What’s in a label? The egg carton may proclaim “free range,” but because the term is unregulated by the government, you can’t really know if the chickens are foraging in an open field without visiting the farm.

Humane treatment of animals is gaining traction as a consumer issue – and a marketing niche.

One of the leading eastern USA natural lamb producers has joined the Certified Humane family of farmers and producers meeting exacting standards of humane care and handling for their livestock.

Food labels assure us that our chickens are free-range and our leafy greens are certified organic – but no official standards exist for labels touting the humane rearing of animals destined for the table.  At least, none did until 2003.

Jamison Farms, a supplier of fresh lamb to many of the nation’s finest restaurants, and Big Sky Ranch, a producer of natural Certified Hereford beef, have joined the ranks of companies approved by Humane Farm Animal Care to bear its “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label.