Providing appropriate conditions for farm animals is an important part of responsible animal production. Nutrition, water, housing, the environment and handling all play a role in how animals are cared for throughout their lives.

As this subject gains greater visibility, animal welfare is becoming part of the discussion about how food is produced and what consumers expect from the industry.

The consumer is paying attention

Food companies can invest in new products and marketing campaigns, but these efforts also need to consider changes in consumer expectations.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and about the origin of the food they buy. They want to know where the product on their table comes from and under what conditions the animals

 were raised before becoming part of the food supply.

This has made animal care an important consideration for the agricultural industry.

Consumers are also willing to pay more for products made with animal welfare in mind. A product carrying an animal welfare certification can be perceived as being of higher quality than one that provides no information about how the animals were raised.

For the industry, this means that good animal care practices are becoming increasingly important to the way products are produced and presented to consumers.

How did animal welfare become part of animal production?

The discussion about animal welfare began in the 1960s. In 1979, the publication of the Five Freedoms by the Farm Animal Welfare Council gave greater importance to animal welfare in discussions about farm animal production.

From that point forward, issues related to animal care became part of the conversation surrounding agricultural production.

Infrastructure, food, water, transportation and animal nutrition are among the aspects that need to be considered when looking at the conditions in which farm animals are raised.

Why do nutrition and environmental conditions matter?

Environmental management and animal nutrition are important elements of animal welfare.

hese practices also play an important role in preventing problems that can cause significant losses to the agricultural industry, such as salmonella outbreaks. The occurrence of the bacteria is associated with factors including inadequate hygiene and cleaning in environments where poultry and pigs are raised, poor management of waste and other residues, contaminated water, and a lack of control over birds, flies and rodents.

Nutrition is another factor that deserves particular attention.

Proper care of the environment and the food provided to animals is therefore an important part of managing production and protecting animal health.

Why does animal welfare certification matter?

Consumers who want to know whether a product has been produced with animal welfare in mind need reliable information. Certification provides a way to identify products that follow defined animal welfare standards.

The Certified Humane® program works to improve the lives of farm animals from birth through slaughter. Since 2003, Certified Humane® has followed the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Standards Manual.

The program’s standards establish specific animal welfare requirements and consider the characteristics of each species.

They are reviewed by a Scientific Committee made up of approximately 40 professionals from around the world. The committee studies the specific characteristics of each species to establish appropriate requirements for their care.

For consumers, the certification provides information about the standards followed in the production of a product. For producers and food companies, it offers a way to demonstrate their commitment to animal care through defined requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Welfare

What are the Five Freedoms?

The Five Freedoms are principles that became an important reference in discussions about farm animal welfare following their publication by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979.

When did Certified Humane® begin following the HFAC Standards Manual?

Certified Humane® has followed the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Standards Manual since 2003.

What aspects of production are related to animal welfare?

Infrastructure, food, water, transportation, animal nutrition and environmental management are among the aspects related to animal welfare in farm animal production.

Do the standards consider the specific needs of different species?

Yes. The standards consider the specific characteristics of each species when establishing animal welfare requirements.

Learn more about Certified Humane® animal welfare standards

Symbols convey messages quickly and clearly. On animal-based food products, the Certified Humane® seal indicates that the product is connected to a production system evaluated according to specific animal welfare standards.

Although it occupies only a small space on the packaging, the seal represents a commitment that extends across different stages of production and the conditions in which animals are raised and handled.

Certification requires commitment

Farms and companies of different sizes can apply for Certified Humane® certification, provided they meet the standards established by the program and successfully complete the corresponding evaluation process.

On the other hand, not all companies are willing to follow this path or meet its requirements. 

In fact, some publicly advocate for animal welfare but disregard it when no one is watching: on farms with inadequate facilities, during improper transportation, or in poorly maintained slaughterhouses. Under these conditions, cattle, pigs, poultry, and other species that are part of our food supply chain may become ill, suffer, or be injured.

Distinguishing those who are genuinely committed from those seeking easy financial gain through empty rhetoric is part of the mission of the Certified Humane Institute, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization.

The certification mark displayed by companies indicates that, at some point, a business partner or farm owner made the decision that their business should not grow at the expense of unnecessary animal suffering.

