft 2 per 7lb

meat chicken. 18

• Provide at least 9.3ft 2 per pig at full

weight, so they may not have enough

space to turn around. Meanwhile,

only 6.2ft 2 is advised for pigs to lay

• Castrate animals using a hot iron if

the animal is less than 30 days old

and under local anethesia.

• Dehorn animals after 30 days of age

if they are under local anesthesia. 20

• Raise cattle in feedlot settings, without

access to grass for their entire life

as long as there is no risk of injury to

the animal. 21

• Keep pigs individually isolated. 22

FOUNDING PRINCIPLES:

The American Humane Association Seal

was the first of its kind in the food industry.

It was based on the Protective Principles

of animal welfare, created in 1965.

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst

2. Freedom from discomfort

3. Freedom from pain, injury, or disease

4. Freedom to express normal behavior

5. Freedom from fear and stress 23

down. 19 10

Food Labels 101

ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVED BY AGW

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Certified Animal

Welfare Approved is

a food label found on

animal products such

as meats, cheeses, and

eggs. It is regulated by

A Greener World.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

The most comprehensive

animal welfare standards.

Strict breeding, housing,

feeding, and care standards

are specific to each species.

Only independently-owned

farms may participate.

THE WHY:

This label may not be widely

available at grocery stores.


for farms to achieve certification

for this label.

Protects animal welfare

from birth to death

SHOULD I BUY?

All animals on the

property are raised to

the same standards

Defends independent

family farms

This is one of the most comprehensive animal welfare labels on the market. It not only

protects welfare from birth to death but regulates everything from feed to housing to

breeding. Meanwhile, this label protects independent farmers and encourages longterm

change. This is a label you can trust at your local grocery store.

Food LEARN Labels MORE101

11

Greener Pastures

ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVED BY AGW

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

AGW?

OUR RATING:

Environment

Public Health

=

A Greener

World

55

This is one of the most comprehensive animal welfare certifications out there. Participating

farmers are audited yearly, and they can’t practice dual production. Dual production means

that farmers keep some animals in good conditions, and others in poor industrial farming

conditions. They do this in order to produce for two different markets, and in the end make

more money, but the animals are the ones that suffer. If a farm has the Certified Animal

Welfare Approved by AGW label, all of their animals were raised to the same high species

specific standards.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

INDEPENDENT FARMERS:

Farms wishing to participate in the AGW

program must go through a multi-step

certification process:

1. Farmers review the guidelines and

standards and check to make sure

they and their slaughter location can

meet all the requirements.

2. Farmers submit an application and

will be contacted by the AGW team

once it has been reviewed.

3. A site visit of the farm and slaughter

location is organized to verify

everything the farm has already

recorded on paper. This is one of

the few certifications that requires

slaughter locations are also

investigated.

4. Once approved, inspections are

done yearly.

All animals raised under this certification

recieve slaughter protections regardless

of the lack of legal slaughter protections

for chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks. 24 12

Unlike many conventional farms,

participants of the Animal Welfare

Approved label must be independent

farmers. This means they must own their

animals and are directly responsible

for their care. If a cooperative or farm

network wants to participate, the entire

group must be certified. 25

This practice prevents corporate

ownership or control of farms and

supports a farming system that benefits

the people, animals, and the land.

PARTICIPATING PARTIES:

• Veterinary Scientists

• Farmers

• Expert Review Panel

• Third-Party Auditors

• Slaughterhouses

• Cooperatives 26

Food Labels 101

CERTIFIED GRASSFED BY AGW

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Certified Grassfed

by AGW is a food

label found on animal

products such as beef,

bison, goat, sheep, and

dairy. It is regulated by

A Greener World.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

All animals are raised on a

100% grass and forage diet.

Farms using this label must also

follow AGW welfare guidelines.

which protect animal welfare.

There are significant costs

involved in certification for

this label.

Not widely available at

grocery stores.

All participating farms must be

independently owned.

THE WHY:

Defends independent

family farms

SHOULD I BUY?

Pasture raised meat

may have a lower

carbon-footprint than

factory-farmed meat

Protects animal welfare

from birth to death

This label goes far beyond industry norms to protect animal welfare, the environment,

and independent farmers. This matters more than ever in the corporately dominated

chemical-dependent agicultural world. When shopping, this is a label you can trust for

any and all grassfed meats.


13

Greener Pastures

CERTIFIED GRASSFED BY AGW

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

AGW:

OUR RATING:

Environment

Public Health

=

A Greener

World

55

AGW’s Certified Grassfed label “guarantees food products come from animals fed a 100

percent grass and forage diet, raised outdoors on pasture or range and managed according

to the highest welfare and environmental standards on an independent farm.” 27 In general,

this label applies to beef and dairy cattle which under conventional methods, are often

not given adequate space for the sake of efficiency, despite the health benefits of grazing.

However, goat, sheep, and bison products may also fall under this label. Not only does this

benefit animal health, but grazing animals have a more positive environmental impact than

those held in feedlots.

GRASSFED STANDARDS:

INDEPENDENT FARMERS:

On top of AGW's strict Animal welfare

standards, farms must practice specific

standards in order to be Certified

Grassfed by AGW.

• Outside of milk consumed before

animals are weaned from their

mother, animals should only consume

grass and forage during their lives. 28

• Grains, legumes, corn, soya, grain

residue, or sprouted grains are strictly

prohibited under this label. 29

• Cattle sourced from outside must

come from AGW's Animal Welfare

Approved farms and have been

grassfed since birth. 30

• Before becoming eligible for

certification, farms must have used

grassfed practices for a minimum of

1 year. 31

• Every time hay is cut for cattle, it must

be tested for the purity of forage, and

kept in detailed records. 32

Unlike many conventional farms,

participants of the Animal Welfare

Approved label must be independent

farmers. This means they must own

their animals and is directly responsible

for their care. If a cooperative or farm

network wants to participate, the entire

group must be certified. 33

This practice prevents corporate

ownership or control of farms and

supports a farming system that benefits

the people, animals, and the land.



• Farmers



• Slaughterhouses

• Cooperatives 34

Food Labels 101

14

CERTIFIED HUMANE RAISED AND HANDLED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Certified Humane

Raised & Handled is

a food label found on

meats, cheeses, and


Humane Farm Animal

Care (HFAC).

OUR RATING:

35

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Prohibits the use of added

hormones.

Provides safe living conditions

and meets nutritional needs of

all animals.

Farms are given yearly

check-ins to verify guidelines.

Beef cattle may be castrated

without pain relief and may

not have outdoor access.

Pigs may not have sufficient

space to turn around under

this label.

Only requires 1 to 1.5 ft 2 of

space per chicken.

THE WHY:

Supports high density

factory farming models

SHOULD I BUY?

Protects basic animal

welfare

Uneven protections

from species to species

This label provides comprehensive animal welfare guidelines that go slightly beyond

industry norms. However, it fails to provide adequate space or ensure outdoor access.

If your only other option at the store is a conventionally-raised product, go for a

Certified Humane labelled product. However, there are stricter labels you may want to

look out for and choose over this one.


