Devon farm achieves renowned environmental, animal welfare certifications
The beef cattle, sheep pigs, and goats at Fowlescombe Farm are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW). Situated near Ivybridge in Devon, Fowlescombe Farm has met the AGW programme standards, which were developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers and farmers across the globe to maximise practicable, high-welfare farm management.
The Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by AGW label verifies that animals are raised outdoors on pasture in accordance with world-renowned welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Recently launched in the UK, AWA is part of the suite of "Certified By" seals offered by respected international certifier A Greener World, along with Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, which are optional, additional accreditations for Certified AWA farms.
The native breed English Longhorn and Beef Shorthorn cattle and flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep at Fowlescombe Farm are all managed outdoors on pasture using rotational management—grazing one area of pasture before being moved to fresh fields. This type of management allows grass to recover before cows return to graze again, ensuring the most nutritious grass is available. It also helps to keep the soil naturally fertilised and minimises the build-up of internal parasites, thereby avoiding reliance on chemical treatments.
The rare breed Tamworth pigs at Fowlescombe Farm are also free to root and forage in woodland as pigs naturally do, while the flock of Boer goats browse the hedgerows and help to control scrub and weeds. This high-welfare management is a fundamental component of AGW certification and is known to have environmental, nutritional and culinary benefits.
In addition to being Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, the beef cattle, sheep and goats at Fowlescombe Farm are also Certified Grassfed by AGW. This grassfed label guarantees a 100% grassfed diet, audited annually to ensure farms are meeting rigorous animal welfare standards. For more information on AGW certifications in the marketplace, see these charts comparing grassfed labels.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the beef cattle, sheep, pigs and goats are also all Certified Non-GMO by AGW. This certification is an optional, additional accreditation for farmers meeting Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards of production and offers assurance of high-welfare and non-GMO farming practices, without genetically engineered/modified feed, supplements or ingredients.
With the growing disconnect of consumers from the source of their food and increasing demand for meaningful welfare standards, Fowlescombe Farm found it essential to have third-party validation demonstrating their exceptional welfare and environmental practices to a market hungry for honest information about their food.
Farm manager Rosie Ball of Fowlescombe Farm says, “We raise native and rare-breed animals at Fowlescombe Farm using non-intensive, regenerative farming methods. Our animals grow slowly, producing meat of exceptional quality and deep flavour. Our aim is to create ever healthier soils, improve the productivity of our land, increase biodiversity and sequester more and more carbon in our soil. We want our land not only to be biodiverse and productive but continuously improving, nurturing the delicate balance of ecosystems within the farm.”
A Greener World UK and Europe Executive Director Wayne Copp says,“We are thrilled to partner with Fowlescombe Farm in celebrating their farm, and our growing family of farms in the UK and Europe. It has never been more critical for farmers to be fully understood by consumers, and we are honoured to support this through an uncomplicated, independent and credible certification marque that can be trusted to mean what is says on that label: Non-GMO. Grassfed. Animal – Welfare – Approved.
“Fowlescombe Farm’s certifications from A Greener World recognise that high standards of animal welfare and environmental management are not only good for farmed livestock and the planet, but that labelling with our seal makes good commercial sense in speaking clearly and directly to consumers seeking food they can feel good about. What Fowlescombe Farmhas achieved is nothing short of an inspiration for all forward-thinking UK producers.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW beef, lamb and goat meat and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW pork is used by Rare & Pasture, an award-winning charcuterie and smokery based at the farm, to create a range of high-quality products that are sustainable and delicious, including organic smoked sausages, saveloys and frankfurters, shredded meats and charcuterie products, such as salamis and bresaola. Check the AGW directory for details. For more information about Fowlescombe Farm, email hello@Fowlescombe.com. Follow Fowlescombe Farm on Facebook and Instagram.