How the Certified Humane® certification process works

To obtain certification, a company may need to adapt its production line or farm. It may also need to invest in employee training.

Above all, it must commit to transparency by periodically opening its facilities to inspections conducted by trained inspectors who visit the operation to verify whether good practices are being followed. The assessment considers technical criteria related to feed, access to water, health, housing, space, transportation, proper handling, and slaughter practices, when applicable.

As a result, the certification process helps consumers identify brands they can trust. More than just an image on the packaging, it represents auditing, accountability, and continuous improvement.

A symbol that helps consumers make informed choices

In a market where many brands talk about responsibility, independent certification helps distinguish those that are willing to demonstrate their practices according to technical standards.

The label does not replace complete information about production, but it provides a clear signal at the point of purchase. For consumers concerned about where their food comes from and the conditions in which animals are raised, this information can help support more informed choices.

Choosing certified products is also a way to recognize companies that invest in good practices and agree to undergo external assessments.

In short, the Certified Humane® seal demonstrates that animal welfare should not be treated merely as a marketing claim, but as a verifiable practice. To learn more about this topic, continue exploring our blog and discover how your purchasing decisions can help support more responsible production chains.

The first step is understanding that farm animals must be raised without physical suffering, unnecessary stress or environmental discomfort throughout all stages of their lives. This means recognizing that they are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain, fear, discomfort and positive states. In fact, the meaning of animal welfare goes beyond simply providing food and water. It is necessary to understand the specific needs of each species and adapt farms and production systems to meet those needs.

For animals to live well, it is necessary to provide them with:

• A balanced diet with the necessary nutrients for healthy development;
• Ingredients and practices that do not compromise their integrity;
• No use of antibiotics as growth promoters, except when needed for disease treatment under veterinary guidance;
• A suitable place to rest and move safely;
• Adequate access to feed and clean water;
• The opportunity to interact with other animals of the same species;
• A rearing system in which they can express natural behaviors.

Animal welfare seal

Certification is one of the clearest ways for consumers to know that the food they buy comes from animals raised according to recognized welfare standards. The Certified Humane® seal can be found on the packaging of products such as meat – including pork, beef and poultry – eggs and milk, as well as processed products that include certified animal-derived ingredients, such as pasta made with eggs or foods prepared with milk and dairy ingredients.

The work of Certified Humane® is to verify that companies and producers understand animal welfare and comply with the standards of Humane Farm Animal Care. One of its objectives is to help provide better living conditions for farm animals and make consumers aware that they can choose products from brands committed to responsible animal care throughout the production cycle.

Why get certified?

Consumers are increasingly attentive to products that come from production systems where animals are mistreated or kept in inadequate conditions. Certification shows that a product follows recognized standards for the care of farm animals. It can also open the door to a growing market and support greater credibility, efficiency and transparency in production. Producers of meat, including pork, beef, lamb and poultry, as well as eggs, milk and dairy products, can seek certification. Food companies that use certified animal-derived ingredients as raw materials can also apply.

By obtaining certification, companies strengthen their reputation and connect with consumers, retailers, restaurants, hotels and food service companies that value responsible sourcing. Below is the step-by-step process for obtaining animal welfare certification:

• Learn about the standards that must be met;
• Read the HFAC – Humane Farm Animal Care – Standards Manual, which explains the certification process;
• Request the required forms from Certified Humane®;
• After document verification, an inspector visits the production unit to validate the information and confirm that the requirements are being implemented;
• Once all requirements are met, certification is granted;
• The Certified Humane® seal can be used on approved product packaging to show consumers that the producer or manufacturer follows animal welfare standards;
• Each year, the producer receives a new inspection to ensure continued compliance with the requirements.

Consumers must choose certified products

Today, consumers have more information and are increasingly aware of how their choices influence the market. This is why many food companies, retailers, restaurants and hospitality groups have been reviewing their supply chains and seeking products from farms that follow animal welfare standards. The consumer’s role is essential for this change. By rejecting products linked to poor animal treatment and choosing certified options, consumers help encourage better practices throughout the food production chain.

How can you help as a consumer? First, look for and buy products that carry the Certified Humane® seal for animal welfare. Second, if your usual store, restaurant or market does not offer certified products, ask for them. You can also encourage family and friends to choose products that come from farms committed to better animal care.

