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1) The Animal Welfare Approved program audits and certifies family farms raising their animals humanely, outdoors on pasture or range.

2) Farmers who earn the AWA seal benefit from having a third-party verification of their high-welfare practices and consumers benefit by knowing that the humane label means what it says.

3) Animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range on true family farms with the “most stringent” humane animal welfare standards according to the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

4) AWA is able to offer this certification and technical and marketing services to farmers at no charge.

5) Because AWA is not financially dependent on farmer fees, the program is unbiased and completely transparent.

6) Animal Welfare Approved is pleased to announce a call for proposals for its 2011-2012 Good Husbandry Grants

7) Slaughter plants working with or seeking to work with AWA farmers are also eligible for funding.

8) Certified farmers and those who have submitted an application for AWA certification may apply for up to $5,000 towards projects such as mobile housing, breeding stock, and on-farm processing equipment.

9) The funding priorities for this year’s cycle include improved genetics, increased outdoor access, welfare improvements in the slaughter process and non-lethal predator control

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