1. Pro-Cert Grass Fed Certification
February 10th, 2018
Red Deer Alberta

2. The Pro-Cert Grass Fed Program
The term “Grass Fed” is not a regulated term in North America
Ruminants that are not grass finished do not produce the same quality end product with the same nutrient profile.
This Standard meets or exceeds the regulated North American organic standards.

3. Human Health Benefits
The nutrient profile of meat and animal by-products raised under Grass Fed protocols is superior to that of grain-fed animals.
Despite a lower level of fat, meat from Grass Fed animals also contains % more omega-3 fatty acids than meat from grain-fed animals and the average ratio of omega-6: omega-3 in Grass Fed beef is 1.53:1 compared to 7.65:1 in grain-fed beef.

4. Human Health Benefits
In addition to the increase in omega-3 fatty acids, meat and dairy products from Grass Fed ruminants are a superior source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), often containing % more CLA than products from grain-fed ruminants.

5. Animal Health Benefits
Cattle easily digest grasses and legumes
A sudden shift in the ruminant’s diet from grass to grain can result in major upset to the animal’s digestive system
The shift in diet can escalate to further health problems such as lameness
It takes longer to finish animals however extra time improves animal welfare, flavor and superior nutrient profile

6. Environmental Benefits
Well managed pasture rotations
Marginal land is utilized to raise livestock
Restoring pasture and grassland ecosystems can help to sequester excess carbon

7. Certification Benefits
Third party annual verification that ruminant animals are managed in compliance with a comprehensive Grass Fed standard ensures consumer confidence in the term “Grass Fed” on product labels.

8. Standards 5 Livestock Feeding
6 Animal Care and Identification Protocols
7 Parallel Production
8 Records and Traceability Protocols
9 Processing
10 Labelling
11 Referenced Publications
Appendix A - Permitted Supplements and Substances Lists

9. Livestock Feeding
Livestock must be provided with continuous access to pasture as appropriate for the species
Feed produced from GE (Genetically Engineered) or GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seed is prohibited
Proper record keeping is essential

10. Markets
The labeled Grass Fed market grew from $17 Million in 2012 to $272 Million in 2016

11. Questions?