Free Farmed Certification
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Press Release

June 14, 2001

Lacey Toney
Adele Douglass

A certification mark of Farm Animal Services

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Vale Wood Farms Second Dairy to Qualify for American Humane Association Free Farmed Label

Washington, DC - The American Humane Association (AHA) and Farm Animal Services (FAS) today announced that Vale Wood Farms of Loretto, Pennsylvania is the second dairy in the nation to qualify for the Free Farmed label.

The label, unveiled this past fall, is the first-ever program to certify that farm animals are raised in a humane manner. A Free Farmed label on products ensures consumers that the milk they purchase from Vale Wood Farms comes from animals that were treated according to animal welfare standards developed by AHA.

“I’m pleased to announce today that Vale Wood Farms is the second dairy in the United States to qualify for the Free Farmed label,” said Adele Douglass, Executive Director of FAS, which administers and monitors the Free Farmed program. “Consumers now have even more opportunity to make a difference in the lives of farm animals by purchasing Free Farmed labeled milk from Vale Wood Farms. With every beef, chicken, egg or dairy producer added to the Free Farmed program, this consumer movement to improve the lives of farm animals grows.”

“We have always recognized the value of caring for our animals in balance with the environment,” said William Itle, President of Vale Wood Farms. “We look forward to our relationship with the American Humane Association. The Free Farmed label is one you can trust and buy with confidence. Our cows will be glad you did.”

The American Humane Association launched the Free Farmed program in September 2000. The certification program is administered by Farm Animal Services, a nonprofit organization created by AHA. FAS oversees the inspection, certification, and compliance of producers and other businesses that have applied for the Free Farmed label. The United States Department of Agriculture verifies FAS’s inspection process.

The label is awarded based on animal welfare standards developed by the AHA Scientific Committee. The standards outline the housing, and environmental conditions for the animals, and also contain education standards for farm management and staff. The AHA Scientific Committee includes experts in the animal care, veterinary, animal behavior and animal welfare fields with experience in ethical and humane treatment of animals. Currently, standards are in place for egg-laying hens, broiler chickens, dairy and beef cattle, and pigs.

Founded in Pennsylvania over 65 years ago, Vale Wood Farms now has fourth generation family members working in the dairy business. In an industry where larger size and consolidation have become a standard, Vale Wood Farms seeks to maintain its unique ability to bring the very best of dairy products to its customers. Vale Wood Farms now offers a complete line of milk and dairy products to Pennsylvania stores, schools, and home delivery customers.