Free Farmed vs. Certified Organic

There's no comparison, organic is superior.

Recently there has been some discussion over the differences and similarities between the terms "certified organic" and "free farmed". We would like to clarify the definitions.

Organic certification comes from a third-party agency. Our creamery's is QAI; our dairy's is Marin Organic Certified Agriculture (MOCA); and the USDA's National Organic Program covers both the dairy and creamery. The Free Farmed certification is given by the American Humane Association.

Both certifications require rigorous inspections; however the qualifications are vastly different. Organic certification takes into account the commitment to care for and improve the condition of the land and the environment as well as the care of the animals. Free Farmed qualifications for certification pertain only to the animals.

 Here is a comparison of requirements:

• Certified Organic: The feeding of slaughter by-products to mammals or poultry is strictly prohibited.
• Free Farmed: Allows the feeding of blood meal, a slaughter by-product, to animals.

• Certified Organic: All animal feed must be grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
• Free Farmed: Makes no such provisions.

• Certified Organic: Ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) must have access to pasture.
• Free Farmed: Cows may be housed continually indoors as long as they are provided with lighting equal in intensity to natural light.

• Certified Organic: Prohibits the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, or parasiticides without medical necessity. 
• Free Farmed: Makes no such provisions.