15

Greener Pastures

CERTIFIED HUMANE RAISED AND HANDLED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Animal Welfare

PARTICIPATING

FARMS:

250+ 35

OUR RATING:

35

This label provides a comprehensive set of animal welfare guidelines that are verified annually

by an inspector with a degree in animal sciences. While the verification process and standards

are going in the right direction, there are still a few flaws with the label. This label goes beyond

industry norms with standards around animal space requirements, and the quality of feedlots.

However, its methods still very much align with the model of high density factory farming. If no

other labels are available, this label is better than nothing, but when possible, you should opt

for labels with stricter guidelines.

ANIMAL WELFARE:

EMPLOYEE TRAINING:

Five principles guide the animal welfare

standard under the Certified Humane

Raised and Handled (CHRH) label:

1. Access to wholesome and nutritious

feed.

2. Appropriate environmental design.

3. Caring and responsible planning and

management.

4. Skilled, knowledgeable, and

conscientious animal care.

5. Considerate handling, transport, and

slaughter. 36

Though these principles may sound

good, the details expose the fact that

many of these ideas are not fully realized

under this label:

• Some animals like pigs may live in

very cramped conditions, with little

space to even turn around. 37

• Painful castration like slow circulation

loss may be used. 38

• Chickens may never spend a single

day of their lives outdoors. 39

CHRH does require training of animal

caretakers to ensure that they are

following all standards while working

with livestock. This training includes:

• Developing a training program that is

kept up to date to carry out employee

education.

• Emergency readiness that prepares

staff to cope with issues such as

flooding, fire, or food shortages.

• Ensuring staff have the ability to

recognize common disease, fear, or

unusual behaviors.

• Proper animal handling techniques. 40

COMPASSIONATE CARE:

CHRH claims that their handlers

are trained to treat animals with

"compassion" during handling, daily

care, and moving. However, the lack of

clarity around this term makes its efficacy

hard to measure. 41

Food Labels 101

16

CERTIFIED NON-GMO BY AGW

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Certified Non-GMO by

AGW is a food label

found on produce,

processed foods,

meats, cheeses, and


A Greener World.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Products are guaranteed

GMO-free.

Farms are held to strict breeding,

housing, and feeding

animal welfare standards.


to achieve certification for this

label.

Only independently owned

farms may participate.

THE WHY:

Products are 100%

GMO free

SHOULD I BUY?

On of few labels that

ensures animal welfare

and GMO-free

Encourages farms to

continue making

improvements yearly

This is the only label on the market that guarantees animal welfare protections and

GMO-free products. Yearly audits encourage farmers to continue to make positive

change and adhere to the strict standards. This is a label you can trust for GMO-free.


17

Greener Pastures

CERTIFIED NON-GMO BY AGW

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

AGW?

OUR RATING:

Animal Welfare

Public Health

=

A Greener

World

55

This label is an add-on to AGW’s Certified Animal Welfare Approved label and provides

consumers with data-based assurance that the product they are buying is GMO-free. This

means that products are not only held to AGW’s NON-GMO standards, but they must also

follow all of the conditions laid out in AGW’s animal welfare label. This is the only label that

protects animal welfare and prohibits the use of GMOs. What's better is that, like all AGW

labels, only independent farms can participate, which shifts the power away from corporate

farms and changes the food system for the better.

VERIFICATION:

WHAT'S A GMO?

Farmers that wish to have their products

labeled as Certified Non-GMO by AGW

must go through a strict verification

process: 42

1. Farmers must become familiar with

the standards.

2. Farms are audited, looking at each

step of the lifecycle from birth to

slaughter. This is when GMO testing

is completed by the auditor. Followup

visits performed on random will

also be used to ensure the farm

is continuing to meet strict GMO

standards. High-risk products must

be tested with each sale. 43

3. The full audit is reviewed by AGW for

4-6 weeks, and if changes need to be

made in order to meet standards, the

farmer is informed.

4. Once all changes are made to meet

every standard, farmers may begin

using the Certified NON-GMO label

by AGW.

AGW defines GMOs as genetically

modified organisms, along with

organisms that have been changed

using biotechnology. This is the process

of changing a species by editing its

genes.

This definition not only applies to

processes of genetic modification, but

processes that will be developed in the

coming years.



• Farmers



• Slaughterhouses

• Cooperatives 44

Food Labels 101

18

FAIR TRADE

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Fair Trade is a food label

found on produce,

animal products, and

many imported goods.

It is regulated by Fair

Trade.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Forced labor, gender

discrimination, and worker

endangerment are prohibited.

Ever stricter environmental and

welfare goals prompt longterm

change.

Human rights and worker

advocacy are protected.

Participants don’t need to

meet every requirement in

their first year.

Some environmental

requirements could be

stricter in the first 3 years

when farms are in the initial

phase of implementation.

THE WHY:

Protects human rights

and worker welfare

SHOULD I BUY?

Improves public and

environmental health

Promotes continual

improvement of

workers’ lives

This food label defends against employee exploitation and encourages long-term

system change. It not only fosters equality in the workplace but also protects the

environment. When shopping, this is a label you can trust.


19

Greener Pastures

FAIR TRADE

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Worker Welfare

Environment

PARTICIPATING

FARMERS:

1.7million 45

OUR RATING:

55

This label requires changes in every corner of the production process and expects continual

improvement across years. Participating farms must work towards a more democratic

workplace that respects the rights of both individuals and groups in the food system. Regular

updates are made to the standards that make up this label. These changes are based on

stakeholder perspectives throughout the food production system. This label matters because

exploitation of laborers is a problem in both our national and international systems of food

production. Purchasing products under a label like Fair Trade ensures that workers are given

the respect and dignity they deserve, while communities are supported through small scale

economic prosperity.

FARMER BENEFITS:

SHIFTING GOALS:

• Stable pricing: This ensures that

producers are paid a minimum

amount for their products and aren't

cheated out of what they're owed,

creating financial security for farmers.

However, it is important to note that

this may create inequity in producer

communities among those who are

in the program and those who aren't

due to wage differences.

• Fair Trade Premium: Producers

can add this onto the price of their

products as a way to fund education,

healthcare, or community projects.

• Market Opportunities: The Fair Trade

label enables producers to access

a much broader global market of

stores, resturants, and co-ops under

the label. 46

• Specific Standards: Shaping the

regulations to each product means

they are relevant and measurable

regardless of the product. 47

Under Fair Trade, regulations get

stricter the longer a producer or

business participates, leading to some

advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• The program is much more

accessible for small producers who

may not have the resources to adopt

every part of the standards in their

first few years.

• Improvement becomes an integral

part of the business as producers

must improve yearly.

Disadvantages:

• Though all products are displayed

under the same label, some products

under this label may be meeting

stricter standards than others.

Food Labels 101

20

FOOD ALLIANCE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Food Alliance Certified


on produce, animal

products, processed

foods, and shellfish. It

is regulated by Food

Alliance.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Farmers may not use World

Health Org. listed chemicals or

GMOs.

Working conditions, children’s

rights, and employee benefits

are protected under this label.

