Animal Welfare Approved: Dairy
The AWA label has among the most stringent standards for animal welfare including comprehensive standards for raising, transport and slaughter.
Requires Verification/Inspection
FoodPrint Label Criteria
Animal Feed Quality
Produced without industrial pesticides*
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited*
All grass fed
Prohibits animal waste and byproduct
Restricts use of feed supplements
Prohibits GMOs
*Some standards exist, but not as comprehensive as USDA Organic
**Discouraged but not prohibited
Drug Use
Antibiotics only for sick animals or prohibited
Prohibit hormones and other drugs to healthy animals
Environmental and Pasture Quality
Pasture management / rotational grazing plan required
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Grown without industrial pesticides*
Biodiversity required in pasture
Soil health monitored/measured for improvement over time
*Some standards exist, but not as comprehensive as USDA Organic
Animal Welfare and Living Conditions
Prohibits feedlots
Prohibits long term confinement
Prohibits electric prods*
Hygiene and manure management addressed
Pain relief for castration
Prohibits dehorning
Taildocking prohibited
Standards for animal wellbeing in transport including maximum duration times
Welfare standards for slaughtering addressed
Pasture required throughout grazing/growing season
*Discouraged but can be used as a last resort
Worker Welfare
Standards and protections for workers on farm
Standards and protections for workers in processing plants
Fair/living wages ensured
Health care insurance ensured
Food Label Glossary
For explanations of some of these technical terms, like “rotational grazing” or “sewage sludge fertilizers,” please visit our glossary.