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Frequently Asked Questions
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CARE Certified
CARE Certified indicates compliance of met criteria surrounding high standards of animal welfare, ensuring humane treatment and sustainable practices. CARE Certified is not just a third-party animal welfare standard, but it is a holistic standard that compiles all things we believe encompass “sustainability,” animal welfare, environmental stewardship and people and community support.
CARE Certified beef comes from cattle raised under strict guidelines that prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship as well as supporting their people and their communities.
Yes, CARE Certified certification is a third-party verified program that provides an independent assessment of animal welfare, environmental stewardship and people and community support.
The five components of animal welfare are nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental well-being.
Animal welfare is critical as it encourages ethical treatment of animals, which has been scientifically proven to lead to healthier food products and a positive environmental impact.
Animal Welfare Review
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for AWR, and many other programs. Validus is an ISO 9001:(https://library.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/documents/validus/ISO_9001_Certification_2024.pdf) 2015 and 17065 certified company that delivers socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance the relationship between producer, seller and buyer.
The certification process includes an application submission, an on-site audit, and ongoing evaluation to ensure compliance with the standard.
Producers certified under the Animal Welfare Review Standard can access new market opportunities, increase consumer trust, and enhance their operational practices through continuous improvement.
Brands and retailers can play a pivotal role by requiring their dairy producers to achieve this certification, thereby creating a demand-driven incentive for producers to enhance their welfare practices.
Prop 12
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for Prop-12, and many other programs. Validus is ISO 9001:(https://library.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/documents/validus/ISO_9001_Certification_2024.pdf) 2015 and 17065 certified, and they deliver socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance the relationship between producer, seller and buyer.
The cost of Prop 12 pork certification varies based on the size and scope of your operation. The timeline for certification typically involves initial application processing, followed by the audit, which can take several weeks.
California Prop 12 covers pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens, ensuring they are housed in compliant environments.
Many producers successfully integrate Prop 12 certification with other programs. Our team at WFCF can guide you on how to align these certifications for maximum market benefit.
American Humane
American Humane Certified™ is a third-party animal welfare certification that verifies farms and ranches meet science-based standards for humane treatment, handling, housing, and nutrition. It’s one of the oldest and most trusted animal welfare programs in the U.S.
The program includes species such as cattle, pigs, poultry, turkeys, dairy cows, and more. Ensuring each species has specific welfare and care guidelines based on behavioral science and veterinary input.
Producers must apply for certification, undergo a third-party audit, and demonstrate compliance with the American Humane welfare standards. Ongoing assessments ensure continuous adherence to humane care protocols.
Independent, third-party verification companies like Where Food Comes From™ conduct on-site audits to verify compliance with American Humane’s established animal welfare standards.
Producers gain market credibility, access to retailers who require verified welfare claims, and consumer trust in their products. It also supports continuous improvement in animal care practices and transparency across the supply chain.
Yes. The certification includes specific standards for dairy cattle welfare such as proper housing, freedom of movement, veterinary oversight, and humane milking practices.
Certification is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually following a successful re-audit to maintain compliance with updated welfare standards.
American Humane Certified meat, dairy, and poultry products can be found in many national grocery retailers and foodservice brands. Look for the American Humane Certified™ seal on packaging to ensure verified humane standards.
United Egg Producers
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for UEP, and many other programs. Validus is an ISO 9001:(https://library.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/documents/validus/ISO_9001_Certification_2024.pdf) 2015 and 17065 certified company that delivers socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance the relationship between producer, seller and buyer.
Producers can start the certification process by contacting the certifying body i.e. United Egg Producers and/or American Humane. You can also contact WFCF to learn more about UEP and other programs that may be available to you. Our Validus auditing team only conducts the audits, they will not be your first stop in inquiring about UEP or additional programs.
UEP certification encompasses a broader set of standards focusing on overall hen welfare, while cage-free certification primarily focuses on housing conditions.
UEP certification has specific standards that may differ from other humane certifications, focusing on comprehensive welfare practices tailored for laying hens.