Farmers must protect water,

soil, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Farms only need to meet 3/4

of requirements to use this

label.

THE WHY:


and worker welfare

SHOULD I BUY?

Improves public health

by controlling pollution

Promotes continual

improvement of

workers’ lives

This food label effectively protects public health, human rights, and the environment.

It encourages long-term system change while making the label affordable and

attainable for all types of farms. This is a label you can trust when shopping.


21

Greener Pastures

FOOD ALLIANCE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS: FOUNDING

YEAR:

Environment

Public Health

1998 51

Worker Welfare

OUR RATING:

55

The Food Alliance (FA) standards encourage farmers and producers to use sustainable

practices when growing crops, raising animals or shellfish, or handling food at a processing

center. This label matters because it makes a difference in the lives of people, animals, and

the environment, while also thinking about the larger food system. It sets clear guidelines that

any type of business in the food system can use to improve their sustainability measures. This

label also uses stakeholders in the food system to set their standards, making them not only

relevant but attainable.

FOCUS AREAS:

FARMERS MUST:

• Soil and water conservation: This

includes installation of things like

buffer strips of plants to prevent

chemicals or soil from running

into waterways, limiting the use of

chemicals, and effectively managing

plant material.

• Pest management: Practices such as

Integrated Pest Management (IPM),

record-keeping of chemical use, and

chemical storage.

• Habitat and biodiversity

conservation: this entails continual

education, removing threats to

wildlife on the property, and

preventing the spread of invasive

species.

• Safe and fair working conditions:

this means protection for minors

and family in the workplace, support

services, employee benefits, and

adequate compensation, along with

sanitation and emergency plans. 48

• Not use genetically modified plants

or animals (GMOs) in order to

promote economic wellbeing for

farmers, food security, and healthy

export markets as many countries

won't buy GMO products.

• Not use any of the chemicals defined

by the World Health Organization

(WHO) as extremely or highly

hazardous chemicals.

• Commit to long-term, continual

improvement year after year and

detailed record-keeping. 49

SUSTAINABILITY:

Sustainable ag, or the "ability to produce

safe, healthy, affordable food in sufficient

quantities to maintain our population

without degrading the productivity of the

land, quality of life in our communities,

or the resiliency of surrounding

ecosystems" is the goal of FA. 50

Food Labels 101

22

FOOD JUSTICE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Food Justice Certified


on processed foods,

imported goods like

coffee, and some animal

products. It is regulated

by the Agricultural Justice

Project.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Fair pricing is set based on

inputs, global markets, and

cost to the farm.

Farms, businesses, and families

are all held accountable for

maintaining fair pricing.

Men and women receive equal

pay for the same work.

This label may not be wellknown

in the market.

THE WHY:

Protects farmer and

child rights

SHOULD I BUY?

Sets fair prices that ensure

fair wages at every

step of production

Protects rights of

indigeneous peoples

This label works to create just working and living conditions for all agricultural and

food system workers. This includes everyone involved, from seed to store. Its

comprehensive standards address gender, age, and class issues system-wide. When

you buy with this label, you know that the people involved were paid well and treated

fairly.


23

Greener Pastures

FOOD JUSTICE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Worker Welfare

FOUNDING

YEAR:

OUR RATING:

1999 54

55

This label is unique because it not only holds participants to current standards, but expects

them to track progress and work toward continual improvement. Farms, food businesses,

farm employees and interns, and grower groups are all held accountable by this label. The

strict labeling standards mean that the package must say which ingredients specifically were

certified to create as much transparency as possible. The label goes even further with its

3-tiered label system aimed at identifying which portions of the production process were

done justly. Overall, it provides buyers with peace of mind about the treatment of the people

who produced their food.

STANDARDS:

TIERED LABELING:

The Food Justice Certified Standards

align with the International Federation

of Agricultural Movements (IFOAM)

standards which are an internationally

recognized. Focus areas include:

• Just financial returns: This ensures

that workers are being paid fairly for

the work they are doing and the role

they play in the larger food system.

• Equity: This means that workers

are treated fairly in relation to one

another.

• Fair working conditions: This refers

to the idea that small family farms

can realistically meet these standards

without being put at a disadvantage

to other farms that are larger or more

corporate.

• Fair Prices: This label ensures that

farms, businesses, and families that

make up the food economy are paid

fairly for the work or product that they

are buying or selling. 52 24

A unique feature of the Food Justice

Certification is its tiered labeling.

It designates products into three

categories:

1. Tier one or "Fair Farm," includes

products that only have one

ingredient and come directly from

the farm. Think vegetables, fruits, and

grains.

2. Tier two or "Fair Farm and Fair

Company," includes products with

multiple ingredients that were grown

and processed by certified farms and

companies.

3. Tier three or "Fair Company,"

includes vendors, retailers, and

restaurants that want to promote

their just worker methods in their

marketing materials of business

location. If these companies sell

tier one and two products, they are

participating in full supply-chain

certification, the end goal of FJC. 53

Food Labels 101

MSC’S CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Certified Sustainable

Seafood is a label

found on fish and

shellfish products. It is

regulated by the

Marine Stewardship

Council and third party

auditors.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Fishers must follow global

water laws and may not harm

the environment while fishing.

Companies that hunt

mammals, reptiles, amphibians,

or birds can’t participate.

Participants can’t overfish in order

to protect population size.

Fisheries can still hunt sharks

under this label, which are

endangered globally.

High costs are required to

achieve this label, potentially

excluding small fisheries.

THE WHY:

Protects individual fish

and their ecosystem

SHOULD I BUY?

Promotes short and

long-term ocean health

Improves public and


This label takes into consideration the environmental and ecosystem impacts of

fishing. Their standards set achievable long-term goals that protect from overfishing

and crashing global marine life populations. This label defends our waterways and the

species that call them home. When shopping, you can count on this label.


25

Greener Pastures

MSC’S CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Public Health

LBS. OF FISH

HARVESTED

GLOBALLY YEARLY:

160 Billion lbs. 55

OUR RATING:

55

Today many species are being fished into extinction as they are sought after for food, and

their habitat is destroyed. Warming ocean temperatures also put them at risk. This label not

only considers the environmental impact of fishing, but looks at the ecosystem interactions of

marine communities to consider how fishing can be made safe and sustainable for us and our

oceans. Its standards map out detailed expectations for fisheries to follow and its comprehensive

certification process ensures that fisheries are abiding by the standards' rules. In addition,

yearly audits encourage change for the long term that is impacting how people fish around

the world.

VERIFICATION:


Participating fisheries must go through a

yearly verification process to ensure they

are meeting MSC standards. This process

includes three focus areas:

1. Sustainable fish stocks. This determines

whether there are enough fish

left in the region to maintain fishing at

the current level. If not, fishing levels

will be adjusted.

2. Minimizing environmental impact.

This analyzes the overall impact of

fish removal from the ecosystem. In

the natural world, all species are connected.

When removing one species,

it is important to consider how the

health of the ecosystem will change.

