The Pasture-Fed regulations define a distinct method of sustainable livestock production based upon the attributes of pasture as the primary source of nutrition. Through these regulations (referred to within this document as “The Standards”), the PFLA (Pasture-Fed Livestock Association) recognises the benefits of good pasture management in supporting high animal welfare, high quality produce and a sustainable means of ruminant production. By maximising the potential of pastureland as the primary diet for livestock production, the inefficient use of cereals and arable land to feed ruminant livestock is avoided and instead allows their use for direct human consumption.
The intrinsic nature of Pasture-Fed production delivers high welfare for ruminants: Animals eat a natural diet and are able to express their natural behaviour. Furthermore, the levels of production are inherently matched to the animals’ natural metabolism and the number of animals by area of pasture available. Pasture-Fed is therefore a system of farming that achieves a self-regulating balance that respects the natural capacity of both the animal and its environment. In addition, the Pasture-Fed system extends beyond the farm gate to cover methods of processing. This ensures that products that carry the Pastoral symbol maintain the benefits of Pasture-Fed production and are of a consistently high quality.
Only farms and associated businesses that are both members of the PFLA and comply with the production regulations set out in these Standards may use the “PFLA” or “Pastoral” symbols, trademarks and other associated designs.
Within these Standards, the PFLA recognises the geographical and climatic variation that exists between areas of production within the British Isles, particularly with respect to over-winter housing of cattle. In areas where all-year access to grazing would be detrimental to either animal welfare or to the land that animals graze, the Standards make provision for cattle to be over-wintered in housing using conserved forms of grass (typically hay or silage).
The Pasture-Fed Standards embody all of the benefits of livestock grazed on pasture in addition to the Standards of animal husbandry and record keeping required by Farm Assurance schemes. The Standards can also be used to complement other certification schemes including organic production and LEAF.
The PFLA requires all licensees who use the Pastoral symbol to abide by both the letter and spirit of the Standards.
The Pasture-Fed Standards are reviewed regularly to ensure that they deliver the objectives of Pasture-Fed and the PFLA
To download a copy of the PFLA Standards please click the link below: