Have you ever stood in the supermarket, staring at the shelves and wondering, is organic chicken free-range? You’re not alone.
These labels can be confusing, but fear not! Here at Bird & Barrow, we’re committed to promoting ethical and sustainable practices while raising happy and healthy free-range chicken in NZ.
We want to empower you to make informed choices about the chicken you buy. So, let’s shed some light on the free-range vs organic chicken debate!
Understanding the Labels: Demystifying Organic and Free-Range
When it comes to chicken in New Zealand, understanding free-range and organic certifications can be a game changer. These labels are more than just marketing – they hold producers to stricter standards, impacting bird welfare, the environment, and potentially even your health.
Here, we unpack these certifications to help you make informed choices about the birds you bring home.
Organic Chicken Certification
Certified organic chicken in New Zealand must meet strict standards set by BioGro or AsureQuality, the two main certification bodies for organic produce. These standards are broadly aligned with international organic regulations and cover factors that contribute to the overall health of the chickens, the environment, and potentially, your health too.
These NZ standards state that organic chickens must be fed 100% certified organic feed, free from synthetics, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This organic feed is typically derived from plants grown in soil that hasn’t been treated with these kinds of prohibited substances.
Organic chickens must also have unrestricted outdoor access during daylight hours, with adequate space for roaming and other natural behaviours. BioGro regulations specify a minimum of 10 square metres of pasture per bird.
The routine use of antibiotics and added hormones is strictly prohibited in organic chickens. It should be noted that antibiotics may be used in rare cases of illness. But the birds must then undergo a withdrawal period before slaughter to ensure no antibiotic residues remain in the meat.
Overall, organic standards aim for higher levels of animal welfare. In practical terms, this means fewer birds per square metre in both housing and outdoor areas, and environmental enrichment like perches and music to promote physical and mental well-being.
Free-Range Chicken Certification
When it comes to organic vs free-range chicken, “free-range” in New Zealand doesn’t have a single, universally accepted definition. While the label is not as strictly regulated as organic, there are some general guidelines designed to ensure the chicken’s welfare.
Most importantly, free-range chickens must have some access to the outdoors, but the regulations are less stringent than organic. The size, quality, and duration of this access can vary greatly. It could be a small enclosure with limited space or a larger area with more fresh air and sunshine.
Free-range chickens are fed a wide range of dietary options, allowing for more flexibility in their feed sources. While the free-range label itself doesn’t guarantee specific standards, many free-range producers strive to provide their chickens with ample space, environmental enrichments, and ethical treatment.
Free-Range vs Organic Chicken: What are the Differences?
Clarifying the differences between organic vs free-range chicken certification comes down to four key factors: feed, access, sustainability, and welfare. It’s useful to take a closer look at this list to understand the pair and make the right choice for your family.
Types of Feed
The difference in feed between organic and free-range chickens can be significant. Organic feed is generally considered to be healthier for the chickens, with potentially positive implications for you as well.
Outdoor Access
While both organic and free-range chickens have access to the outdoors, the quality and quantity of that access can vary greatly. Organic standards generally require a more meaningful outdoor experience, with space for the chickens to roam and express natural behaviours like scratching and dust bathing.
Environmental Impact
Organic farming practices generally have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional farming methods used to raise free-range chickens. This is in part because organic standards promote practices like crop rotation and cover cropping, which help to improve soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Additionally, organic chicken production typically uses less water and energy resources.
Animal Welfare
In short, animal welfare standards are generally higher for organically raised chickens. Lower stocking densities in organic production allow the chickens more space to move around and exhibit natural behaviours. Additionally, organic standards require access to perches and nesting boxes, which contribute to the chickens’ physical and mental well-being.
Is Organic Chicken Free-Range?
It’s a common question we often hear, and the answer is no. Or rather, not necessarily.
Here’s why:
Certified organic chicken in New Zealand guarantees outdoor access for the birds, with specific minimum space requirements.
Free-range chicken has looser regulations. While some access to the outdoors is required, the specifics are vague.
So, since organic certification mandates outdoor access, but free-range regulations are less strict, organic chicken can be free-range, but free-range chicken isn’t guaranteed to be organic.
Choose the Right Chicken for You With This Simple 3-Step Guide
Despite their differences, we believe it’s clear that organic and free-range whole chicken can both offer significant advantages to conventionally raised chicken. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice between free-range vs organic chicken:
- Budget: Organic chicken typically comes with a higher price tag due to the stricter production standards.
- Animal Welfare: While organic chicken generally adheres to stricter standards, it’s worth exploring specific free-range brands like Bird & Barrow, who are known for their pride and commitment to animal welfare.
- Environmental Impact: If minimising your environmental footprint is important to you, organic chicken is the more sustainable option due to its focus on responsible farming practices.
Bird & Barrow’s Commitment to Free-Range Chicken
At Bird & Barrow, we believe in producing chickens that are not only healthy and delicious, but also raised with the utmost respect for their well-being and the environment. We’re committed to raising some of the happiest and healthiest free-range chooks in NZ! Here’s how we do it:
Free to Roam
We provide our chickens with significant space to roam, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviours, reducing stress and promoting overall health.
Enriched Living Environments
Our chicken houses are equipped with pecking objects and music via radios, providing a stimulating and enriching environment that promotes physical and mental well-being.
Sustainable Practices
We are committed to environmentally responsible practices throughout our entire farming process. This includes using sustainable feed sources, water conservation techniques, and responsible waste management.
Make an Informed & Ethical Choice About Your Chicken – Shop Online with Bird & Barrow Today!
By understanding the key differences between organic vs free-range chicken, you can make an educated decision that aligns with your values and priorities.
At Bird & Barrow, we’re passionate about providing NZ families with the highest quality chicken, raised with care and respect.
We invite you to explore our range of delicious and ethically raised free-range chicken. Learn more about our farming practices and find a stockist near you.
Ready to experience the difference? Shop Bird & Barrow free-range chicken today!