3. Effective fisheries management.

This looks at the logistics behind the

scenes that lead to a well managed

business. Not only do participants

need to follow international and local

laws, but they must be prepared to

record and report their activities. 56 26

During the verification process,

numerous parties participate, upping the

validity of this label. This includes:

• Third party auditors, who are chosen

from an MSC maintained and

approved list. This party makes the

final decision on whether a fishery

can be certified by MSC.

• ASI, or Assurance Services

International reviews the auditors to

ensure they are consistent with global

standards.

• The general public, who have the

ability to share their voice during a

comment period.

• Peer reviewers and field experts, who

look over the third party assessment.

• MSC, oversees the entire process to

make sure it is working effectively. 57

Most importantly, this review process

happens yearly, ensuring the companies

are continuing to improve. 58

Food Labels 101

This is a claim, not a label.

No org. is dedicated to the

verification of this info.

NATURAL

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Natural is a food claim found on

everything from processed foods

to produce to animal products.

At times it is presented like a

label, and sometimes it is simply

written. It is initially regulated

by the USDA, but after one year

goes unchecked.

OUR RATING:

15

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

When regulated, means

minimally-processed.

Cannot contain artificial

ingredients or colors.

Only needs to be verified

once.

Does not mean GMO,

chemical, hormone, or

anitbiotic-free.

Does not protect animal or

worker rights.

THE WHY:

Does not mean

healthier food

SHOULD I BUY?

Largely unregulated

More about marketing

than making change

This food claim is more about marketing than making actual system change. It is

largely unregulated, meaning that it is an empty claim. When shopping, steer clear of

products that only boast this claim.


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Greener Pastures




NATURAL

THE CLAIM:

VALUE AREAS:

Transparency

VERFICATION

FREQUENCY

One-Time

OUR RATING:

15

The claim “Natural” lacks evidence and complicates the customer’s perspective of the food

system. Many companies use it to give customers the impression that the product is somehow

healthier, safer, or more sustainable than other products on the shelf. In reality, this claim

provides little transparency about the ingredients used in the product, and is backed by

minimal testing. The claim falsely implies that the product is superior in some way, when

companies can use it with little to no verification process.

VERIFICATION:

THE CATCH:

In order for the natural claim to be used

on a product package, there is a simple

one-time verification process. Applicants

must prove:

1. The product is free of artificial flavors,

colors, or preservatives.

2. The product or ingredients are

only minimally processed. Minimal

processing includes: traditional

methods (canning, drying, freezing,

smoking, etc) and “physical processes

(grinding meat, separating egg

whites and yolks, juicing fruits. 59 )"

Once approved, the claim can be used

until the overall design of the package

changes. At that point it must be

resubmitted for approval. 60

Though this may seem like a a

comprehensive process, the reality is

that tons of food fall into this category

and a food is not healthier, safer, or more

sustainable under this standard.

You might think that this verification

process applies to all products. However,

meat and poultry are the only products

regulated under this claim. Other

products do not have a verification

process in order to use the natural claim.

For meat and poultry they need to further

explain the Natural claim. For example, a

producer may write minimally processed

somewhere with an asterisk. However,

this is often hard to locate and doesn’t

stand out on the package. 61

SUBJECTIVITY:

As long as use of the term natural isn't

deemed "misleading", companies can

use it freely. For example, "Natural

Chili" may not work while "all natural

ingredients" may be totally acceptable.

This leads to subjective use. 62

Food Labels 101

28




NON-GMO

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Non-GMO is a food claim

found on meats, cheeses,

eggs, produce, and processed

foods. It is usually unregulated

and can look like many things.

Sometimes it appears like a

label and othertimes is simply

written. GMO means genetically

modified organisms that were

altered in a lab setting.

OUR RATING:

15

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Sometimes verified by a

third party with some animal

products.

Does not guarantee

GMO-free.

THE WHY:

Misleading when

disguised as a label

SHOULD I BUY?

Largely unregulated


than transparency

This food claim is more about marketing than making actual system change. There is

no verification included in this label. In order to get your money’s worth, you are better

off buying products with firmly regulated labels. Moreover, if you are buying for health

reasons, look at the actual ingredient list to learn more.


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Greener Pastures




NON-GMO

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

GMOS ARE IN:

OUR RATING:

Transparency

More than 25% of

processed foods 63

15

The Non-GMO claim lacks supporting evidence and does little to boost consumer

tranparency. Unlike the label NON GMO Verified or AGW certified labels, there is no

overarching group that verifies the validity of NON-GMO in products that use this claim.

Verification only occurs on some animal products. This means that companies can just put this

on lots of processed products without ever having the product or ingredients tested for GMO

presence. The result? This claim serves as an empty marketing tool for many brands and often

causes more confusion on the consumer end of the food system.

VERIFICATION:

WHAT’S A GMO?

The government looks to outside

organizations to verify the NON-

GMO claim on meat, poultry, and egg

products. NON GMO Project, another

label is an example of an organization

that would do this work. No verification

is required for other products.

However, there is no government

approved list of third-party verifiers,

meaning that a company can work

with any organization to achieve

this certification, regardless of the

reputability of that organization. What’s

worse, verification is a one-timeoccurrence,

making it unreliable.

USDA Organic certified products are

the exception to the rule, as USDA is the

regulating body of the USDA Organic

label and prohibits GMOs. Any USDA

Organic product is “NON-GMO”. 64 30

According to the FDA, a GMO, or

genetically modified organism, is

a species that was created using

biotechnology. 65

Biotechnology is the process of inserting

DNA from other species into the DNA

of the species you are altering. In the

end, this creates a new species that has

characteristics of both and wouldn’t be

possible outside of a lab setting. 66

FOOD FUTURE:

Beginning in 2022, some types of GMOs

will be required by law to be identified

on packaging. For now, the government

relies on third-party groups to verify this

claim and there are no products that

require GMO identification. 67

Food Labels 101

NON GMO PROJECT VERIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

NON GMO Project Verified

is a food label found on

processed foods, produce,

meats, cheeses, and eggs.

It is reglated by NON GMO

Project. GMO means genetically

modified organisms

that were altered in a lab.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Products are guaranteed

GMO-free.

Each individual ingredient is

tested for quality assurance.

This label can be confusing

because some foods are only

available non-GMO but may

still be labeled.

Products are tested for GMO

contamination at multiple

points throughout production.

THE WHY:

Creates food system

transparency

SHOULD I BUY?

Relies on lab testing for

verification

Resists corporate

control of seeds

This label guarantees 100% GMO-free products through rigorous testing. Though

many people opt for GMO-free products due to health concerns, science doesn’t

have evidence to support this, and the jury is still out on the environmental impact

of GMOs. This label is critical for consumer transparency and gives producers an

opportunity to highlight use of heirloom or non-proprietary seeds, which is key for

resisting corporate control of genetically modified seed. This is a label you can trust.


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Greener Pastures

NON GMO PROJECT VERIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Transparency

Farm Independence

CERTIFIED

PRODUCTS:

50,000+ 68

OUR RATING:

55

The main benefit of the NON GMO Project VERIFIED label is the transparency it provides

for customers. It provides a clearer picture of how food was produced. For some, this label

supports their preferred diet, while for others it is more about pushing for a shift in the food

system. Strict monitoring ensures the validity of this label while clear definitions and sciencebacked

results double down on its reliability. However, there is not yet conclusive evidence to

support the environmental impact of GMOs.

