What is CARE Certified?
CARE Certified is a comprehensive, third-party verified sustainability certification developed by Where Food Comes From to define what it truly means to farm and ranch responsibly. The program focuses on humane animal care, responsible resource management, and strengthening community ties, helping align with consumer demand for regenerative production practices while fostering long-term sustainability.
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CARE stands for Community of Agriculturalists who Respect the Earth, and is built around three core pillars:
01
Animal
Care
Animal Health & Well-Being
Biosecurity & Secure Supply
Responsible Use of Antibiotics
Humane Handling Practices
02
Environmental Stewardship
Biodiversity Protection
Conservation Mindset
Water Resource Management
Land & Habitat Regeneration
03
People &
Community
Worker Safety
Emergency Preparedness
Succession Planning
Local Community Support
What the CARE Certified Seal Means: When you see the CARE Certified label, it signals that the animal care, environmental practices, and community commitments behind the product have been independently verified. Each operation earns certification through annual audits and dedicated continuous improvement—offering a clear, trusted definition of responsible production.
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CARE By The Numbers
End of Year 2024 Stats
1.2 Million
Head of Cattle
35
Participating States
1,292
Participating Locations
42 Million
Estimated Grazing Acres
Our CARE Certified Partners
Brands Bringing CARE Certified Products to Market
CARE Certified connects the future of agriculture to the choices we make today.