The herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle at Rycote Park Farm is now Certified Animal Welfare Approved and Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (AGW). This is the first Oxfordshire farm to meet the programme’s standards, which were developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers and farmers across the globe to maximise practicable, high-welfare farm management.
Part of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered by respected international certifier, A Greener World, the Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by AGW label verifies animals are raised outdoors on pasture in accordance with world-renowned welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent farm. Newly launched in the UK, AWA is part of the suite of “Certified By” seals offered by A Greener World Global, along with Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, which are optional, additional accreditations for AWA farms.
Situated near the town of Thame in Oxfordshire, Rycote Park Farm is set on the site of a mansion originally built in Tudor times, but almost completely demolished in 1807. Farm Manager Hugo Comyn is responsible for managing the herd of pedigree Angus cattle on the farm on the species-rich pastures of the estate.
With the growing disconnect of consumers from the source of their food and increasing demand for meaningful welfare standards, Rycote Park Farm found it essential to have third-party validation demonstrating their exceptional welfare and environmental practices to a market hungry for honest information about their food. In addition to being Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, the cattle at Rycote Park Farm are also Certified Grassfed by AGW. This label is the only grassfed label to guarantee a 100% grassfed diet, audited annually to ensure farms are meeting rigorous animal welfare standards. For more information on AGW certifications in the marketplace see this chart comparing grassfed labels.
A Greener World UK and Europe Executive Director Wayne Copp says,
“We are thrilled to partner with Rycote Park Farm in celebrating their farm, and our growing family of farms in the UK and Europe. It has never been more critical for farmers to be fully understood by consumers, and we are honoured to support this though an uncomplicated, independent and credible certification marque that can be trusted to mean what is says on that label: Grassfed. Animal – Welfare – Approved.
Rycote Park Farm’s certifications from A Greener World recognise that high standards of animal welfare and environmental management are not only good for farmed livestock and the planet, but that labelling with our seal makes good commercial sense in speaking clearly and directly to consumers seeking food they can feel good about. What Rycote Park Farm has achieved is nothing short of an inspiration for all forward-thinking UK producers.
