Glossary

Animal Welfare Approved audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals with the highest animal welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range. Called a "badge of honor for farmers" and the "gold standard," AWA has come to be the most highly regarded food label when it comes to animal welfare, pasture-based farming, and sustainability. All AWA standards, policies and procedures are available on the AWA website, making it one of the most transparent certifications available.

This refers to bacteria's ability to adapt, through the process of natural selection, and build up a tolerance to antibiotics. These adaptations resistance allow the organism to survive even in the presence of antibiotics. Resistance occurs as a result of overuse of antibiotics. Bacteria are especially likely to develop resistance when they are exposed to low doses over long periods of time, (which is common on factory farms where antibiotics are added to preemptively to feed to fight infections and promote animal growth).

No antibiotics were administered to the animal during its lifetime. If an animal becomes sick, it will be taken out of the herd and treated but it will not be sold with this label. The labels "no antibiotics administered", "raised without antibiotics", "Raised Without the Routine Use of Antibiotics" all mean the same thing.

Medicines derived by extracting a chemical substance produced by a mold or bacterium that inhibits the growth of, or kills, microorganisms and cures bacterial infections.

Refers to the variety within all forms of life (from genes to species) and within any area (from a gram of soil to a field to a country to the entire world). It is derived from the combination of two words: biological and diversity.

This holistic method of agriculture is certified by a third-party agency and is based on the philosophy that all aspects of the farm should be treated as an interrelated whole. Having emerged as the first non-chemical agricultural movement approximately 20 years before the development of "organic" agriculture, biodynamic agriculture has now spread throughout the world. Biodynamic farmers work in harmony with nature and use a variety of techniques, such as crop rotation and on-farm composting, to foster a sustainable and productive environment.

Birds are raised without cages. What this doesn't explain is if the birds were raised outdoors on pasture, if they had access to outside, or if they were raised indoors in overcrowded conditions. If you are looking to buy eggs, poultry or meat that was raised outdoors, look for a label that says "Pastured" or "Pasture-raised".

The understanding that "the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping 'greenhouse gases' to increase significantly in our atmosphere. These gases prevent heat from escaping to space, somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse, which are necessary to keep the planet warm. However, if greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature at the Earth's surface could increase from 3.2 to 7.2ºF above 1990 levels by the end of this century. Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate." Definition from the EPA website.

Also known as a CAFO, these are agricultural businesses where many thousands of food animals are raised in confinement, often indoors, and fed an unnatural diet, instead of being allowed to engage in natural behaviors like roaming and grazing. The animals produce much more waste than the surrounding land can handle. These operations are associated with various environmental hazards as well as cruelty to animals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a CAFO as "new and existing operations which stable or confine and feed or maintain for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period more than the number of animals specified" in categories that they list out. In addition, "there's no grass or other vegetation in the confinement area during the normal growing season." The EPA determines whether an agricultural business is a CAFO based on regulations created by the Clean Water Act, and special permits have to be given for the owners to operate a CAFO legally. Enforcement of these regulations has not been very strict, which has caused many environmental problems.

Conventional refers to standard agricultural practices that are widespread in the industry. It can (but does not necessarily) include the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, "mono-cropping," feedlot and confinement systems, antibiotics, hormones and other chemical approaches. Conventional farming in the U.S. may also include the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Definition provided by AWA.

A law that came into effect in March 2009, requiring muscle cuts and ground beef, lamb, chicken, goat and pork; wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities (specifically fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng and peanuts to carry a label at retail that indicates its country of origin. Processed products and food service establishments (such as restaurants) are exempt from this labeling. Country of Origin Labeling could help to promote locally-produced products and would enable foods to be more easily traced in the event of a recall or an outbreak of disease.

Abbreviation for Community Supported Agriculture. A system in which consumers support a local farm by paying in advance for agricultural products through a membership program. This reduces the financial risks for the farmer because the costs of seeds and planting crops are covered in advance by consumers. Throughout the growing season, CSA members receive a portion of the farm's harvest each week. Members share the financial risks and the bounty of the harvest -- if it is a successful growing season, they receive a lot of food; if there are fewer crops, they receive less. Members are also encouraged to visit the farm, help recruit additional CSA members, and organize the distribution of the farm shares.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers, and enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives. Definition provided by AWA.

Substances added to food to preserve flavor or improve its taste and appearance and- in the case of preservatives- prevent spoilage. Additives can also enhance the nutritional value of certain foods and its taste, texture, consistency or color. Packaging that comes in contact with food is considered an indirect additive, preservatives, nutritional supplements, flavors and texturizers are added directly to the food are direct additives and a color additive is added to food to enhance or alter the color of a product.

The distance food travels from where it is produced (the farm) to where it is consumed (the consumer's home).

