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Temple Grandin, renowned designer of humane livestock handling
facilities, is launching a new certification program that
evaluates both sustainable and humane practices, according
to a statement issued by Niman Ranch, which helped Grandin
develop the program.
Starting in August 2009, companies that wish to carry the
certification seal will be audited on 21 core principles
which must be met by all farmers and ranchers receiving
certification. The 21 core principles include the following:
- Animals
must be given the opportunity to care for, interact
with, and nurture their young. In the case of swine,
farrowing crates are not allowed.
- Practices
must be implemented that prevent soil loss or degradation
in production areas, minimizes unacceptable or unintended
poor air quality for family, workers, and neighbors,
and prevents water quality degradation of surface and
groundwater resources.
- Animals
must be fed a 100 percent vegetarian diet and have a
feeding plan that will guarantee a sufficient, well-balanced
diet to appropriately meet their nutritional needs at
their stage in life and maintain required Body Condition
Scores. Animals shall have access to their feed as long
as is necessary for them to satisfy their nutrient requirements.
- Pasture
and/or bedding are the preferred environments. To qualify
as pasture, 75 percent or more of the land occupied
by livestock in this program must have vegetation with
a root system
. With the
core principles completed, Grandin and Niman Ranch are now
in the process of developing separate guidelines for each
species of animals, as well as an auditing plan.
Niman Ranch said it plans to be one of the first companies
to be audited to carry the certification seal for their
humanely and sustainably raised natural beef, pork, lamb
and chicken.
"Using animals for food is fine, but we've got to do it
the right way. This program provides farmers and ranchers
a practical and affordable way to give animals a decent
life and minimize the impact on our environment at the same
time," Grandin said in the statement.
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