RHEEMS, Pa. — After passing third-party audits of their on-farm operations and protocols, Dutchland Farms has been recertified by American Humane for the 13th year. American Humane Certified status is awarded to farms and ranches that excel at animal welfare, going above and beyond what is expected to deliver the best environment for the animals in their care.
“American Humane is happy to work with outstanding farmers like those at Dutchland Farms,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president & CEO of American Humane. “Their continued commitment to animal welfare helps elevate the standards for humane farming and gives ethically-minded shoppers a chance to make humane choices with every visit to the grocery store.”
American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, was founded in 1877 after regional humane groups recognized the need for a national voice for animals, the group notes, adding that in 2000, American Humane recognized the need for third-party certification of welfare claims in the farm space and established the American Humane Farm Program, now in its 21st year of operation. American Humane Certified brings together farmers, ranchers, scientists and animal experts to improve the lives of nearly 1 billion farm animals every year.
Originally founded in 1962, Dutchland Farms LLC is a member of The Wenger Group Inc. and offers wholesale egg marketing, pullet growing, and flock service for farms across the northeast region. Dutchland raises more than 8 million pullets a year via their network of more than 50 independent family farms in Central Pennsylvania and distribute nest-run eggs from more than 2 million birds to their customer base located across the U.S.
Farmers and ranchers interested in becoming American Humane Certified invite third-party auditors to inspect their farms and operations, judging them against more than 200 evidence-based standards developed in collaboration with a Scientific Advisory Committee. American Humane regularly reviews and updates its species-specific standards in collaboration with the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure that all welfare standards align with the most up-to-date science.
There is broad support for humane standards on farms and ranches. More than 90 percent of people in a representative sample surveyed by American Humane reported being “very concerned” about farm animal welfare. Farmers and retailers have heeded the call. According to an American Humane analysis, 10 of the nation’s top 12 grocery stores now carry products that are American Humane Certified.
“American Humane pushes evidence and science-based solutions that result in better lives for farm animals,” Ganzert said. “Outstanding organizations like Dutchland Farms, who invite third-party scrutiny of their operations, should be applauded for their transparency and commitment to animal welfare.”
