Demeter Certified Biodynamic: Chicken
Demeter Certified Biodynamic Is a Top Pick
The biodynamic label is an environmental sustainability label that goes even beyond organic standards. It would be a top pick if it were more widely available. It also has basic animal welfare standards.
Requires Verification/Inspection
FoodPrint Label Criteria
Animal Feed Quality
Produced without industrial pesticides
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Prohibit animal waste and byproduct
Restricted use of feed supplements
GMOs prohibited
Drug Use
Antibiotics only administered to sick animals or prohibited
Prohibit hormones and other routine 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 (soil biome, carbon sequestration, etc)*
*Some assessment of soil health is required, but is not comprehensive
Animal Welfare and Living Conditions
Breed health requirements
Minimum indoor space requirements
Natural light required
Standards for indoor ammonia levels*
Outdoor access required
Pasture access required
Hygiene and manure management addressed
Physical alterations prohibited (debeaking, etc)
Standards for animal wellbeing in transport including maximum duration times**
Welfare standards for slaughtering addressed***
Requires perches
Dust bathing opportunities
*Air ventilation is required, but exact standards are not defined
**Some standards exist, but not as comprehensive as Animal Welfare Approved
***Is verified to meet industry baseline requirements
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.