Source Verified
Source Verified, as it relates to traceability, means an animal or product’s origin has been independently verified through a USDA Process Verified Program (PVP). It ensures the animal can be traced back to the ranch or farm of origin, providing transparency and trust across the supply chain.
The Source Verified Program is a third-party verification service administered by Where Food Comes From™, the first USDA-approved PVP provider. It validates an animal’s source, age, and production claims to meet domestic and export market requirements.
Source Verification provides documented traceability from birth to harvest. It’s critical for market access, export eligibility, and consumer trust, particularly for programs like NHTC, VNB and CARE Certified™ that require verified origin data. It is also a requirement for export programs that provide additional market opportunities for beef producers.
Livestock producers, feedyards, and branded beef programs seeking access to export markets or premium supply chains should become Source Verified™. Retailers and foodservice partners also use Source Verified™ to validate supplier transparency.
Producers must maintain accurate records for animal identification, movement, and origin; use approved EID tags; and participate in a third-party audit conducted under USDA Process Verified guidelines, which is conducted by WFCF.
The timeline varies depending on record readiness and herd size. Most producers complete the process in 4–6 weeks after submitting documentation and scheduling their audit.
• Access to premium and export markets
• Verified transparency and brand credibility
• Consumer trust through traceability
• Simplified recordkeeping with digital EID integration
• Marketing advantage under the WFCF Source Verified™ label
No. While it’s most common in the beef industry, the Source Verified program can apply to other livestock and agricultural products that require origin and traceability verification under USDA Process Verified standards.
Non-Hormone Treated (NHTC)
Yes, if you are exporting beef to the EU, NHTC certification is necessary to meet their import standards for hormone-free beef.
§ NHTC stands for Non-Hormone Treated Cattle, indicating that the cattle were raised without growth hormones, complying with specific industry standards.
While both programs focus on natural beef products, NHTC specifically addresses hormone treatment, whereas Verified Natural may encompasses practices related to antibiotic use.
Ready to enhance your beef operation and tap into the hormone-free export market? Partner with Where Food Comes From to begin your journey towards NHTC certification. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all USDA NHTC program requirements and maximize your export potential for buyers seeking cattle that meet this demand.
Verified Natural
No, while both VNB and organic beef focus on natural production methods, organic certification involves additional requirements related to farming practices and inputs that may not be applicable to VNB.
Audit requirements include a comprehensive review of cattle handling, feed practices, and documentation to ensure compliance with VNB standards. This is reviewed onsite on an annual basis.
Yes, the Verified Natural Beef program can integrate with other verification programs such as NHTC (Non-Hormone Treated Cattle) and CARE Certified, allowing producers to meet multiple market demands while streamlining their certification efforts.
Grass-Fed
No, grass-fed beef certification specifically requires that grass and forage be the sole feed source, while pasture-raised may include other feed types. However, WFCF Grass-fed approved cattle are never confined during their lives, except in special circumstances like inclement weather, shipping, processing, etc.
Producers must provide records of their current calf crop(s) and weaning, feeding practices, animal health, feed labels and rations and show traceability to ensure compliance with grass-fed beef certification standards. Additional documentation
Yes, many producers successfully combine grass-fed certification with other programs, allowing them to appeal to a broader market and meet various buyer and beef label claim requirements.
USDA Organic
Organic certification is available for a wide range of operations, including crop and livestock farms, food processors, handlers, and retailers. Whether you manage soil and crops, raise animals, or produce packaged goods, certification verifies that your practices meet USDA NOP standards. WFCF works with operations of all sizes, from small family farms to national brands, to ensure compliance and help you communicate your organic commitment with confidence.
The timeline can vary depending on your operation’s complexity and readiness. On average, the process, from submitting your Organic System Plan to receiving certification, takes about 8 to 12 weeks. WFCF helps streamline the process by providing clear instructions, responsive communication, and experienced reviewers who understand your operation’s unique needs.
Organic certification is an ongoing commitment. Each year, certified operations must update their Organic System Plan and complete an annual inspection to maintain compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. WFCF continues to support you through renewals, updates, and any questions that arise, helping ensure your certification remainsactive and your organic claims stay verified and credible.
