A Greener World

SOMERSET (1 OCTOBER 2020)—The herd of beef cattle and flock of sheep at Fernhill Farm are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. 

One of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered by the respected international certifier, A Greener World, the Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by AGW label verifies that animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range in accordance with world-renowned welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Newly launched in the UK, AWA is part of the suite of "Certified By" seals offered by A Greener World Global, along with Certified Grassfed and Certified Non-GMO. 

Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW are optional, additional accreditations for Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW farmers. Certified Grassfed by AGW requires a 100 percent grassfed feeding protocol, country of origin labeling, supply chain traceability and independently recognised welfare certification. Certified Non-GMO by AGW guarantees a food product is produced without the use of genetically modified feed, supplements or ingredients and it is the only non-GMO label to require pasture and range for livestock.

A Greener World is globally recognised and rooted locally, driving regional access to values-based markets. Following success in Ireland, South Africa, the United States, Canada and Central America, A Greener World was invited to launch in the UK by local farmers seeking market differentiation through straightforward label claims. Under the leadership of Executive Director Wayne Copp, the newly formed A Greener World Europe and UK operates independently of the other regions. 

Andy Wear and Jen Hunter raise their beef cattle and sheep in a low-stress environment and outdoors on well-managed pastures at Fernhill Farm, situated on the top of the Mendip Hills at the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset. Their farming practices are not only better for the animals, but also for the wider environment. The cattle and sheep are rotationally managed, grazing one area of species-rich pasture before being moved to a fresh paddock. This allows pasture to recover before the animals return to graze again; it also minimises the build-up of internal parasites, thereby avoiding reliance on chemical treatments. 

With the growing disconnect of consumers from the source of their food—and increasing demand for meaningful welfare standards—Fernhill Farm found it essential to have third-party validation demonstrating their exceptional welfare and environmental practices to a market hungry for truthful information about their nutrient-dense delicious meat products.

A Greener World UK Executive Director Wayne Copp says,

"We are thrilled to partner with Fernhill Farm in celebrating their farm, and our growing family of farms in the UK and Europe. It has never been more critical for farmers to be fully understood by consumers, and we are honoured to support this though an uncomplicated, independent and credible certification marque that can be trusted to mean what is says on that label: Grassfed. Animal - Welfare - Approved. Non-GMO.

Fernhill Farm's certifications from A Greener World recognise that high standards of animal welfare and environmental management are not only good for farmed livestock and the planet - but that labelling with our seal makes good commercial sense in speaking clearly and directly to consumers seeking food they can feel good about. What Fernhill Farm has achieved is nothing short of an inspiration for all forward-thinking UK producers."

In addition to high-quality, delicious Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW beef, lamb and mutton at Fernhill Farm, the multipurpose flock of sheep also provide quality wool in all the native shades that is harvested annually by expert shearers and used to create a range of natural fibre textiles that are processed within the UK.

Fernhill Farm's Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW Aberdeen Angus beef is on contract to Waitrose, and lamb products are available from FarmDrop. Guests visiting the farm can purchase direct through the farm's online store. Visit fernhill-farm.co.uk for more information. To find out more about Fernhill Farm wool and fibre products, visit fernhillfibre.co.uk.