Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
No outdoor access required
Bedding requirements indoors
Minimum space requirements
No tail-docking, teeth clipping, or de-tusking. Minimum weaning age 28 days.
No more than 25% slatted floors
No outdoor access required
Bedding requirements indoors & additional enrichments required
More space required
No tail-docking, teeth clipping, or de-tusking. Minimum weaning age 35 days.
No more than 25% slatted floors
Outdoor access required
Enrichments indoors and out (wallows, sprinklers, or showers required)
Outdoor area maintained with a minimum 25% vegetative cover
No tail-docking, teeth clipping, or de-tusking. Minimum weaning age 42 days.
No more than 25% slatted floors
Raised on pasture
Outdoor shade & wallows, sprinklers, or showers required
Pasture maintained with a minimum 25% vegetative cover
No tail-docking, teeth clipping, or de-tusking. Minimum weaning age 42 days.
No more than 25% slatted floors
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
Outdoor shade & wallows, sprinklers, or showers required
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
Minimum weaning age 56 days
No physical alterations, including castration
No slatted floors permitted
Continuous outdoor living on pasture
Outdoor shade & wallows, sprinklers, or showers required
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
Minimum weaning age 56 days
No physical alterations, including castration
No slatted floors permitted
No transport time; entire life on farm
All levels of certification:
Farrowing crates and gestation stalls prohibited | No added hormones* | No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months
*Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in raising pigs.
Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.
