Canadian Organic Livestock Association Receives Coveted Free Farmed™ Logo

American Humane Association
Friday, 10 May 2002

American Humane Certifies Humane Treatment of Farm Animals

The American Humane Association (AHA) and Farm Animal Services (FAS) announced today that the Canadian Organic Livestock Association, Inc., (COLA) qualifies to receive the Free Farmed logo for their humane treatment of farm animals. The Free Farmed logo will appear on future COLA products, allowing consumers the opportunity to look for and choose food products that are recognized as humanely raised.

"We are very excited to be part of this program," says Sam Rhode, COLA President. "We believe in animal welfare and see this program as a good fit with the holistic management practices we already have in place."

Since its launch in September 2000, more than a dozen organizations have qualified for the Free Farmed logo. Certification is awarded based on Animal Welfare Standards developed by AHA's Scientific Committee. Animals raised under Free Farmed standards must be free to move around and express normal behavior patterns. Producers must provide proper medical care, diet and water. Animals must also be free from fear and distress and provided with appropriate shelter for comfort and rest. Free Farmed does not allow the use of drugs or growth hormones for the purpose of stimulating and impacting an animal's growth for the marketplace.

"It's not just good enough to say a product is produced under humane conditions," says Adele Douglass, Executive Director for FAS. "Free Farmed is a program that requires proof and oversight to insure farm animals are treated humanely. The difference between Free Farmed foods and other food products is that Free Farmed production standards are developed with the well-being of the animal in mind."

Free Farmed, which is administered by FAS, is a certification and inspection program that guarantees producers are raising farm animals according to AHA's strict animal welfare guidelines. For more information, visit www.FreeFarmed.org.

Founded in 1877, AHA is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Headquartered in Colorado, AHA also has offices in Washington, D.C., as a voice for children and animals before government, and in Los Angeles to protect animals in film and television. Farm Animal Services is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org