What is organic chicken? What qualifies as organic? What are the benefits of organic? We have the answers to your commonly asked questions.
Choosing organic chicken offers several benefits. Foster farms organic chickens are free range, air chilled, and 100% organic vegetarian fed. †† 100% natural* with no added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics ever. Supporting organic chicken also means endorsing sustainable and humane farming practices, providing chickens with outdoor access and allowing them to engage in natural behaviors.
From an environmental perspective, organic chicken farming reduces synthetic chemical use. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming helps protect soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
Organic chicken is poultry raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These chickens are fed an organic diet free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
The USDA requires that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.
The certification process for organic chicken involves rigorous inspections and audits by accredited certifying bodies. These organizations ensure farms meet organic standards set by government regulations, verifying feed sources, living conditions, and the absence of antibiotics and added hormones. Once all requirements are met, farms are granted organic certification, allowing them to label their products as organic.
All certified animals must receive 100% certified organic feed. All pastures must also be certified organic. All non-organic certified feed supplements, including minerals, must be approved by your certifier. Antibiotics, GMO derived products, animal by-products and synthetic preservatives are not permitted in any feed products. Be sure that any mineral/feed supplements do not contain prohibited ingredients (such as mineral oil). Agricultural substances in feed supplements (molasses, soy oil, etc. ) must be certified organic.
Research shows that organic chicken farming reduces synthetic chemical use. Through organic farming practices we are improving water quality, conserving energy, increasing biodiversity, and contributing to soil health.
Foster Farms organic chickens are raised on certified organic farms and fed an organic diet. You can count on Foster Farms to be dedicated to ensuring high quality and taste.
By choosing organic chicken, you make a healthier choice for your family and support sustainable and responsible farming practices.
At Foster Farms, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality organic chicken that meets certified organic farming standards. Our organic fed chicken is raised with care, ensuring the best quality and taste. Choose Foster Farms organic chicken for a healthier, more sustainable option.
Find the perfect chicken cut for your next recipe with our delicious Foster Farms organic chicken products.
Look for the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic logo on packaging. The USDA organic seal ensures the chicken meets strict production standards, including feed, housing, and outdoor access.
Organic chicken has become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly does “organic” mean when it comes to poultry? This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about organic chicken, from farming practices to health benefits.
The Definition of Organic Chicken
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established clear standards that poultry must meet in order to be certified organic. At its core, organic chicken must be:
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Raised using organic farming methods from no later than the second day after hatching
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Fed only 100% certified organic feed and never given antibiotics or hormones
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Provided year-round access to the outdoors and direct sunlight
Organic certification is based on protecting the health and well-being of animals and the environment. It’s an all-around approach that takes into account the whole lifecycle of the chicken.
The Benefits of Organic Chicken
Choosing organic chicken offers several advantages:
Nutrition. Studies show organic chicken contains more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants than conventionally raised chicken. The varied diet and natural lifestyle enhance the nutritional quality.
Flavor. Organic chickens have stronger flavors because they eat better and have better genes. Many describe organic chicken as tasting significantly better.
Animal welfare. Because of organic standards, the chickens can do what comes naturally to them outside, where they have plenty of room to run, dust bathe, and eat.
Environmental sustainability. Organic production promotes soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation by avoiding synthetic chemicals.
No antibiotics or hormones. Preventative use of antibiotics and hormones are prohibited on organic farms, reducing human exposure.
Organic Chicken Farming Practices
Organic Feed
Animal products are not used in the food that organic chickens eat. Their food has to be 100% certified organic, which means it was grown without using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Specific approved supplements can be added to balance the diet.
Access to Outdoors
Outdoor access is mandatory for organic poultry. The space must allow chickens to exhibit natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. Many organic producers aim to provide over 2 square feet per bird. Mobile coops may be used to give birds fresh pasture.
Healthcare
Organic standards emphasize preventative health measures like good sanitation, ventilation, and stress reduction. While vaccines are allowed, antibiotics can only be used if a chicken becomes ill and must then leave the organic program.
Breed Selection
Organic farmers often choose breeds adapted to thriving outdoors, such as Plymouth Rocks, Dominiques, and Wyandottes. The use of genetically engineered or artificially produced breeds is prohibited.
Living Conditions
Chickens must be kept in conditions that limit stress and allow natural behaviors. This means sufficient indoor space, perches, dust bathing areas, and natural light. Beak trimming and other mutilations are not allowed.
Comparing Organic and Conventional Chicken
There are some notable differences between organic chicken and conventionally raised chicken:
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Price: Organic chicken costs more to produce so it retails for a higher price, often 50% or more than conventional.
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Antibiotic usage: Preventative antibiotics are standard in conventional poultry but prohibited for organic. This helps reduce antibiotic resistance.
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Living conditions: While “free-range” chickens have outdoor access, the space and freedom to move is typically more limited than organic standards.
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Feed: Conventional chicken feed contains animal by-products and GMOs, both prohibited in organic production.
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Availability: Conventional chicken dominates the majority of the market while organic options are less common but growing.
Identifying and Purchasing Organic Chicken
Look for the USDA Organic Seal
The green and white USDA Organic seal is the best way to verify chicken is certified organic. Other labels like “natural,” “free-range,” and “cage-free” don’t ensure organic standards were met.
Read Labels Closely
Check ingredients on processed products to confirm all ingredients are organic. “Made with organic” means it contains at least 70% organic ingredients.
Support Local Organic Farms
Visiting farmers markets, local food cooperatives, and independent organic farms is a great way to get high-quality organic chicken and support sustainable agriculture.
Research Brands Online
For online purchases, research the brand’s farming practices and certifications to ensure the organic label is trustworthy. Customer reviews can help too.
Cooking with Organic Chicken
Organic chicken performs extremely well in recipes. Its robust flavor really shines through when cooked properly. Here are some tips:
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Allow the chicken to fully thaw if frozen before cooking
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Pat the chicken dry and lightly season with salt, pepper, herbs or spices
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Roast, grill, sauté or bake – organic chicken works great with all cooking methods
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute
Organic chicken provides a simple way to upgrade your favorite weeknight meals, from hearty chicken noodle soup to golden roasted whole chicken. The possibilities are endless!
The Future of Organic Chicken
Consumer demand for organic chicken continues to steadily grow. This encourages more farmers to adopt organic practices and innovations that make organic production more efficient and affordable. With greater awareness of the benefits of organic standards for health, animal welfare and sustainability, the future looks bright for organic chicken.
Free Range Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders
ORGANIC vs. NON-ORGANIC CHICKEN | What’s The Difference?
FAQ
What qualifies chicken as organic?
These standards include: The birds must be raised organically no later than two days after they hatch; They must be fed certified organic feed for their entire lives.
What is the difference between organic chicken and regular chicken?
Antibiotics and growth hormones: Antibiotics and growth hormones are not used on organic chickens during their raising, so they grow in a more natural way. Organic feed: Chickens are fed certified organic feed, which is non-GMO and free from synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
How can you tell if chicken is organic?
Organic Chicken The “organic” label is a good one to look out for, but keep in mind it just means that the chickens have been fed a certified organic diet and often — but not always — means the farming practices used in feeding the birds are better.
Which is better, organic or free range chicken?
4. Organic chicken may be healthier for us. While there is no significant nutritional difference between organic and factory-farmed chicken, non-organic chickens who are frequently given antibiotics can develop antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria–plus they’re more likely to be infected with salmonella.