A Step Backward: Perdue Farms Corporate Petition to Redefine Pasture Raised Chicken
Recently, Perdue Farms has petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a proposal to redefine what qualifies as "pasture raised" for poultry. At a glance, this effort seems aimed at distinguishing pasture raised from free range, which is commendable. However, a closer examination reveals that the proposal may significantly lower the bar for pasture-raised standards to accommodate larger producers at the expense of genuine pasture-raised poultry farmers and informed consumer choice.
One of the key points in Perdue's proposal is allowing chickens to spend up to half of their lifespan in a brooder rather than on pasture. This provision clearly diverges from the traditional understanding of pasture-raised, where chickens are moved to pasture as soon as they are hardy enough to thrive outside. By doubling the amount of time chickens can spend indoors, Perdue's proposal dilutes the very essence of pasture-raised poultry farming.
Furthermore, Perdue Farms proposes that a pasture can consist of up to 50% non-vegetative coverage, which essentially means that the pasture can be half dirt. This is a stark departure from the lush, green fields consumers envision when they opt for pasture-raised products. It's a move that not only misleads consumers but also compromises the welfare and quality of life for the poultry.
Surprisingly, the American Grassfed Association ( AGA) seems to be on board with this redefinition. This endorsement is disheartening as it comes from an organization that should ideally be safeguarding the integrity of pasture-raised farming practices. Especially from food factory agriculture giants like Perdue Farms.
The timing of this proposal coincides with Perdue Farms venture into the pasture-raised chicken market, following their acquisition of Pasturebird Inc. This timing raises concerns that the proposed redefinition is tailored to suit Perdue's business model, rather than uphold the principles of pasture-raised poultry farming.
As a farmer who is dedicated to providing genuinely pasture-raised lamb and chicken, I find Perdue Farms' proposal to the USDA deeply concerning. It threatens to erode the hard-earned trust and the informed choice of consumers who are willing to pay a premium for high-welfare, pasture-raised poultry. It's crucial that the USDA, AGA, and all stakeholders maintain a high standard for pasture-raised certification that reflects the true ethos of pasture-raised farming, ensuring a level playing field for all farmers and an honest choice for consumers.
Mike on
Reply to: Paul Greive on January 22, 2024
“Hey there Mike, Paul Greive here from Pasturebird. I helped write this standard at APPPA in 2017, and it’s the same standard that APPPA proposed to the USDA that same year. It’s not Perdue’s standard at all, and I’d say that most authentic pastured producers are brooding for 3-4 weeks. What is your experience, and how would you try to define pasture raised?”
Appreciate your input and the backstory. My concern with broad standards set by food corporations like Perdue lies in specifics that don’t quite capture the essence of true pasture-raised practices. Of particular concern is 51% rooted-in-soil vegetative coverage. Half grass, half soil is overgrazed pasture.
On my farm, brooding time varies and chicks move to pasture at the earliest viable stage. In spring and early fall, it’s a maximum of 3 weeks, never 4. During the warmer months of July and August, chicks go directly into mobile brooders with lamps. This approach reflects a commitment to both animal welfare and the integrity of pasture-raised farming. However, I know enough to not try and codify my experience into pasture-raised canon with USDA.
While I understand the need for practical standards in pasture-raised farming, I have reservations about the proposed combination of allowing 50% of a chick’s life in a brooder and only requiring 51% grass coverage. To me, this approach appears to lean more towards meeting a specific business model rather than fully embracing the principles of high-quality, ethical farming practices. I believe it’s essential that any standards set for pasture-raised poultry prioritize the well-being of the animals and the integrity of the farming practice, ensuring that they align with the expectations of consumers who value genuine pasture-raised products.
I advocate for diverse, context-sensitive standards across all pasture-raised farming – be it broiler chickens, egg layers, lambs, or pigs. This approach ensures genuine quality and integrity, not just for pasture-raised poultry but for all animals raised in these systems, ultimately benefiting informed consumers.
Read my response to Perdue’s petition to define pasture-raised:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/petitions/petition-submitted-perdue-farms-llc
Paul Greive on
Hey there Mike, Paul Greive here from Pasturebird. I helped write this standard at APPPA in 2017, and it’s the same standard that APPPA proposed to the USDA that same year. It’s not Perdue’s standard at all, and I’d say that most authentic pastured producers are brooding for 3-4 weeks. What is your experience, and how would you try to define pasture raised?
Angela Edwards on
You know, I have a flock of 5 hens. In less than a week, they can turn a 30 foot square of lawn into something like all dirt. Only the crabgrass returns.
Is there any chance they are being reasonable with this definition?
Ameer Ahmad on
I cannot believe Perdue Farms has done that to misled consumers. I hope local farmers keep doing doing the right thing by raising chickens and other animals the CLEANEST way possible. Big Corporations like Perdue Farms should be abandoned by stop buying their meats. I am NOT a fan of Perdue Farms, EVEN more now after knowing how deceptive they can be. They should be ashamed of themselves. We need to get more people involved and shared these valuable information so they can start SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS who are striving to produce the BEST products for better health. I loved all farmers and I am a big supporter as I try to purchase more from them and I have stopped supporting MONOLOPY like Perdue Farms. I would like everyone to give these few amazing individuals a look and listen and read their articles, who are giving us a lot of knowledge towards health and longevity, Dr Joseph Mercola, Dr Gary Null
Mike Wilson on
Hello Mike, I totally agree with you. I was VP Sales at Coleman Natural Foods when Perdue bought us and changed the positive dynamic of our company and not in a good way. I moved on to Shenandoah Valley Organic chicken (Farmer Focus brand) of which is only Free Range. Later I was consulting for Ayrshire Farm here in VA when they gave up on their pasture raised chicken program so I switched my customers to White Oak Pastures of whom has a true pasture raised program as you do. White Oak decided to only sell their chicken online and my customer moved on to Cook’s Venture of whom I know is also only Free Range but try to say they are pasture raised. I have tried to get my former customers to understand this. Pasture Bird at this point does qualify for pasture raised in my opinion but Perdue looks to be trying to change that. Great job for calling them out on this!