Verified Natural Beef: Trusted Verification for Premium Markets
Learn how our Verified Natural Beef Standard is defined, the review process that backs the claim, and how verification impacts the producer and why it matters to brands and consumers.
What Is Verified Natural Beef?
The Verified Natural Beef (VNB) program is a certification initiative designed for cattle producers seeking to meet the growing demand for Natural beef by buyers for specialty markets. This program ensures that cattle are raised according to strict guidelines that prohibit the use of hormone growth promotants, antibiotics, and animal by-products.
Raised without Antibiotics or Hormones
Never Fed Animal By-Products
Key Aspects of VNB Certification
Verified Natural, for beef specifically, is characterized by several key features that you’ll see below. Verified Natural is available to other commodities as well. Please reach out if you are seeking Verified Natural on something other than beef.
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Raised without Antibiotics or Added Hormones: Cattle are raised without the use of any antibiotics or hormone growth promotants.
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Never Fed Animal By-Products: The cattle are not fed any animal by-products, ensuring a natural diet.
Additionally, the VNB program complies with USDA Process Verified Program (PVP) standards, offering an extra layer of assurance to buyers that the cattle and the beef meet established criteria for natural claims.
Why Verified Natural Beef Matters
The Verified Natural program is vital for several reasons:
Builds Buyer Confidence with Verified Claims
Certification provides documentation that supports claims of natural cattle and beef, fostering trust throughout the beef supply chain.
Access to Premium Markets
Verified Natural opens doors to premium markets that require verified natural claims, enhancing profitability for producers.
Supports Brand Differentiation & Marketing
Brands that carry the Verified Natural Beef label can differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace, appealing to consumers who prioritize natural products. Ranchers that sell their beef direct-to-consumer can obtain the same benefits that a large retailer or brand can as well.
Who Benefits from VNB Certification
Various stakeholders benefit from the Verified Natural Beef certification, including:
Cow-Calf Producers, Feedlots, Stocker/Backgrounders and VNB approved Auction Markets and Salebarns:
Producers can enhance the value of their cattle by participating in the VNB program, tapping into a growing market for natural beef that expands their buyer pool. Feedlots that source verified natural cattle can offer products that meet specific market demands.
Direct-to-Consumer Beef Brands:
Brands can market their beef products with the Verified Natural label, appealing to health-conscious consumers who prioritize sourcing direct and shopping locally.
Retailers and Brands:
Retailers and brands can communicate these efforts through the verified natural beef label, knowing their products meet stringent standards.
How to Get Verified
Getting your beef verified through the VNB program involves a straightforward process:
Consultation:
Start with a consultation to understand the requirements and benefits of the VNB program, as well as any other programs that may align with your brand or ranch.
Audit:
Undergo a thorough onsite audit of your operations to ensure compliance with VNB standards.
Certification:
Once compliance is confirmed, you will receive your Verified Natural Beef certification.
Renewal:
The certification must be renewed onsite annually, ensuring ongoing compliance with VNB standards.
Average Timeline and Support Process
The average timeline for achieving VNB certification can vary, but producers can expect the process to take a few weeks, depending on readiness of documentation by the beef producer. Your account manager will go over all of this to best prepare you prior to the onsite audit. Throughout this time, support is provided to help producers navigate the certification process smoothly.
Get Started with Verified Natural Beef
Contact our WFCF beef team to understand the requirements and benefits of the VNB program, as well as any other programs that would be a good fit for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help.