Regenerative Organic
ROC is a next-level certification that builds on USDA Organic standards by adding advanced requirements for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. It recognizes farms, ranches, and brands that go beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems and support people and animals.
Any operation that is already USDA Organic certified can pursue ROC. This includes farms, ranches, and food brands producing crops, livestock, or packaged products. The certification is designed for those committed to deepening their environmental and ethical practices.
The process begins with an application and baseline organic certification review, followed by verification of soil management, animal welfare, and social fairness practices. Once all requirements are met and verified through audit, operations can display the Regenerative Organic Certified® mark to signal leadership in regenerative agriculture.
Upcycled Certified
Products must include ingredients or materials that would otherwise have gone to waste or lower-value use. To qualify, companies must demonstrate a verifiable chain of custody, ensuring those upcycled ingredients are safely sourced, traceable, and contribute to measurable food-waste reduction.
Where Food Comes From guides brands through each step - from ingredient review and documentation to third-party audit and final approval by the Upcycled Certified® program. Once verified, products can carry the Upcycled Certified® mark to communicate verified sustainability to consumers and retailers.
Certification helps brands differentiate in a crowded market, demonstrate ESG and climate impact, and build consumer trust with credible proof of waste reduction. Retailers increasingly look for the Upcycled Certified® mark as a signal of responsible sourcing and innovation.
Non-GMO
The timeline varies by product complexity and documentation readiness. Most verifications are completed within 6–12 weeks once all materials are submitted. Our team works closely with you to streamline the review and minimize delays.
The Non-GMO Project verifies a wide range of food, beverage, ingredient, and supplement products. Any product that contains or is derived from agricultural ingredients can qualify, provided it meets the Non-GMO Project Standard for traceability, segregation, and testing.
To achieve Non-GMO Project Verified status, brands must document their ingredient sources, supply chain controls, and testing results for any high-risk inputs. Verification also requires maintaining traceability and compliance through annual renewal and product updates.
Safe Quality Food
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for SQF, and many other programs. Validus is an ISO 9001:(https://library.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/documents/validus/ISO_9001_Certification_2024.pdf) 2015 and 17065 certified company that delivers socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance the relationship between producer, seller and buyer.
Costs can vary based on the size and complexity of your operation. Contact us for more information based off your specific operation.
The timeline can vary depending on your preparation and the scheduling of your audit.
Food Safety focuses on food safety while Quality includes comprehensive quality management systems.
Preparation involves youunderstanding the SQF certification requirements, conducting a risk analysis, and ensuring all documentation is in order.
Sites that intend to undergo an SQF audit are required to have a minimum of 90 days of records to have their initial SQF audit.
Feed Verified
The Feed Verified Program is a certification initiative that ensures livestock feed products comply with specific verification standards, including NHTC and Verified Natural Beef approval.
You can search our Approved Feed Supplier List to find suppliers that meet the requirements of the Feed Verification Program.
Feed verification enhances trust, ensures compliance, and opens access to premium markets for livestock producers.
Ongoing compliance is required, with regular audits and documentation updates to ensure continued adherence to program standards.
Investigative Audits
The duration and expense of an investigative audit can vary based on the complexity of the situation. We are happy to provide tailored estimates during our consultation.
We ensure that all findings from our audits are treated with the utmost confidentiality, sharing insights only with authorized personnel.
Our audits can complement existing verification efforts, providing a holistic view of compliance and supply chain integrity.
Canine Care Certified
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for the Canine Care Certified program, and many other programs. Validus is ISO 9001:(https://library.wherefoodcomesfrom.com/documents/validus/ISO_9001_Certification_2024.pdf) 2015 and 17065 certified, and they deliver socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance relationships and consumer confidence.
The Canine Care Certified™ program is designed for dog breeders who are committed to upholding ethical breeding practices and ensuring the welfare of their animals. If you are a breeder looking to enhance your credibility and align with industry-leading standards, learn how to become a CCC breeder and discover the numerous benefits of Canine Care Certified.
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