A Greener World (AGW) launches high-welfare certification in the UK

A Greener World, home of Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, offers meaningful certification and food labels in the UK, hope for market stability

Amidst Britain’s uncertain agricultural future, international farm certifier, A Greener World (AGW), is now offering UK farmers high-welfare, sustainable certification through its respected food labels.

As Brexit negotiations fail to produce a clear path forward for British farmers, trusted food labels that resonate with consumers may provide an opportunity for farmers to establish new markets they can control. By upholding a higher standard–and communicating this to consumers through trusted, third-party certified food labels—A Greener World UK is supporting the development of markets that are more resilient in the face of cheaper imports and commodity markets based on the lowest common denominator.

A Greener World UK’s flagship labels, Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, offer ISO-accredited assurance of high-welfare, pasture-based and Non-GMO farming practices, respectively. The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW label verifies that animals are reared outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with world-renowned welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. The Certified Non-GMO by AGW label assures the absence of genetically modified food ingredients in high-welfare, environmentally sustainable products.

British shoppers, as well as those in key UK export markets, are increasingly demanding further assurance about their food. A recent report by market research firm, Mintel, found that “ethical and environmental claims, such as environmentally friendly packaging as well as animal and human welfare claims, have risen to 22% of global food and drink introductions between September 2016 and August 2017 from just 1% in the same period from 2006-07.” The widespread consumer demand for reliable information about food choices could provide a market opportunity for enterprising farmers.

Wayne Copp, Executive Director for A Greener World UK, says, “My vision is to offer European farmers a pragmatic, credible and accessible way of showcasing good practice that connects with consumers, achieving a price that properly reflects the cost of production and environmental footprint. Sustainably produced, high-welfare food should be available to all and not just an exclusive part of the demographic.

“I’m greatly inspired by an awakening across UK and Europe. This questioning of current systems and buying habits is influencing retailer and processors to look at their buying practices. A Greener World is proud to be a reliable matchmaker for farmers, consumers and retailers seeking assurance of sustainable, high-welfare farming.”

The A Greener World UK website–agreenerworld.org.uk–will feature a product directory where shoppers can find certified farms and products. For information about farm certification, visit agreenerworld.org.uk, call 78180 11591 or email info@agreenerworld.org.uk.

ABOUT A GREENER WORLD UK

A Greener World (AGW) UK identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and ranchers and informing consumers. AGW’s growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each program is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW’s standards and procedures are robust, transparent and achievable. A Greener World UK is part of a network of certifiers under the AGW Global umbrella. For more information, visit agreenerworld.org.uk.