VERIFICATION:

WHAT’S A GMO?

Under the NON GMO Project VERIFIED

label, participants must go through a

strict verification process before using

the label:

1. Farms must choose a third party

verifier who will navigate the process

with them. This party must be chosen

from a NON GMO Project list. 69

2. Participants sign the project license

agreement to acknowledge the terms

of their participation.

3. Each product is evaluated by

the technical administrator (third

party). This is a combination of

documentation from the ingredients

and the manufacturing facility.

High-risk products go through extra

verification steps such as an onsite

inspection to ensure they are GMO

free.

4. Once verified, farmers and

companies can use the label logo.

5. This process repeats annually. 70 32

NON-GMO Project defines GMOs as:

“A GMO, or genetically modified

organism, is a plant, animal,

microorganism or other organism

whose genetic makeup has been

modified in a laboratory using genetic

engineering or transgenic technology.

This creates combinations of plant,

animal, bacterial and virus genes that do

not occur in nature or through traditional

crossbreeding methods.” 71 -NGP

HIGH-RISK PRODUCTS:

Some inputs are often genetically

modified and recieve more indepth

testing, such as:

Alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, papaya,

soy, sugar beet, yellow summer squash/

zucchini, animal products. 72

Food Labels 101




PASTURE RAISED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Pasture raised is a food claim

found on meats, cheeses, and

eggs. Don’t be fooled, sometimes

this looks like a food label like the

one on the left or is simply

written on products.

It is usually unregulated, but

is sometimes controlled by USDA.

OUR RATING:

15

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

When regulated, it means

pork, beef, and poultry had

some outdoor access.

Farms regulated by the USDA

are given a one-time application

to verify their methods.

THE WHY:

Does not guarantee animal

welfare protection.

Does not mean GMO,

chemical, hormone, or

antibiotic-free.

Pork, beef, and poultry are

only verified once, and dairy

and eggs are never verified.

No guarantee of

humane protections

SHOULD I BUY?

Largely unregulated


than transparency

This food claim is more about marketing than making actual system change.

However, it is one of the few ways farmers can communicate their farming practices.

When shopping you can still buy this label, but we would recommend doing more

research on the specific farm or looking for the presence of additional 3rd-party

verified labels that protect animal welfare.


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PASTURE RAISED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Animal Welfare

Transparency

PERCENTAGE

OF THE US MEAT

MARKET:

4% 73

OUR RATING:

15

Unlike labels, "Pasture Raised" is simply a claim. There are very few checks and

balances in place to ensure that participants are following specific practices. In

addition, pasture raised is not universally defined, so farms may be using a broad

scope of practices that all fall under the this term. The USDA does play a small role in

regulation, but it doesn’t add much validity. This claim is more about marketing and

setting products apart than it is about animal welfare and improved quality of life.

VERFICATION:

FLAWS:

For farmers who want to use this claim

on their product, the process is quite

simple:

1. Farmers must submit their packaging

and the words they will be using to

the USDA.

2. For all meat products except for

poultry, farms that wish to use the

term “pasture raised” must define the

term in a few more words on their

packaging.

3. For poultry products, a more in-depth

definition is not needed, but farmers

must submit paperwork that includes:

the controls used to ensure that the

claim is being followed, a signed

description of how the animals are

raised, a description of the measures

used to track animals from birth to

slaughter, and a description of the

process used to identify products that

don’t meet the standard.

4. Claim is usable following approval. 74 34

• There is no on-site visit at any point

used to verify these claims, meaning

there is little evidence to back it up. 75

• The USDA doesn’t verify that animals

have continual pasture access.

Instead, they define pasture raised as

“outdoor access” with no specifics on

length of time or the environment. 76

• USDA verification is a one-time

occurence. A farm could be using

this claim for years before ever

having to re-verify or update the

documentation of their practices. 77

ALTERNATIVES:

The USDA points out that farms can

opt to use a third party label to verify

their practices in lieu of providing their

own documentation. This highlights

the validity of actual labels that feature

transparency and education. 78

Food Labels 101

RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Rainforest Alliance


on produce, animal

products, and many

imported goods. It is

regulated by Rainforest

Alliance.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Farmers must track soil health

and water usage along with

social and economic progress.

Farms only need to meet 3/4

of requirements to use this

label.

Farmers can’t employ forced

labor, children under 15, or

discriminate against workers.

Cattle welfare is protected.

THE WHY:


and animal welfare

SHOULD I BUY?

Improves public health

by controlling pollution

Protects habitats like

the rainforest

This food label effectively protects animal welfare, human rights, and the environment.

It encourages long-term system change that supports wildlife, people, culture, and

climate. This is a label you can trust when shopping.


35

Greener Pastures

RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Worker Wellness

Animal Welfare

PARTICIPATING

FARMERS:

2M+ 79

OUR RATING:

55

This label stands out because of its dedication to continual improvement. Not only do

farms have to meet strict standards that address environmental, social, and economic

issues, but participants are expected to improve yearly. Strict monitoring also helps

this label shine. Meanwhile its dedication to fighting rapid global deforestation

emphasizes its environmental impact. Participants must consider their local impact in

the form of land use while keeping track of global impacts such as greenhouse gases.

When you buy Rainforest Alliance, your dollars support the environment and the

people who care for it.

FARMERS CAN:

FARMERS CANNOT:

• Practice stricter standards each

year that work towards higher

sustainability from the “critical

criteria” to a “Level A” farm. 80

• Create a map of their property that

illustrates “natural ecosystems” along

with “native species,” and implement

a restoration plan if less than 15% of

the farm is covered by native plants. 81

• Control invasive species. 82

• Use Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) to control pests and limit

pesticide usage through a

combination of methods. 83

• Reduce erosion through the use of

ground cover, mulch, and plants. 84

• Use crop rotation, nitrogen-fixing

crops, and compost to boost the soil

health. 85

• Apply fertilizers in a precise way to

limit environmental pollution. 86

• Use plant barriers to prevent

chemical spread from nearby crops. 87

• Appropriately separate waste. 88

• Destroy high conservation areas. 89

• Employ forced labor in any

producation stage. 90

• Require workers to work for more

than 48 or more than 6 days each

week unless paying overtime. 91

• Prevent workers from practicing their

freedom of association or collective

bargaining. 92

• Use GMOs in any of their products. 93

• Use human sewage in either production

or processing. 94

• Use Rainforest Alliance Prohibited

pesticides which includes over 150

chemicals. 95

WINNING STAKEHOLDERS:

• Farmers

• Business owners

• Agricultural workers

• Customers

• Forest-dependent communities

• Working children

Food Labels 101

36

SALMON SAFE

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

Salmon Safe is a food

label found on

produce, processed

foods, beverages, or

any product that could

impact salmon habitat.

It is regulated by

Salmon Safe.

OUR RATING:

55

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Farms must follow strict water

quality and habitat protection

standards.

This label is not widespread. It

is more common on the West

Coast of the United States.

