Hey all, Farmer Paul here, Founder of Pasturebird, with a special announcement.
Last week, in a major victory, the USDA released new labeling guidelines that finally include an accurate and truthful definition for Pasture Raised chicken.
For over 7 years we’ve been working with the USDA to put their foot down on the rampant greenwashing that happens with this simple phrase – “Pasture Raised” resulting in hard working consumers paying extra for greenwashed product that is nothing more than a marketing gimmick.
Sadly, the vast majority of “Pasture Raised” chickens currently sold in the grocery store may have “access” to the outdoors, but actually spend less than 2% of their lives on an actual pasture. And there are even brands that sell “Pasture Raised” chicken from birds that have literally never been outdoors or on pasture ONCE in their entire life. How crazy is that!?
Of course with Pasturebird and many of the small farmers across the US – when we say “Pasture Raised” we really mean that each chicken you buy was truly raised on pasture. Not on dirt. Not on their own poop. Not on gravel. The technical term is “Rooted Vegetative Cover” (aka grass, forbes, flowers, “weeds” – a rich, biodiverse pasture).
Last week, in a landmark decision, the USDA released new labeling guidelines that include an accurate and truthful definition for Pasture Raised chicken. This is huge!
But we aren’t out of the woods yet – the USDA has put the proposed definition out for a 60-day comment period, and we need your help!
Please make your support for a true definition of “Pasture Raised” known to the USDA before November 12, 2024.
Hopefully, what this means for the consumer is more authentic Pasture Raised products on shelves. More true competition, more accessibility, and more affordability driven by more economies of scale for authentic producers like Pasturebird and the many hard-working pasture raised poultry farmers across the country.
Now let’s go regenerate some more soil! Our great grandchildren are depending on us.
Farmer Paul