What “Pasture-Raised” Really Means – And Why It Matters
The USDA now requires that chickens labeled as “pasture-raised” must live most of their lives on actual pasture, giving consumers clearer, more honest labeling.
Pasture-Raised vs. Free Range – What's the Difference?
Until recently, the terms “pasture-raised” and “free range” were often used interchangeably. But they aren’t the same — and now the USDA agrees.
Free range: chickens just need access to the outdoors. That could mean a small door to a concrete yard.
Pasture-raised: chickens must live most of their lives on real pasture — think open fields with grass and plants.
This change came after years of advocacy, especially from Pasturebird, a brand owned by Perdue Farms. They’ve been pushing for clear, honest labels so consumers know what they’re actually buying.
Why This Change Matters
Paul Greive, founder of Pasturebird, said they’d been working on this for over seven years. “Consumers want the truth,” he explained — and with the demand for pasture-raised chicken growing, accurate labels are more important than ever.
Perdue filed a petition with the USDA back in 2023 to make these changes official. After a 60-day public comment period (with thousands of people voicing support), the USDA made it happen in November 2024.
Real Farmers, Real Impact
Joe Koopsen, who runs Joe’s Farm in Michigan, said, “Consumers have been misled for too long. This definition gives honest farmers a fair shot — and gives shoppers peace of mind.”
The change also inspired updates across the board. Third-party certifiers like Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership are already adjusting their standards to match the USDA’s new guidelines.