Farmers must limit erosion and

remove in-stream barriers.

Hazardous chemicals are prohibited.

THE WHY:

Protects individual fish

and their ecosystem

SHOULD I BUY?

Encourages businesses

to continually limit their

environmental impact

Improves public and


This label takes into consideration the environmental and ecosystem impacts of

fishing. Its standards set achievable long-term goals that make improvement possible

year after year for a variety of businesses. This label defends our waterways and the

species that call it home. When shopping, you can count on this label.


37

Greener Pastures

SALMON SAFE

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Public Health

PARTICIPATING

FARMS:

500+ 96

OUR RATING:

55

This label protects salmon habitat by making changes to both public and private

infrastructure. Their multi-industry label creates space for all types of businesses

and institutions to make positive change. Salmon Safe emphasizes the connections

between the natural environment and our individual and collective lives. They spread

the responsibility of habitat conservation from farmers alone to the larger public,

illustrating the role we all have to play. When you buy Salmon Safe, you both help the

environment, and vote for a more just food system.

FARMERS CAN:

FARMERS CANNOT:

• Use erosion prevention techniques to

limit sediment from flowing into fish

habitat. For example, grazing animals

should not eat plant life past 3 inches

to protect soils from weeds and

enable effective regrowth. 97

• Reduce the amount of chemical

contaminants such as pesticides,

herbicides, petroleum, and organic

waste on their farm. 98

• Plant an array of native plants on at

least 5% of the property to foster a

healthy ecosystem and soil health. 99

• Apply any insecticides, fungicides, or

herbicides from the Salmon Safe list

of hazard pesticides. 100

• Allow livestock to trample and erode

streambanks or ditches. This prevents

soil erosion or buildup of sediment in

waterways. 101

• Divide or destroy wildlife habitat

without good reason. 102

• Alter stream channels when creating

a stream crossing. Farmers also can’t

disconnect channel wetlands or

ponds. 103

FOCUS AREAS: 104 PARTICIPATING PARTIES: 105

• River or lake bank management

• Water use management

• Erosion and sediment control

• Integrated pest management

• Water quality protection

• Animal management

• Biodiversity conservation

• Urban developments

• Vineyards

• Farms

• Corporate and university campuses

• Infrastructure projects

• Parks and natural areas

• Golf courses

Food Labels 101

38

UNITED EGG PRODUCERS CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

WHAT IS IT?

United Egg Producers

Certified is a label found

on chicken egg cartons.

It is regulated by the

United Egg Producers,

an organization of US

producers.

OUR RATING:

25

THE GOOD:

THE BAD:

Strict production

guidelines protect food safety.

Employee training ensures

standards are being met farmto-farm.

Physical barriers and signage

prevent disease spread.

This label doesn’t protect

humane animal welfare.

Birds can perch, nest, and

scratch, but may not have

outdoor access.

Factory farms can fall

under this label.

THE WHY:

Protects human health

through food safety

SHOULD I BUY?


than improving bird

lives

Typically protects conventional,

confinement

producers

This label is more about the egg industry’s marketing strategy than making positive

change for animals, people, or the environment. However, strict training and protocols

do defend public health and prevent chicken diseases. Unless paired with a more

holistic label, don’t rely on this label.


39

Greener Pastures

UNITED EGG PRODUCERS CERTIFIED

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Animal Welfare

Public Health

INDUSTRY

PERCENTAGE:

85% 106

OUR RATING:

25

This label sets strict standards for biosecurity and disease prevention, helping keep

people safe and limiting the spread of chicken diseases. It requires employee training

around bird handling and care, while prohibiting some harmful practices. However,

many guidelines are unmeasurable or decieving. Rather than protecting hen health,

this label functions as an industry marketing tool for large scale industrial operations.

When you buy eggs under this label, you encourage third party farm inspections, but

don’t do much to support humane animal welfare or change the industry standard. In

fact, due to widespread use, this label is the industry standard.

FARMERS CAN:

FARMERS CANNOT:

• Keep birds in cage-like conditions,

though they must still have room to

move, nest, perch, and scratch. 107

• Raise birds indoors for their entire

lifetime, meaning that they never

have access to grass, truly fresh air, or

sunlight.

• Participate in this label if they do not

meet all guidelines, so they could be

breaking some of the guidelines and

maintain certification. 108

• Use old housing equipment that

doesn’t meet space requirements of

>0.5 ft 2 per bird if their existing housing

still has “useful life.” This means

that old barns that don't meet standards

may be grandfathered in and

don't need to be replaced 109

• Remove food from birds up to 24

hours before slaughter, meaning that

when birds meet their end at times

they may not have eaten for an entire

day. 110 40

• Force molting through starvation in

order to stop their egg production,

which resets their reproductive

system. This sacrifices the comfort of

the chickens. Non-starvation-based

forced molting is permitted.

• Deprive birds of food, clean water,

or fresh (clean, breathable) air, with

exceptions. 111

• Mistreat birds. However, this wording

is vague. Birds can be picked up

three at a time by their legs if holding

birds upright in a comfortable

position is “not possible.” 112

CAGE FREE?

This label boasts a cage free designation.

This guarantees that hens were not

kept in individual cages. This doesn’t

guarantee outdoor access, and hens are

still likely living inside cramped barns. 113

Food Labels 101

USDA ORGANIC

THE LABEL:

THE GOOD:

WHAT IS IT?

USDA Organic is

a food label found

on produce, animal

products like meats,

cheeses, & eggs, &

processed foods. It is

regulated by the US

government.

THE BAD:

OUR RATING:

45

Reduced synthetic fertilizer

and pesticide use lessens

pollution.

Synthetic chemicals may be

used when there is no organic

alternative.

Farmers can’t use GMO

seeds, antibiotics, or

added growth hormones.

Animals have outdoor access.

Industrial farms can

participate, too.

Only 70% of ingredients must

be organic.

THE WHY:

Protects animal

welfare

SHOULD I BUY?

Improves public

health by controlling

pollution

Reduces chemical

use & environmental

harm

USDA Organic creates a healthier world for livestock, people, and the environment

through evidence-based regulation and marketing. This is a label you can trust &

should feel confident seeking out at your local grocery store.

Food Labels 101 41

USDA ORGANIC

THE LABEL:

VALUE AREAS:

Environment

Animal Welfare

Public Health

PARTICIPATING

FARMS:

14,000+ 114

OUR RATING:

45

This label protects the air, soil, and water by regulating chemical use and farming

practices. However, USDA Organic doesn’t mean chemical-free. Farmers are still

limited in which chemicals they use and how they use them, but they aren’t totally

prohibited. As a result, this label reduces chemical use in a big way, and in turn

creates a cleaner environment. As Organic products become more popular, the USDA

Organic movement is shifting the agricultural industry in a cleaner direction,

effectively illustrating the power of consumer choice in food systems.

