As growing numbers of consumers are demanding that their foods be raised in line with their ethical values, farmers, ranchers and producers are listening, and working to increase their standards of humane animal welfare. The latest is Culver Duck Farms, Inc., which has earned certification for the treatment of their animals from American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world. Culver Duck Farms, Inc., is the first duck producer to achieve certification under the program.

To qualify as an American Humane Certified producer, Culver Duck had to meet the program’s rigorous requirements, including many science-based standards covering everything from adequate space to proper temperature, air quality and much more. Culver Duck also voluntarily agreed to undergo stringent, yearly audits by independent auditors to ensure the program’s standards are being implemented correctly. 

“As an American Humane Certified™ producer, Culver Duck helps assure consumers that their food was raised humanely under the science and evidence-based protections established by American Humane,” said Robin Ganzert, PhD, American Humane president and CEO. “We applaud them for their commitment to animal welfare and excitedly welcome them into the program.”

Culver Duck began more than five generations ago as a family business and was one of the original Long Island duck companies. Under new ownership and leadership since 2016, Culver Duck has put an emphasis on animal welfare and continuously strives to improve the welfare of their animals through a dedicated program of best practices designed to enhance their production processes, facility designs, and animal husbandry.

“This certification demonstrates that our commitment to excellence in animal care goes beyond words in a mission statement, it’s how we do business every single day,” said John Metzger, president of Culver Duck. “We welcome American Humane’s high standards and science based approach to animal welfare. Quality animal care and continuous improvement are key components of responsible and ethical food production, which is important to all of us at Culver Duck and to our customers.”

The independent, third-party audit criteria through American Humane are rooted in the internationally accepted Five Freedoms of animal welfare. These science-based standards are set and regularly reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee of the nation’s top animal welfare experts, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and animal advocates, including farm animal welfare pioneer Temple Grandin, PhD.

For a full list of American Humane Certified producers and more information about the program, visit www.HumaneHeartland.org.

Source: American Humane