Food safety is a scientific discipline focused on preventing food borne illness through proper production, handling, packaging, distribution and storage practices. In the US, the prevention of food borne illnesses is orchestrated through the collaboration of three governmental departments: the Department of Health and Human Services (which includes FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The use of the term "free range" is only defined by the USDA for poultry production, and means that the bird has had some access to the outdoors each day, which could be a dirty or concrete feedlot. It does not necessarily mean that the products are cruelty-free or antibiotic-free, or that the animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. USDA considers five minutes of open-air access each day to be adequate. Claims are defined by USDA, but are not verified by third party inspectors.

Genetically Modified Organism. This is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered. Many chemical and agribusiness groups support the development and use of GMOs. Many consumers groups and environmental organizations question their safety and environmental impacts andhave called for adequate and independent testing of GMO products. It is legal for farmers in the U.S. and some other countries like Argentina to produce and sell certain GMOs for human and animal consumption, but in other places like Europe and Japan, they are banned until further testing can be done to prove they are safe.

The product was produced without the use of GMOs (genetically-modified organisms).

Cattle that are fed only grain before slaughter. Some producers raise their animals on pasture but then feed them grain for a certain amount of time before slaughter. Grain makes the meat fattier and creates the taste most people are currently accustomed to.

The animal was raised on a diet of grain.Grain could be supplemented with animal byproducts and other miscellaneous matter such as cement dust and/or euthanized cats and dogs. Since mad cow disease is thought to be transmitted through animal byproducts added to cattle feed, cows raised on a strictly vegetarian diet are preferred by many consumers. However, unless the label says "100 Percent Vegetarian Diet," there is no guarantee that the animal's feed was not supplemented with animal byproducts or is organic. In addition, cattle are ruminants and eat grass; they cannot digest grains properly and can become sick if fed a diet of only grain. Although large-scale, confined grain feedlots enable industrial meat producers to fatten their animals quickly, they also foster disease within the cattle population, creating the need for antibiotics and increasing the risk of E. coli contamination. Grain-fed animals tend to be raised on factory farms and should be avoided.

Animals graze on pasture and eat grasses. They should not be supplemented with grain, animal by-products, synthetic hormones, or be given antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease (though they might be given antibiotics to treat disease). This is the same as pastured or pasture raised.

Meat products prepared by federally inspected meat packing plants identified with labels bearing references to "Halal" or "Zabiah Halal" must be handled according to Islamic law and under Islamic authority.

For meat to bear the label "Halal" animals are often (but not always) slaughtered without being pre-stunned. There are organizations which audit and certify for halal practices but definitions and standards vary according to the certifying organization. USDA "halal" is not audited. Definition provided by AWA.

Heirloom crop varieties, also called farmers' varieties or traditional varieties, is a term used for unique plant varieties which are genetically distinct from the commercial varieties popularized by industrial agriculture. Heirloom varieties have been developed by farmers through years of cultivation, selection and seed saving, and passed down through generations. Generally speaking, heirlooms are varieties that have been in existence for a minimum of 50 years. Note, however, that this term does not refer to any specific farming practices, such as pesticide or fertilizer use. No independent third party verification. Definition provided by AWA.

A term applied to breeds of livestock that were bred over time so that they are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, can withstand local diseases, or survive in harsh environmental conditions, for example. Heritage breeds generally have slow growth rates and long productive life spans outdoors, making them well-suited for grazing and pasturing. However, the term "heritage" does not guarantee animals were raised outdoors. No independent third party verification. Definition provided by AWA.

The USDA has prohibited use of the term "Hormone Free," but meats can be labeled "No Hormones Administered."

Chemicals found naturally in animals' bodies that control processes like growth and metabolism. Synthetic (man-made) hormones have been developed for a number of purposes, including treatment of hormonal disorders in people, and also for promotion of unnaturally fast growth in farm animals. One of the most well-known and controversial hormones used in farming is recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone or rBGH, which is genetically engineered and injected into dairy cattle. (See rBGH.) Scientists have linked excess hormones to cancer.

Buyers should be cautious about producers making claims of humane treatment without having independent humane certifications. No independent third party verification. Definition provided by AWA.

In the case of crop production, industrial agriculture is amodern type of farming which requires high inputs land, chemical fertilizers and pesticides and often produces high volumes one or two crops.In animal production industrial agriculture is characterized by a dense population of animals raised on limited land and requiring large amounts of food, water and medical inputs. In crop farming, monocultures are a common feature of industrial farms and in animal factory farms, many animals (generally chickens, turkeys, cattle, or pigs) are confined and treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease.

"Kosher" may be used only on the labels of meat and poultry products prepared under Rabbinical supervision. For meat to bear the label "Kosher" animals must be slaughtered without being pre-stunned. Definition provided by AWA.

