Waynesboro, Georgia-based Hart Dairy has been named Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World.
This certification and food label lets consumers know these animals are raised outdoors on pasture in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the U.S. and Canada, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm.
Consumer Reports has rated Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW as the only “highly meaningful” label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability – and the only animal welfare certification in which it has confidence.
“We’re thrilled to certify businesses like Hart Dairy that have demonstrated commitment to transparency and verified, high-welfare, farming practices,” said Emily Moose, AGW executive director. “These land stewards are quite literally building a greener world while producing delicious, nutritious products, and we’re honored to work with retailers nationwide to help consumers find them – and in doing so choose products that match their values and have a positive impact on the world.”
Hart Dairy was founded by CEO Tim Connell and Chief Scientific Officer Richard Watson. Their goal was to treat cows humanely, make highly nutritious milk accessible for more people in the United States and build an environmentally sustainable dairy. Under the guidance of Watson, Hart Dairy has pioneered a 365-day pasture-raised system where the cows – now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) – are always outside, all year-round. This results in significantly better health and welfare to the cows, a better environmental footprint and more nutritious milk.
In addition to being Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Hart Dairy is also a pilot participant in the Certified Regenerative by AGW program, AGW’s forthcoming certification demonstrating a holistic commitment to the environment and local communities. Hart Dairy’s commitment to regenerative farming practices led it to be selected as one of approximately 50 companies in the world invited to join the pilot program.
Certified Regenerative by AGW will provide a whole-farm assurance of sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, infrastructure, animal welfare and social responsibility.
“It’s time to care about your milk. We’re thrilled that an organization as highly regarded as A Greener World recognizes our cows are always outside and pasture raised 365 days a year, along with our better nutrition and regenerative agriculture practices,” Connell said. “There’s a clear link between healthy soils, high-quality grass and excellent milk, and our Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW certification and Certified Regenerative by AGW pilot participant status shows that we go the extra mile for our cows, our customers and the planet.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW products include whole milk, 2 percent reduced fat milk and whole chocolate milk from Hart Dairy. These products are available in various outlets in various regions of the country including Publix, Albertsons, Sprouts, Shaw’s, Stop and Shop, H-E-B, Sam’s Club, Big Y, SpartanNash, Market Basket Store, Earth Fare, Tom Thumb, Ingles Market, Weis, D’Agostino, Randalls and Gristedes, Dave’s Fresh Marketplace and Martin’s Supermarkets.
For more information, visit hartdairy.com.
