Many labels that guarantee humane treatment of farm animals (e.g., "humanely raised"), do anything but and are largely meaningless. Only recently did the USDA announce that it might regulate some of these labels after a push from advocates (we aren't holding our breath). If this is the case of animal welfare labeling, consumers are right to be concerned that it is likely true of "green" labeling as well, particularly for the dairy industry, which is one of the most environmentally intensive industries on Earth.
Farm Forward recently published a major investigative report detailing systematic animal suffering and consumer fraud at Alexandre Family Farm-a leading large-scale organic dairy company with "well over 9,000 head of cattle," according to co-owner Blake Alexandre-whose products are covered in certification labels.
Certifications such as Regenerative Organic Certified and Certified Humane were, sadly, insufficient to stop widespread abuse of cows and apparent environmental violations of land and water. This means that the primary function of labels-to give consumers assurances that a given product meets their values-frequently fails.
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