Animals should not have to suffer. Good practices benefit everyone: consumers, producers, companies and retailers. Objectively speaking, animal welfare means providing animals with the conditions they need to live according to the natural behaviors of their species, with proper nutrition, health, comfort and care.

Visit our educational materials page to learn more about animal welfare and Certified Humane® certification.

In recent decades, food production systems have made important progress in management, monitoring and care. However, beyond ethical issues and investments, it is also necessary to recognize the role of producers in applying practices that offer animals better living conditions.

With that in mind, we have listed six attitudes that reinforce the importance of animal welfare in the production environment and show how this approach can benefit animals, producers, companies, consumers and society as a whole.

1. Understand the importance of animal welfare

Animal welfare science recognizes that farm animals are sentient beings and can experience positive and negative states. For this reason, responsible care must consider physical health, emotional state and the environment where animals are raised.

To assess whether animals are being kept under appropriate conditions, it is important to observe whether:

• They are not suffering from hunger or thirst;
• They are not exposed to discomfort;
• They are free from injuries, diseases and pain;
• They have an environment that allows natural behaviors according to their species;
• They are not exposed to unnecessary fear or stress.

Animals raised with proper care tend to show fewer signs of stress, better health indicators and more stable production outcomes. This contributes to higher-quality products and more reliable farming systems.

2. Learn and apply good practices

Caring for farm animals requires understanding how each species behaves, what its basic needs are and how daily handling should be carried out. These needs include nutrition, climate, health, housing, space, social interaction and management.

This is the first step toward raising animals responsibly throughout their lives. To follow good production practices, producers should:

1. Provide a balanced diet with the nutrients animals need;
2. Avoid substances or practices that compromise natural development;
3. Ensure adequate housing according to the production system used;
4. Support social interaction among animals of the same species;
5. Provide environments that allow natural behaviors;
6. Follow specific welfare standards for each species.

3. Follow recognized standards

Animal welfare standards are objective and essential for responsible production and certification. They define what can and should be done in farming systems to provide appropriate conditions for each species.

These standards go beyond eliminating confinement. They also include:

• Correct access to food and water;
• Adequate space for each animal;
• Environmental conditions that reduce discomfort and stress;
• Proper handling during daily management;
• Care during transport;
• Hygiene practices to prevent disease;
• Correct treatment when animals are sick or injured.

By following these rules, producers can reduce risks, improve farm management and strengthen the reliability of their production systems. 

4. Obtain certification

Certification helps show consumers, companies and business partners that a product follows recognized standards of care. It also serves as evidence that food was produced with respect for farm animals.

The Certified Humane® seal can be found on products such as meat, eggs and milk, as well as on processed foods that contain at least one ingredient of animal origin.

Certified Humane® is one of the leading farm animal welfare certification programs in the world. The certification verifies whether producers and companies comply with standards based on scientific knowledge, veterinary guidance and practical experience in the field.

For producers, certification can also strengthen market positioning, especially among buyers that value transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing.

5. Respond to the conscious consumer

Consumers and companies are paying more attention to how food is produced. In Asia and other regions, this topic has become increasingly relevant for retailers, restaurants, hotels, food service companies and brands seeking more responsible supply chains.

For producers, adopting better care practices can become a competitive advantage. It helps meet buyer expectations, builds trust in the production process and supports the development of products aligned with new market demands.

A supply chain committed to humane farming also improves relationships with business partners and increases recognition among consumers who value responsible food production.

6. Make a long-term commitment

The importance of animal welfare in the production chain goes beyond theory. It requires a practical and ongoing commitment from producers, companies and everyone involved in the food industry.

This commitment generates collective benefits:

• Animals receive better care and more appropriate living conditions;
• Farming systems become more organized and reliable;
• Companies can offer products with greater transparency;
• Consumers gain access to food produced according to recognized standards;
• The market advances toward more responsible and sustainable practices.

Animal care is part of a broader shift in how food is produced, purchased and consumed. For this reason, investing in better practices is not only an ethical decision, but also a strategic step for producers and companies that want to be prepared for the future of the food sector.

If you are interested in learning more about how animal welfare is promoted in production chains or want to understand the step-by-step process for obtaining Certified Humane® certification, download our free materials and learn more about its impact on the future of your business.