Encompasses the whole range of food production and consumption, including the manufacture of agricultural inputs, farming, food processing, food distribution, food marketing, food retailing, and consumption (Iowa State University). Food systems vary in size from local to global. In a local food system, production, processing, and consumption may all take place within one village or even one farm. In a regional food system, production, processing, distribution, and consumption take place between multiple cities, states, or even countries. Increasingly, the agricultural systems of all countries and regions in the world are becoming integrated into one global food system.

A term used to describe an individual who makes a strong effort to eat only foods that are produced within a certain radius from where they are consumed.

A gas given off by animal waste. It can be used as fuel, but the process to turn it into fuel is very expensive, so this is not done very often. Methane is a greenhouse gas, which means that it contributes to global warming.

Monoculture is the destruction of a diverse ecosystem and replacement with a single species or crop. This is common practice in modern industrial agriculture. Monocultures deplete the soil and crops grown in this manner become more susceptible to pests and disease than those grown in a diverse crop environment, thus requiring larger amounts of chemical sprays (i.e. pesticides).

Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and poultry products. USDA guidelines state that "Natural" meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. However, "natural" foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics. The label "natural" is virtually meaningless.

Antibiotics administered to animals for purposes other than the treatment of existing illness. Factory farms routinely administer non-therapeutic antibiotics to their animals in order to boost growth rates and to prevent the outbreak of diseases which would otherwise run rampant within crowded, unsanitary factory farm facilities. The use of non-therapeutic antibiotics promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, causing antibiotics used to treat humans to become less effective.

Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used. Definition from the USDA National Organic Program.

Indicates the animal was raised on a pasture and that it ate grasses and food found in a pasture, rather than being fattened on grain in a feedlot or barn. Pasturing livestock and poultry is a traditional farming technique that allows animals to be raised in a humane, ecologically sustainable manner. This is basically the same as grass-fed, though the term pasture-raised indicates more clearly that the animal was raised outdoors on pasture. However, since the term is not regulated or certified, there is no way to ensure if any claim is accurate.

Implies that no pesticide residue can be found on the crop. It does not address if pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides were applied at other points in production. No independent third party verification. Definition provided by AWA.

Animals were raised without added growth hormones. By law, hogs and poultry cannot be given any hormones - so the use of the label on these meats is misleading! To ensure that other meats were raised without added hormones, ask your farmer or butcher.

Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, also called recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST). This is a genetically engineered hormone that is injected into dairy cows to increase their milk production. Cows injected with rBGH have shorter life spans and are much more likely to suffer from udder infections. rBGH is only legal in three countries: the United States, South Africa, and Mexico. RBGH has been banned in Canada, the European Union and elsewhere because of inadequate testing and some evidence that it leads to cancer.

rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) is a genetically engineered growth hormone that is injected into dairy cows to artificially increase their milk production. The hormone has not been properly tested for safety. Milk labeled "rBGH-Free" is produced by dairy cows that never received injections of this hormone. Organic milk is rBGH free. (rBST stands for recombinant bovine somatotropin.)

A product can be considered sustainable if its production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. A sustainable product can thus be created repeatedly without generating negative environmental effects, without causing waste products to accumulate as pollution, and without compromising the wellbeing of workers or communities. Many different agricultural techniques can be utilized to help make food production more sustainable. The drawback of the term 'sustainable' is that the term lacks a clear-cut, universally-accepted, enforceable definition - thus it can be interpreted in different ways. It is more of a philosophy or way of life than a label.

Farming that provides a secure living for farm families; maintains the natural environment and resources; supports the rural community; and offers respect and fair treatment to all involved, from farm workers to consumers to the animals raised for food.

Food inspected by a company operating independently of the producer or distributor. The third party certification company confirms the legitimacy of claims made by food producers and distributors, thus ensuring that the food labels are meaningful. Organic and Biodynamic Certified are examples of third-party certification. Next to knowing your farmer or butcher, this is the most reliable way to trust the meat you're eating. The problem is that there are only a few third-party certified labels – to find out what they are, visit the Consumers Union Eco-labels site.

A farm or grower who is converting to organic practices but has not yet completed the transition.

Unprocessed and unrefined items or items that have received the minimum amount of processing. Typically they do not contain ingredients or additives that are not present when harvested or butchered. Examples of whole foods are fresh fruits and vegetables and meats, and unpolished grains.

A generally accepted group of entitlements granted to everyone in the workforce. Worker's rights are of particular interest within the agricultural sector since many large agribusinesses depend on immigrant labor (often with illegal status in the country) to perform the basic tasks on the farm or factory. Due to language limitations and general unfamiliarity with these rights and the system, many immigrant workers face low pay and poor and dangerous working conditions.