Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certification
What is Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate?
Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) is a non-profit organization committed to improving the welfare of farm animals throughout the entire food production process, from birth to slaughter. HFAC is best known for its Certified Humane® Raised and Handled program, a voluntary certification initiative that sets rigorous standards for the humane treatment of animals. Farmers and food processors who meet these standards are granted the Certified Humane® label, which serves as a trustworthy marker of animal welfare. This certification helps farmers distinguish their products in the marketplace while giving consumers the power to support humanely raised animal products with their purchasing choices.
HFAC’s approach is grounded in transparency and scientific rigor. The organization publicizes its detailed, evidence-based standards so that the public can understand exactly how animals under the Certified Humane® seal are treated. The standards are shaped by a combination of scientific research, expert veterinary advice, and the practical knowledge of experienced farmers. By collaborating with leading animal scientists, veterinarians, and agricultural producers, HFAC ensures that the guidelines are not only scientifically sound but also practical for those in the farming industry.
The ongoing development of HFAC’s standards reflects the organization’s commitment to the continuous improvement of farm animal welfare. HFAC regularly reviews new scientific findings and updates its standards to incorporate the latest information on humane farming practices. This dedication to evolving based on current knowledge ensures that the Certified Humane® program remains at the forefront of animal welfare certification, offering consumers a reliable way to support humane farming practices while helping farmers meet the growing demand for ethically produced food.
Benefits of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate
Ensures Humane Treatment of Animals
The Certified Humane® label guarantees that farm animals are raised and handled according to strict animal welfare standards. These standards cover all aspects of animal care, from proper housing and nutrition to safe and respectful handling.
Increases Consumer Confidence
The Certified Humane® seal provides consumers with a reliable way to choose ethically produced animal products. Knowing that the products they purchase have been produced under humane conditions boosts consumer confidence.
Market Differentiation for Producers
Earning the Certified Humane® label allows farmers and producers to stand out in a competitive market. The certification serves as a recognizable symbol that differentiates their products from others, signaling to consumers that the animals used for their products were treated with care and respect.
Access to a Growing Ethical Market
As more consumers seek ethically produced food, obtaining the Certified Humane® certification opens up access to a market segment that values animal welfare. This growing demand for humane products allows producers to tap into a broader customer base, increasing potential sales and enhancing their reputation in the industry.
Supports Continuous Improvement in Farming Practices
The standards set by HFAC are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific research and best practices in animal welfare. By participating in this certification program, farmers gain access to the latest knowledge and techniques to improve their practices.
Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations
The Certified Humane® program helps farmers and producers stay ahead of evolving industry regulations related to animal welfare. By meeting these rigorous standards, they can be confident that their practices align with current laws and ethical expectations.
Who can apply for Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate?
Farms raising livestock
Poultry producers
Dairy farms
Egg producers
Meat processors
Dairy processors
Egg processors
Producers of animal by-products
Documents Required for Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to HFAC Certificate requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- HAFC Certificate Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to HAFC Certificate requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- Certificates issued under have a validity period as
- Initial Certification: Valid for 1 year from the date of qualification.
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Who can issue the Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) Certificate?
FAQ
The Certified Humane® program is a voluntary certification that ensures farm animals are raised and handled according to strict animal welfare standards. The program covers all aspects of animal care, including housing, nutrition, and humane handling, from birth through slaughter.
Farmers and food producers involved in livestock, poultry, dairy, eggs, meat processing, and other related sectors can apply for this certification. This includes farms raising animals for meat, poultry producers, dairy and egg producers, and processors.
The validity period of the Certified Humane® certification is 1 year. After one year, farmers and producers must undergo a re-certification process to maintain their certification status.
The certification ensures humane treatment of animals, increases consumer confidence, helps market products as ethically produced, provides access to an ethical consumer base, and supports continuous improvement in farming practices.
To apply, you need to contact Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) and complete an application. The process includes a thorough inspection of your farm or processing facility to ensure it meets the program’s standards.
Yes, an on-site inspection is required as part of the certification process. An independent third-party auditor will visit your farm or processing facility to ensure compliance with the Certified Humane® standards.
Once you are certified, you can use the Certified Humane® logo on your product packaging to showcase that your products meet the humane treatment standards set by HFAC.
If you do not meet the standards, HFAC will provide guidance on how to rectify the issues. You will be given a timeline to implement changes and a follow-up inspection may be required before certification is granted.