In these cases, producers often choose to use antibiotics to prevent animals from getting sick as a result of weakened immunity, which can occur in pig farming. In most cases, consumers do not approve of this practice.

A project focused on raising pigs together from a young age

Faced with this consumer refusal, Embrapa Swine and Poultry – the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – has been conducting research on animal welfare for several years. Now, the results of this work are beginning to appear. The project focuses on small-scale pig farming and completely excludes the use of antimicrobials. No antibiotics of any kind are added to the animals’ water or feed. In addition, the pigs are raised together from birth until slaughter. They are not mixed with other animals and live as a group from a young age.

According to researcher Nelson Mores, eliminating antibiotics in pig farming is justified because their use can lead to resistance in infectious agents. There is evidence that the more an antimicrobial is used, the greater the likelihood of producing bacteria resistant to it.

“When the producer really needs a specific antibiotic to treat an infection, it will no longer be effective,” he explains.

How the Certified Humane® seal adds value to pig production

Reducing the use of antibiotics is not the only factor that can lower stress in pig farming. Other practices must also be implemented to promote pig welfare. It is important to provide animals with good nutrition, follow biosecurity rules and allow pigs to move freely in the pens. Other basic measures include not docking piglets’ tails or extracting their teeth.

This model works, and some farms are already using it in pig farming. It is estimated that pork products from this type of production can increase in value by 10% to 20%. There is still no scientific evidence that meat produced without antibiotics is better than meat from an animal that has been medicated. However, it is the consumer who decides what they want to consume.

It is already a fact that animal welfare is highly important to consumers when making purchases. For this reason, producer companies must adapt as soon as possible and invest in more compassionate and responsible production practices.

One example is Chew’s Agriculture, one of the largest egg farms in Singapore. In 2019, the company signed a 10-year sustainability-linked loan of approximately US$ 19 million with DBS Bank. Following Humane Farm Animal Care standards was crucial for Chew’s Agriculture to obtain lower interest rates.

Another major example is Fazenda da Toca, the largest producer of organic eggs in Latin America and a Certified Humane® seal holder. The company raised more than US$ 4 million through the issuance of an Agribusiness Receivables Certificate (CRA, in its Portuguese acronym) with a green seal. It was the first Green Bond granted to the laying hen sector in Brazil. The company aimed to increase its production of free-range and cage-free eggs by 133% by 2024.

Fazenda da Toca, led by entrepreneur Pedro Paulo Diniz, is located in Itirapina, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, and covers 2,300 hectares. Among the various sustainable activities developed by the company, the increased production of organic and free-range eggs with the Certified Humane® seal stands out. For the company to obtain the CRA with a green seal in the national poultry sector, which had been unprecedented until then, having the Certified Humane® seal was essential.

“This operation means a great deal not only for Fazenda da Toca, but for the entire organic products segment in Brazil. It is a clear demonstration that there is growing investment in regenerative and sustainable projects, which broadens growth prospects for our sector. This type of financing is the perfect combination of financial return and economic viability with positive environmental and social impact,” said entrepreneur Pedro Paulo Diniz to the newspaper Valor Econômico. Certified cattle farming has also obtained a CRA. 

Fazenda da Toca follows in the footsteps of Rizoma Agro, another company certified by Certified Humane® under the beef cattle standard, which in 2020 also raised more than US$ 4 million through an Agribusiness Receivables Certificate (CRA). It was the world’s first Green Bond issuance for agricultural financing of rural producers with certification from the British Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).

Located in the city of Iaras, in the state of São Paulo, with 1,200 hectares of productive area, Rizoma Agro is also owned by entrepreneur Pedro Paulo Diniz. The company is investing the funds raised in the cultivation of corn, soybeans, beans, oats, chickpeas and lime, as well as in beef cattle farming and agroforestry. Part of the capital is also being used for irrigation and for a biological products factory for pest and disease control.

The strong potential of sustainable agribusiness and animal welfare are major economic drivers. According to the Climate Bonds Initiative itself, the investment potential for agriculture in Brazil is estimated at US$ 131 billion by 2030. Financing agricultural, livestock and other animal farming projects is seen as a promising opportunity for the coming years. The Certified Humane® seal has undoubtedly proven to be an important factor in attracting investors.

