The Ninth Perdue Farms Annual Care Summit, reviewed the requirements to produce under the pasture-raised claim. The USDA has requested comments, after approval in principle for a working definition. The key requirement for applying the term “pasture” is that poultry and cattle should be raised on land having rooted vegetative cover of grasses and plants. Perdue initiated the petition to promote transparency and to differentiate “pasture-raised” from “free-range”.
The comment period will end on November 12th and if the proposal is adopted any label claims for “pasture-raised” will have to conform to the standard.
Ryan Perdue, Senior Vice-President of Perdue Premium Meats, an emerging brand, stated, “Consumers deserve transparency and clarity when it comes to how their food is raised.” He added, “This new standard developed in partnership with nearly 1,000 small pasture poultry producers, shows that “pasture-raised” means what it says, raising chickens that spend the majority of their lives on pasture”.
In addressing the Summit, Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, Chief Science Officer at Perdue Farms, stated, “At Perdue we’re dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of our chickens through research-driven practices and technology.” He added, “By prioritizing the well-being of animals, we create healthier environments that benefit livestock while also enhancing product quality.”