Soil Association Certification recognized as a fellow auditor by PFLA, OF&G, and BDA for the 'Pasture for Life' certification standard.
Starting from January 2021, Soil Association Certification (SA Cert) will be conducting joint audits for the Pasture for Life (PFL) certification standard. This move aims to recognise and promote the hard work of organic licensees who support pasture-fed grazing.
The Pasture for Life certification standard focuses on high animal welfare, a natural diet, and wildlife-friendly farming. It ensures that livestock products come from animals raised on a 100% pasture-based system, allowing them access to pasture and a sustainable, natural environment. The certification also includes traceability features, such as a QR code system that allows consumers to trace every animal back to the farm.
Since January 2021, the Pasture for Life certification audits have been conducted by independent third-party organisations accredited by the Pasture for Life Association (PFLA). These auditors verify that farms comply with the Pasture for Life standards, including animal welfare, feeding, and environmental practices.
The collaboration between SA Cert and PFLA is significant for those who manage cows, sheep, and goats, many of whom are already at, or near, 100% pasture-fed practices. Mr. Woodrow, the Executive Director of PFLA, stated that this inclusion reflects the strength of collaboration in the regenerative movement and the natural fit between Pasture for Life and organic certification.
Martin Sawyer, CEO of SA Certification, expressed his pleasure at offering joint audits, saying it promotes the hard work of organic licensees who support pasture-fed grazing. He also mentioned that this move is a key component of an organic system for SA Certification.
This collaboration is beneficial for both parties as it saves time and cost for those licensed with SA Cert. Those with OF&G and the BDA already benefit from joint audits, and this new agreement will allow those licensed with SA Cert to have joint audits as well.
The Pasture for Life (PFLA) community, consisting of farmers, butchers, academics, and consumers, champions the regenerative role of ruminant grazing animals. Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) and the Biodynamic Association (BDA) are already supporting the PFLA and the growing interest in 100% pasture-fed practices.
This news is significant for SA Cert licensees who manage cows, sheep, and goats, as people become more aware of the environmental, animal welfare, and human health benefits of 100% pasture-fed meat and milk. The joint audits will help producers who previously held back from gaining Pasture for Life certification due to additional audits.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Soil Association Certification and Pasture for Life Association will help distinguish meat and dairy products produced under extensive pasture-based systems from those raised more intensively, and promote consumer awareness of the nutritional and ethical benefits of grass-fed products.
- By January 2021, Soil Association Certification (SA Cert) and Pasture for Life Association (PFLA) will collaborate to conduct joint audits for the Pasture for Life (PFL) certification standard.
- The Pasture for Life certification standard emphasizes high animal welfare, a natural diet, and wildlife-friendly farming, ensuring products come from animals raised on a 100% pasture-based system.
- Auditors accredited by PFLA will verify compliance with Pasture for Life standards, including animal welfare, feeding, and environmental practices.
- This collaboration will save time and costs for those licensed with SA Cert, just as those with OF&G and the BDA already benefit from joint audits.
- The Pasture for Life community, consisting of farmers, butchers, academics, and consumers, promotes the regenerative role of ruminant grazing animals and the growing interest in 100% pasture-fed practices.
- As people become more aware of the environmental, animal welfare, and human health benefits of 100% pasture-fed meat and milk, this collaboration will help distinguish pasture-based products from those raised more intensively.
- Consumers may benefit from increased awareness of the nutritional and ethical benefits of grass-fed products and take part in responsible lifestyle choices, such as budget travel, car maintenance, and conscious fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and global-cuisines, fostering a healthier cooking culture for themselves and the planet.