In this article, we break down the main myths and facts about animal welfare certification to show that the path toward more ethical and responsible production is more accessible than it seems. If you work with animal production or use animal-based products in your supply chain, this is worth reading.

Is certification really for everyone?

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, animal welfare certification does not depend on the size of the farm or company. What truly matters is the commitment to best practices. Both small and large producers can become certified, as long as they follow the standards and are organized to meet the established criteria.

Is it expensive?

No. The process involves clear and proportional fees based on the size of the operation. Costs include document review, on-site audits and annual renewal. In fact, certification can lead to long-term savings, animals raised with proper care get sick less often, are more productive and add value to the final product.

Is it a complicated process?

Another myth. The standards are objective and science-based. They guide how to ensure that animals have enough space, comfort, proper access to food and clean water, and live free from pain, stress and mistreatment. With proper planning and transparency, any producer can comply.

Why do these myths still exist?

Much of the resistance comes from misinformation. As with any improvement process, questions and hesitation are common. But the market has evolved, and consumers are paying more attention to the origin of what they consume. Being certified is also a way to stand out and strengthen your market position.

Is the Certified Humane® label truly reliable?

Yes. Since 2003, the program has been active in several countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and the United States,certifying meat, dairy, and egg producers through rigorous and regular audits. The seal assures consumers that the product complies with international animal welfare standards.

There are no economic or geographic barriers for those who want to produce ethically. The first step is seeking reliable information. The Certified Humane® seal is within reach for anyone who values respect for farm animals and aims to offer more responsible products.

Want to learn more about how certification works and debunk the most common myths?

👉 Download the free guide “What You Need to Know to Certify Your Industrial Operation with an Animal Welfare Seal” and discover why this practice benefits producers, businesses, and consumers alike.

While it’s well known that animals feel pain, pleasure, and happiness, it’s harder to recognize when they are irritated, stressed, or depressed—or to understand what bothers them. This lack of knowledge affects how we improve their living conditions and protect them from threats to their well-being.

The concept of animal freedoms gained traction in the 1960s, evolving into practical measures and guidelines that inform the proper rearing and management of different species monitored by certification programs.

In recent years, awareness about animal welfare has grown significantly, reflected in striking data. According to a recent Open Wing Alliance report, 89% of commitments to cage-free eggs with deadlines in 2023 or earlier have been fulfilled. This has freed hundreds of millions of hens from cruel confinement. However, despite this progress, approximately 4 billion hens remain in cages, where their inability to express natural behaviors compromises their physical and mental health.

In this article, explore the five basic freedoms of animals and how welfare certification ensures these practices are upheld by producers.

The Origins of the Five Freedoms of Animals

The discussion around animal freedoms gained prominence when governments, businesses, and consumers began addressing the topic in the 1960s in Europe, particularly in England, where the concept originated.

In 1964, British journalist and veterinarian Ruth Harrison published Animal Machines, which exposed abusive conditions in farming, such as overcrowded poultry farms, cruel cattle slaughter practices, and inadequate nursing spaces for pigs.

For the first time, the English public was confronted with the harsh realities of animal farming behind the food on their tables.

The publication shocked public opinion, prompting the British government to form a committee led by researcher Francis Brambell, a prominent figure in animal health and immunology.

A 1965 report from the committee revealed that many animals in England were kept in spaces unsuitable for basic natural behaviors. This report coined the term and principles that became known as the Five Freedoms of Animals.

Five Guidelines to Ensure Animal Freedoms

The findings of the 1965 report led to the establishment of the Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979. This body created a document outlining principles that continue to guide best practices in animal welfare and related legislation.

This document is akin to a declaration of animal rights, listing the Five Freedoms of Animals:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst: Animals should have access to adequate water and food to maintain health and vitality.
2. Freedom from discomfort: Animals must live in environments appropriate to their species, providing proper shelter and resting areas.
3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: Caregivers must ensure prevention, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
4. Freedom to express natural behaviors: Animals should have the space, facilities, and social interactions necessary to express their natural behaviors.
5. Freedom from fear and distress: Animals should not be subjected to conditions that cause mental suffering, such as fear or stress.

