Certifier Summit G.A.P. Headquarters

In November, EarthClaim’s leadership team visited beautiful Austin, Texas where we convened with G.A.P. staff for their Annual Certifier Summit. The Summit reinforced our strong ties and partnership with GAP. We had the opportunity to discuss the many projects that were underway during 2017, including new farm animal welfare standards for several species, the Better Chicken Welfare Initiative and the near final version of the Broiler Chicken standard. G.A.P. staff updated us with more details on their expanding partnerships into the pet food market as well as with food service organizations and other retailers who will significantly broaden the reach of G.A.P. products. Our staff were encouraged to learn more that 84% of consumers ranked ‘better living conditions for farm animals as “important” to their purchase decision.

We looked forward to marking this year as a special milestone in G.A.P.’s history-the 10th anniversary! Anne Malleau, G.A.P.’s Executive Director reflected on their humble beginnings as a small grassroots farm animal welfare organization that has grown to become the world’s largest animal welfare organization and often upheld as the ‘gold’ bar for animal welfare standards. We are proud to be one of the three certifiers furthering this good work.