As an industry leader in pioneering animal welfare standards, regenerative agriculture, and the highest food quality standards, we signed on to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) in 2021 and we remain committed to bettering animal welfare for broiler chickens (birds raised for meat). Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Natural Grocers is moving quickly to achieve these results as soon as possible, while also only committing to timelines we feel confident are based in the realities of changing complex systems. Below is a roadmap of our progress as well as our future goals in regard to Version 2 of the Better Chicken Commitment as it applies to our fresh and frozen chicken.

Note: Years noted reference end of year in December

Stocking Density: We are very proud that stocking densities were already a part of our Natural Grocers Meat Standards, and 100% of our broiler chickens already meet the 6.0 lbs./sq. foot stocking density and prohibit broiler cages.

Lighting, Litter, Enrichments: Chickens are healthiest when they can exhibit their natural behaviors, and our Natural Grocers Meat Standards already require that 100% of broiler chickens be provided with lighting, litter, and physical enrichments so they are surrounded by a natural environment that better supports their welfare.

Third-Party Auditing: We value transparency at Natural Grocers and especially the good work of third-party certifications and 100% of our broiler chickens are already third-party audited.

Controlled Atmosphere Stunning: 100% of our fresh and frozen whole, pieces (breasts, thighs, wings, etc.), and ground chicken already use CAS. Some of the further processed items on our shelf (deli meat, breaded chickens, sausages, etc.) are still in the process of transitioning to CAS if they are able to do so. We currently project that 100% of broiler chickens will utilize CAS or another approved higher welfare processing method by 2028.

As written in our 2021 commitment, not all chicken products are required to transition to CAS if it is not yet affordable, geographically available, or if the supplier is small and processes less than 250,000 or fewer birds per week. As CAS facilities are not yet widely available in all rural areas we feel it is important to work with small-holder farms who have limited processing options until CAS is available. Suppliers are required to process birds in a way where humane treatment is a top priority and avoids pre-stun handling and this is already being done.

Breed: 100% of our fresh and frozen whole, pieces (breasts, thighs, wings, etc.), and ground chicken already come from higher welfare breeds. The further processed items on our shelf (deli meat, breaded chickens, sausages, etc.) are in the process of transitioning to slower growth and/or higher welfare breeds if they are able to do so and it makes sense for their business by 2028. Again, the goal here is to work with small-holder farms as they are able to transition.

As written in our 2021 commitment, we stated we would revisit this aspect of the BCC once the University of Guelph recommended breed results were later published. We specified that we would decide at a later time if what was put forth seemed reasonable/aligned with our Standards. The University of Guelph’s recommendations have since been published and provide valuable data on chicken breeds that exhibit positive animal welfare outcomes and can live healthy and happy lives. We also believe that there are many other genetically diverse broiler chicken breeds that for any number of reasons were not included in the study that can also be raised to have positive animal welfare outcomes and live healthy and happy lives. These diverse breeds are often heritage chicken breeds and/or slower growing, unlike conventional broiler chicken breeds geared towards only putting on weight fast.

We are not requiring 100% of our broiler chicken suppliers to raise only BCC-approved breeds. Rather, 100% of our birds must be either BCC-approved breeds or be raised to demonstrate higher welfare as measured against all the other outcomes of the BCC, in addition to our own rigorous Natural Grocers Meat Standards. We do not want to limit genetic diversity but value that diversity and raising the birds to higher welfare standards.

The Future

To support us in our commitments, we are continuing our work with animal welfare leaders Compassion in World Farming, Mercy for Animals, and other industry partners. We also continue to work diligently with our chicken suppliers in our efforts to help them transition to higher chicken welfare outcomes and value the progress we’ve made. Currently, Natural Grocers is leading the way for other grocery retailers and showing that it is not only possible to source higher welfare birds but imperative to do so to meet customer needs and expectations.