Best Practices in Animal Welfare for Different Species

To ensure that various species are treated according to welfare guidelines reflecting their natural behaviors, producers must align their practices with scientific, technical, and practical recommendations.

Respecting and caring for animals reduces production costs, meets consumer demands for animal-friendly practices, enhances productivity, and ensures high-quality end products.

Welfare for Chickens

Proper handling and care in chicken farming are essential to ensure their welfare. Confinement prevents natural behaviors, while stress and fear weaken their physical resistance to diseases. Adopting cage-free systems is critical for their well-being.

Welfare for Cows

For dairy cows, safe facilities are necessary to prevent injuries, infections, and stress. Proper nutrition, clean environments, and sufficient space ensure they can express natural behaviors and remain healthy.

Welfare for Pigs

Pigs thrive in environments designed to meet their needs. Adequate space, safe infrastructure, and comfortable resting areas prevent injuries, stress, and behavioral issues. Proper ventilation and temperature control are also critical for their health.

Why Certification Matters for Animal Welfare

Animal welfare certification programs ensure farms, factories, and companies in the food chain comply with standards for species management and invest in research and education. These certifications guarantee that products meet stringent welfare standards, ensuring animals are treated humanely and that end products are safe and cruelty-free.

Elevated animal welfare standards result in higher product quality, reduced mortality, increased resistance to diseases, and fewer zoonotic risks.

Curious about how certification processes add value, differentiate products, and open new markets? Read more to find out!

The article explores how innovative initiatives, such as Happy Hens Farm, led by Manjunath Marappan, are transforming the sector with greater animal welfare and sustainability. Check out the article: 

Manjunath Marappan, founder of Happy Hens Farm, recalls the days when all chickens in India were cage-free, like those raised by his grandmother, who scratched for grain and worms in the backyard. 

However, since the 1980s, egg production in the country has changed. 

The increased demand for eggs and chicken meat led to an industrialization of production, concentrating it in small, confined spaces where the hens lost their freedom.

A return to their roots

Marappan believes that this transition has resulted in significant losses for consumers and producers. For him, reviving more traditional and ethical practices brings benefits such as better job opportunities, healthier food and improved animal welfare. 

Motivated by this vision, Marappan and his partner Ashok Kanna founded Happy Hens Farm in 2015, where all the chickens are free-range and live in a more natural way, with beaks and wings intact.

In 2024, Happy Hens Farm was internationally recognized by being presented with the Good Egg Award by Compassion in World Farming, making it the first Indian company to win this honour. 

Today, several farms in southern Indian states are part of its network, bringing together experienced and novice farmers who share knowledge and sustainable practices.

Impact on the local economy

As well as offering training and market support, Happy Hens Farm works with native chicken breeds, which are better adapted to life outdoors. 

The cage-free egg production model is less intensive than the industrial one, allowing small farmers to keep up to 3,000 birds on their farms, compared to 20,000 in industrial environments.

The company has also generated consistent income for local farmers. A farmer with 300 chickens can earn around 10,000 rupees a month, a significant income for small producers. 

Marappan points out that 100% of the eggs produced are sold, thanks to the adoption of an innovative program: cage-free credits.

What are Cage-Free Credits?

Launched by Global Food Partners, this system allows food and hospitality companies to offset the use of conventional eggs by directly supporting farms that produce eggs with animal welfare certification. 

Companies such as Unilever and Krispy Kreme have already joined the program, which connects buyers with producers in remote areas.

The program works like this: if a company is in a location where cage-free eggs are not available, it can pay Happy Hens Farm the difference between the price of conventional eggs and welfare-certified eggs, directly encouraging sustainable production.

Challenges and opportunities

Although there are challenges, such as predators and a higher risk of disease in open environments, Marappan believes that the model is viable and scalable. 

He sees cage-free credits as a short-term solution to create capacity and infrastructure, allowing for a gradual transition to a cage-free market.

The future of eggs in Asia

As more companies commit to global animal welfare goals, the demand for cage-free eggs is expected to grow. 

According to the CEO of Global Food Partners, Elissa Lane, Asia is an emerging market in this movement, with notable progress in countries such as China, Thailand and Indonesia.