FARMERS CAN:

FARMERS CANNOT:

• Use allowed substances to help

sanitize, kill weeds, and feed

their compost. In some cases, if a

farmer has tried to use an allowed

substance, but it isn’t working, they

may use a harsher chemical. 115

• Label products with at least 70% of

ingredints as USDA Organic as long

as ingredients are clearly labeled. 116

• Practice crop rotation to protect soil

health and reduce nutrient leeching.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROS:

• Fewer chemicals in waterways

leading to healthier aquatic

ecosystems and fewer dead zones. 120

• Organic pasture creates healthier

grassland soils and ecosystems,

leading to more carbon capture than

neglected soils. 121

• Crop rotation boosts soil health

overtime. 122

• Raise plants or animals that have

been genetically altered in a

laboratory setting a.k.a., GMOs. 117

• Use fertilizers such as sewage sludge

that may contain harmful chemicals,

bacteria, or drugs. 118

• Use ionizing radiation, a process that

uses radiaton to remove bacteria and

germs from food. 119

ANIMAL WELFARE PROS:

• Can't use any substances listed as

prohibited by the USDA. 123

• Animals are raised under organic

standards from birth to death.

• Cattle, sheep, and goats must have

access to organic pasture for the

entire grazing season.

• Animals must have access to shade,

clean, dry bedding, shelter, space

for excercise, fresh air, clean drinking

water, and direct sunlight. 124

Food Labels 101

42

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The creation of this guide truly took a village and we have

some thank-you's we would like to share.

To our spectacular volunteer editors and reviewers of this

guide: Akua Yamoah, Bethaney Wescott, Emily Kastner,

Finley Sutton, Joan Hyman, Natalie Hoffman, Sean Carroll,

Susan Wescott, and Valentia Sundell.

To those who inspired this piece with their questions, who

answered our surveys, who shared their inquiries.

To Dr. Greta Freidemann-Sánchez and the Qualitative

Research Methods graduate student research teams at the

University of Minnesota- Humphrey School of Public Affairs

whose consumer insights research laid the bedrock for this

label guide. And to the Carlson School of Management

Marketing Rapid Insights team: Bria Abeles-Allison, Claudia

Barrero, and Kuang Jiaying.

To the Sands Fellowship at the Holmes Center for

Entrepreneurship for the generous funding that supported

the creation of this guide.

Lastly, to all the family and friends that provided moral

support over the last year and half as this guide was

created, we could not have done it without you.

Thank you.

- The Greener Pastures Team

43

CONTINUED READING

Join our e-newsletter and check out our blog:

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Pinterest: @togreenerpastures

Food Labels 101 Master Guide TM, Greener Pastures TM and logo are

©2020 Greener Pastures. All rights reserved. If you are interested in printing,

distributing, or collaborating, please contact us at togreenerpastures@gmail.com.

44

ENDNOTES

1 Government refers to United States Federal Government or State Government.

2 American Grassfed Association. “Grassfed Ruminant Standard.” Standard.. American Grassfed Association,

April 2019.

3 American Grassfed Association. “Grassfed Ruminant Standard.” Standard 3.1.2. American Grassfed Associ

ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.

10 American Grassfed Association. “Grassfed Ruminant Standard.” Standard 3.5.12. American Grassfed Asso

ciation, April 2019.


ation, April 2019.

12 American Humane Certified. “Farm Program Newsletter Spring 2020.” American Humane Newsletter.

Spring 2020, Spring 2020 edition.

13 American Humane Farm Program. “Animal Welfare Standards for Beef Cattle.” 6-7. Washington DC: Amer

ican Humane, July 2017.

14 American Humane Farm Program. “Animal Welfare Standards for Beef Cattle.” 11. Washington DC: Ameri

can Humane, July 2017.







18 American Humane Farm Program. “Animal Welfare Standards for Broiler Chickens.” 18. Washington DC:

American Humane, May 2019.

19 American Humane Farm Program. “Animal Welfare Standards for Swine.” 24. Washington DC: American

Humane, April 2017.





22 American Humane Farm Program. “Animal Welfare Standards for Swine.” 24. Washington DC: American

Humane, April 2017.

45

ENDNOTES

23 Animal Humane Society. “The Five Freedoms for Animals.” Organization Site, 2020.

24 A Greener World. “How does the approval process work?.” Organization Site. Frequently Asked Questions

(blog), 2020. https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/animal-welfare-approved/faq/.

25 A Greener World. “Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Animal Welfare Approved Seal?” Organization Site.

Frequently Asked Questions (blog), 2020. https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/animal-welfare-ap

proved/faq/.

26 A Greener World. “How are the standards created, and can they be changed?.” Organization Site. Fre

quently Asked Questions (blog), 2020. https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/animal-welfare-approved/

faq/.

27 A Greener World. “Certified Grassfed by AGW.” Organization Site. Certifications (blog), n.d. https://agreen

erworld.org/certifications/certified-grass-fed/.

28 A Greener World. “Certified Grassfed by A Greener World Standards for Beef, Sheep, Dairysheep, Goats,

Dairy Goats and Bison.” G17.0.1. Standard. A Greener World, 2018.









33 A Greener World. “Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Animal Welfare Approved Seal?” Organization Site.

Frequently Asked Questions (blog), 2020. https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/animal-welfare-ap

proved/faq/.



faq/.

35 Humane Farm Animal Care. “Producers Who Are Certified Humane.” Organization Site.

Farmers, Ranchers, and Retailers (blog), 2020. https://certifiedhumane.org/whos-certi

fied-2/.

36 Humane Farm Animal Care. “Chickens.” 1. Standard. Animal Care Standards. Middleburg,

VA: Certified Humane, 2014.

37 Humane Farm Animal Care. “Pigs.” 8. Standard. Animal Care Standards. Middleburg, VA:

Certified Humane, 2018.

38 Humane Farm Animal Care. “Beef Cattle.” 25.Standard. Animal Care Standards. Middle

burg, VA: Certified Humane, 2019.





41 Humane Farm Animal Care. “Chickens.” 14. Standard. Animal Care Standards. Middleburg, VA:

Certified Humane, 2014.

46

ENDNOTES

42 A Greener World. “Certification Process.” Organization Site. Certifications (blog), 2020.

https://agreenerworld.org/certifications/certification-process/.

43 A Greener World. “Certified Non-GMO by AGW Standards.” 18.4.4.

Standard. Standards. A Greener World, 2019.



faq/.

45 Fair Trade. “Fairtrade For Producers.” Organization Site. Get Involved (blog), May 2019. https://www.fairtrade.net/

act/fairtrade-for-producers.

46 Fair Trade. “Fairtrade For Producers.” Organization Site. Get Involved (blog), May 2019. https://www.fairtrade.net/

act/fairtrade-for-producers.

47 Fair Trade. “Fair Trade Standards,” 2020. https://www.fairtrade.net/standard/fairtrade-standards.

48 Food Alliance. “Food Alliance Standard for Crop Operations.” 7-8. Standard. Sustainability Standard. Food Alli

ance, October 2018.

49 Food Alliance. “Food Alliance Standard for Crop Operations.” 8. Standard. Sustainability Standard. Food Alliance,

October 2018.

50 Food Alliance. “How Does Food Alliance Define Sustainable Agriculture?” General FAQs (blog), 2020. http://food

alliance.org/general-faqs/.

