WBFI Quality Standards More Important Than Ever

Mission of Standards To help consumers have a good experience so they continue to feed wild birds.

A Brief History 2001 – WBFI BOD discussed the need for seed and feeder standards and established a committee, 5 to 7 year target project 2001 – Hired Ron Pardee, an outside consultant to assist with development of standards programs 2004 – WBFI Standards Logo was designed and adopted 2005 – Seed and Feeder Standards were officially approved and adopted by the WBFI BOD

Seed Quality Standards All ingredients must be listed and in order of preponderance in the ingredient section. The ingredient statement must identify each ingredient specifically. No groupings such as “grain products” or “mixed nuts,” etc. The birds pictured or highlighted on the package label must be the birds that this product will attract and that the consumer can reasonably expect to see at their feeders. All ingredients must meet established WBFI Seed Definitions. The label must meet all current AAFCO and governmental guidelines.

Seed Quality Standards Testimonial Mike Wulf – WBFI Board Member, D & D Commodities

Feeder Quality Standards Feeder or Package must include labeling appropriate for the birds that will use the feeder and the recommended ingredients. Seed feeders must have a minimum 1-1/2” diameter refilling port. Hanging devices must be made from metal such as wire, chain, or cable and must be securely attached. Seed flows appropriately for recommended ingredients. Cleanable; instructions for care and use must be included. Drainage system suitable to the feeder type.

Feeder Quality Standards Testimonial Betsy Puckett– WBFI Member, Droll Yankees

Quality Standards Snapshot Currently there are 38 member companies enrolled in WBFI Quality Standards, but the program has a much wider reach than that. The quality and performance of the products sold in our industry today, are far superior to what they were five years ago. The regulatory bodies in our industry are much more active than they were five years ago and are looking at adopting our Industry standards in their future regulatory efforts.

What Can My Company Do? Recognize and communicate the need and importance of having quality standards on an industry level. Enroll and be an active participant in the program and use the WBFI Quality Standards logo. Or, if not eligible to enroll, be an industry supporter of the program. Spend $100 to do either. It’s worth it.