Although cage-free credits are still a new concept, they have the potential to revolutionize egg production by encouraging ethical and sustainable practices, such as those at Happy Hens Farm, which is certified by the Certified Humane® seal, recognizing its high animal welfare standards.

Recently, the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia launched the first cage-free district, standing out as an example in promoting sustainable and humane practices in animal production.

Companies, consumers, and researchers across Asia are increasingly aligning with these practices. According to data presented in a study published in Frontiers in Animal Science, which evaluated the impact of animal welfare practices in various Asian countries including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, there has been significant growth in the commitment of companies to cage-free egg production.

This study highlights the growing awareness and adoption of more ethical and sustainable production systems in the region, reflecting a global movement towards improving the living conditions of production animals. For more details on this research, access the full study here.

The relevant information about Asian countries mentioned on the site includes:

• Taiwan is cited as having a growing commitment to cage-free egg production. Some Taiwanese companies are being highlighted for their commitment to animal welfare by adhering to cage-free production.
• In Japan, there is a growing movement to promote cage-free egg production, with several Japanese companies establishing commitments to eliminate cages in their supply chains.
• South Korea is also mentioned for its initiatives in adopting cage-free production systems, with some South Korean companies demonstrating leadership in the region.
• China is noted for beginning to engage in animal welfare practices, with some Chinese companies being evaluated and showing signs of commitment to cage-free production.
• In the Asian financial market, this issue is already part of important indicators to encourage sustainable systems and protect the reputation of institutions that buy and sell shares.
• Among Asian consumers, the refusal to purchase products that do not consider these concerns is growing. This scenario has led to an increasing demand for animal welfare certification across the region.

What is animal welfare and why is it important?

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), animal welfare is defined as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.”

This means that farming should allow animals to express their natural behavior throughout their lives and not be exposed to physical or psychological suffering, being well cared for from birth to slaughter.

In the Asian context, this concern is crucial not only for humanitarian reasons but also for its impact on public health, food safety, and long-term economic development.

The implementation of animal welfare practices in countries like Indonesia can positively influence other markets in Asia, expanding the reach of these practices.

What does an animal need for its welfare?

To ensure the welfare of production animals in Asia, it is necessary to provide conditions that favor their development, such as:

• A balanced diet for good nutrition;
• Appropriate conditions for feeding, resting, and movement, avoiding the use of cages;
• Restriction of medications like antibiotics only for treating diseases, not for accelerating growth;
• Respectful handling, promoting positive contact with the animals and avoiding unnecessary situations of stress and fear.

Each species requires specific conditions to develop well, and producers in Asia should seek specific information for their farming practices.

What is animal welfare certification?

Animal welfare certification in Asia is a process that involves adapting production to standards that establish favorable living conditions for animals, with inspections of the facilities. The result is the issuance of a seal that can be used on the packaging of certified products.

In Asia, where awareness of animal welfare is rapidly growing, this certification is a way to align with global and regional trends in animal care. For Asian consumers, it is a guarantee that they are purchasing products from brands that treat animals with dignity.

Why does having an animal welfare seal make a difference?

The animal welfare certification seal brings benefits to both producers and consumers in Asia, from an economic perspective, product quality, and awareness of animal rights. Among the benefits are:

• Improvement in product quality, with better taste, texture, and appearance of meat;
• Reduction in animal mortality;
• Increased resistance of animals to diseases, with less need for medications;
• Lower risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases.

These benefits increase productivity and efficiency, as well as positively impact the company’s reputation. In Asia, these certification processes allow product differentiation, adding value and opening new markets, such as the emerging cage-free districts.

What do I need to do to obtain the certificate?

The animal welfare certification process is accessible to companies and producers of all sizes in Asia. The required adaptations in farming do not necessarily require large financial investments, and inspection fees are proportional to the size of the production.

The step-by-step process to become a certified brand in Asia is:

1. Preparation: Learn the standards and adjust your facilities. Specific guidelines for Asia are available online.
2. Application: The application can be made in different modalities according to the type of operation. For more information, click here.
3. Inspection: An inspector will conduct an on-site verification of the animal rearing conditions. The report will be analyzed for the issuance of the decision.
4. Decision: If the standards are met, the certification seal will be granted. For adjustments, a conditional certification document will be issued, and after the adaptations, the certificate will be received.