51 Food Alliance. “Impact” About Us (blog), 2020. http://foodalliance.org/about-us/.

52 Agricultural Justice Project. “Social Stewardship Standards for Farms and Other Businesses.” 17. Standard. Agri

cultural Justice Project, 2019.

53 Agricultural Justice Project. “Tiered Labeling.” Organization Site. Info (blog), 2020. https://www.agriculturaljus

ticeproject.org/en/info/tiered-labeling/.

54 Agricultural Justice Project. “Agricultural Justice Project.” Organization Site. History (blog), 2020. https://www.

agriculturaljusticeproject.org/en/about/?pane=history.

55 Food and Agriculture Organization. 2012. 2011 Yearbook Fishery and

Aquaculture Statistics. Capture Production, Inc.

56 “MSC Fisheries Certification Process.” 4. Certification Process. London, UK: Marine Stewardship Council,

March 25, 2020.

57 “MSC Fisheries Certification Process.” Certification Process. London, UK: Marine Stewardship Council,

March 25, 2020.

58 “MSC Fisheries Certification Process.” 14. Certification Process. London, UK: Marine Stewardship Council,

March 25, 2020. 7.1.10

59 Food Safety and Inspection Service. “Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book.” 109. Policy Book. Natural

Claims. USA: United States Department of Agriculture, August 2005.

60 Legal Information Institute. Label approval., Pub. L. No. 9, § 412.1, Chapter III E CFR (2020).

61 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms.” Government Site. Food

Safety Education (blog), August 2015.

62 Food Safety and Inspection Service. “Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book.” 110. Policy Book. Natural

Claims. USA: United States Department of Agriculture, August 2005.

63 Center for Food Safety. “ABOUT GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS.” Organization Site. GE Foods (blog),

2020.

47

ENDNOTES

64 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Guideline on Doc

umentation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims for Label Submissions.” 3. Guideline. USDA,

December 2019.

65 We refrain from making a judgement on the enivronmental or health impacts of GMOs due to the lack of con

sensus within the scientific community.

66 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Science and History of GMOs and Other Food Modifica

tion Processes.” Government Site. Agricultural Biotachnology (blog), April 22, 2020.

67 FDA. “How GMOs Are Regulated for Food and Plant Safety in the United States.” Government Site. Agri

cultural Biotachnology (blog), April 22, 2020.

68 NON GMO Project. “Verification FAQs.” Organization Site. Project Verification (blog), June 2020.

69 NON GMO Project. “Technical Administrators.” Organization Site. Product Verification (blog), 2020.

70 NON GMO Project. “Steps to Verification.” Organization Site, 2020.

71 NON GMO Project. “What Is a GMO?” Organization Site, 2020.

72 NON GMO Project. “Verification FAQs.” Organization Site. Project Verification (blog), June 2020.

73 Renee Cheung, and Paul McMahon. “BACK TO GRASS THE MARKET POTENTIAL FOR U.S. GRASSFED

BEEF.” 5. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, April 2017.

74 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Guideline on

Documentation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims for Label Submissions.” 11. Guideline.

USDA, December 2019.

75 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Guideline on Doc

umentation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims for Label Submissions.” Guideline. USDA,

December 2019.

76 United States Department of Agriculture. “Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms.” 1. Safety Information. Food Safety

Information. USDA, April 2011.

77 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Guideline on Documen

tation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims for Label Submissions.” Guideline. USDA, December 2019.

78 Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS). “Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Guideline on Documen

tation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims for Label Submissions.” 15. Guideline. USDA, December

2019.

79 Rainforest Alliance. “Our Impacts.” Rainforest Alliance (blog), December 2019.

80 Sustainable Agriculture Network. “Rainforest Alliance Lists for Pesticide Management.” 10. Standard. Rainforest

Alliance, July 2017.

81 Sustainable Agriculture Network. “Rainforest Alliance Lists for Pesticide Management.” Standard 2.6. Rainforest










48

ENDNOTES



















95 Sustainable Agriculture Network. “Rainforest Alliance Lists for Pesticide Management.” Standard. Rainforest


96 Pacific Rivers. “Become Salmon-Safe,” 2020. https://salmonsafe.org/.

97 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.7.3.i. Oregon: Salmon Safe,

May 2018.

98 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.5. Oregon: Salmon Safe, May

2018.


May 2018.


May 2018.

101 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.6.1.iii. Oregon: Salmon Safe,

May 2018.

102 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.7.5.iii. Oregon: Salmon Safe,

May 2018.

103 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.1.1.ii. Oregon: Salmon Safe,

May 2018.

104 Salmon Safe. “SALMON-SAFE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR FARMS.” Standard F.1-F.7. Oregon: Salmon Safe,

May 2018.

105 Pacific Rivers. “Get Salmon-Safe Certified,” 2020. https://salmonsafe.org/get-certified/.

106 United Egg Producers. “United Egg Producers Certification.” UEP Certified, United Egg Producers, 2020,

uepcertified.com/.

107 United Egg Producers. “Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks: Guidelines for Cage Housing.”

19. United Egg Producers, 2017.

49

ENDNOTES


6-7. United Egg Producers, 2017.









113 United Egg Producers. “Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks: Guidelines for Cage-Free

Housing.” 20. United Egg Producers, 2017.

114 National Agriculture Statistic Service. “2016 CERTIFIED ORGANIC SURVEY.” NASS Highlight 6 (October 2017).

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2017/2016_Certified_Organic_Survey_Highlights.pdf.

115 United States Department of Agriculture. National Organic Program, Pub. L. No. 7, § 205.601, National Organic

Program (1990).


Program (1990).


Program (1990).


Program (1990).


Program (1990).

United States Department of Agriculture. National Organic Program, Pub. L. No. 7, § 205.236, National Organic

Program

(1990).

120 Jenny Howard. “Dead Zones, Explained.” National Geographic, July 31, 2019.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/dead-zones/.

121 María Cristina Amézquita, Enrique Murgueitio, Muhammad Ibrahim, and Bertha Ramírez. “Carbon

Sequestration in Pasture and Silvopastoral Systems Compared with Native Forests in Ecosystems of Tropical

America.” Integrated Crop Management, Carbon sequestration in pasture and silvopastoral systems compared

with native forests in ecosystems of tropical America, 11, no. Grassland carbon sequestration: management,

policy and economics (2010): 153–61.

122 Rossie Izlar. “Crop Rotation, Grazing Rebuilds Soil Health.” American Society of Agronomy, March 7, 2018, sec.

Science News. https://www.agronomy.org/news/science-news/crop-rotation-grazing-rebuilds-soil-health.


Program (1990).


Program (1990).

125 Food Labels 101 Masterguide Published December 21st, 2020. Label standards and prices are updated as of

June 2020.

50

ENDNOTES

126 Icons sourced from Flaticon Creators: Freepik, Goodware, Eucalyp, xnimrodx, wanicon, Flatart, Landan Lloyd, and

Alice Design

127 Food label images are the intellectual property of their ownership organizations or companies. Greener Pastures

does not claim any rights or ownership over those labels.

51

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