Mission/Giving Statement: Animal Welfare Approved audits and certifies independent family farms raising animals outdoors on pasture or range, with the highest standards of animal welfare. AWA certification is:
- exclusively for independent, family farmers and cooperatives of family farmers
- the only pasture- and range- based welfare certification program
- completely free- there are no fees for farm audits, consultations or technical advice
Certified farms and farmer groups use the AWA label as a way to add value and to assure customers of humane farming practices. AWA also offers technical and marketing assistance to farmers in the program.
Grantmaking Program Areas: Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants
Grantmaking Program Area Description:
AWA Good Husbandry Grants: Grants allocated under the Animal Welfare Approved program must be used solely to improve the welfare of farm animals and may be used to facilitate compliance with Animal Welfare Approved standards.
Type of Funding/Funding Restrictions: Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to farmers for the sole purpose of improving farm animal welfare, with a concentration on three areas: increased outdoor access, improved genetics and improved slaughter facilities. Current Animal Welfare Approved farmers and those who have applied to join the free program are eligible, and farmers may apply for certification and for a grant simultaneously. Slaughter plants working with or seeking to work with an AWA farm may also be eligible but should contact Emily Lancaster before submitting a proposal.
Application Instructions: Grant guidelines and application instructions are available online. See website for deadlines.
