Understanding Certifications for Natural and Organic Products: A Guide for Cozy Farm Customers
September 12, 2024Introduction to Certifications
When you shop for natural, organic, or sustainable products, you'll likely come across various certifications on the packaging. These certifications provide information about the product's quality, ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and more. At Cozy Farm, we believe that being informed helps you make better choices that align with your values and health goals. This guide explains some of the most common certifications you'll find on our products and what they mean.
American Grassfed Association (AGA)
The AGA certification ensures that meat and dairy products come from animals that have been fed only grass and forage, raised on pasture without confinement, and not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. All animals must be born and raised on American family farms.
Animal Welfare Approved (AWA)
AWA certifies farms that raise animals to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards, requiring that animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range.
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification is issued by the non-profit B Lab.
Certified Fair for Life
Fair for Life certification promotes fair trade and responsible supply chains, aiming to drive sustainable change that benefits both people and the environment.
Certified Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA certifies products that meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards, promoting safe working conditions, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
Certified Gluten-Free
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certifies products that meet strict gluten-free standards, ensuring they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Certified Humane
Certified Humane is a label that assures consumers that farm animals were raised according to the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) standards, focusing on their humane treatment.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
This certification assesses a product's environmental impact through categories such as material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Demeter Certified Biodynamic
Demeter Biodynamic certification involves a holistic approach to farming, viewing the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified
EWG certification is given to products that meet strict health and safety standards, with a focus on avoiding toxic chemicals.
EPA Safer Choice
EPA’s Safer Choice certification helps consumers identify products with safer chemical ingredients for human health and the environment.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
FSC certification ensures that forest-based products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Global Animal Partnership (GAP)
GAP is known for its 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program, which provides transparency on animal farming systems and encourages higher welfare practices.
Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny certification ensures that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company.
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
MSC certification identifies sustainable seafood products that meet rigorous standards for sustainable fishing practices.
Non-GMO Project Verified
The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is given to products that meet rigorous standards for avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
USDA Certified Organic
USDA Organic certification ensures that products are produced using practices that promote ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, and use only approved substances.
Regenerative Organic Certified
This certification, led by the Rodale Institute, focuses on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness, pushing beyond the requirements of organic farming.
Rainforest Alliance Certified
Rainforest Alliance certification is awarded to farms, forests, and businesses that meet high environmental, social, and economic standards.
USDA Certified Biobased Product
Products with this certification are derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials.
Understanding these certifications can help you make more informed choices that align with your personal values, health needs, and ethical concerns. At Cozy Farm, we prioritize offering products that meet a variety of these rigorous standards, ensuring that you have access to the best options for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Feel free to explore our product offerings that carry these certifications and discover more ways to live in harmony with your values and the environment!