To: fsispetitions@usda.gov
Subject: RE: Petition: 26-01

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is [Name], and I am a poultry farmer raising birds in a pasture-based system.

Farms like mine invest significant time and labor into raising hens on real pasture using mobile housing that is regularly moved to fresh ground. This system allows birds continual access to living vegetation and reflects what most consumers expect when they see the term “pasture raised.”

Currently, the term “pasture raised” is not consistently defined across egg products. Because shell eggs fall under FDA jurisdiction while poultry meat and egg products are regulated by USDA, the same label claim can be used for very different production systems.

This lack of consistency creates confusion for consumers and makes it harder for farmers using true pasture-based systems to distinguish their products in the marketplace.

Aligning labeling standards across agencies and applying the existing USDA definition of “pasture raised” consistently across egg products would help ensure that the label reflects real pasture-based farming practices.

Clear, consistent labeling supports transparency for consumers and fair competition for farmers who are raising birds on pasture.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this comment.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Farm Name]
[City, State]

To: fsispetitions@usda.gov
Subject: RE: Petition: 26-01

To Whom It May Concern,

I am submitting this comment as a consumer who intentionally seeks out eggs from farms that raise hens on real pasture.

When I see eggs labeled “pasture raised,” I expect that the hens are actually living on pasture with access to living vegetation where they can forage. Right now that term is not consistently defined across egg products, which makes it difficult for consumers to understand how eggs are produced.

Aligning egg labeling with the existing USDA definition of “pasture raised” would help ensure the label reflects real pasture-based farming and reduce confusion for consumers.

Clear labeling helps consumers make informed choices and supports farmers who are raising hens on pasture.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[City, State]

You do not need to give a speech or explain federal policy. Just mention it.

Most customers who support pasture-raised farms already understand the idea. They simply need to know there is an opportunity to help.

Example:

“There are two federal petitions open right now to make sure the term ‘pasture raised’ actually reflects real pasture. If you have a minute later, you can leave a quick comment to support it.”

That is enough. If someone is interested, point them to the link.

Farm Stand
“We’re working with other pasture-based farms to help protect the meaning of the term ‘pasture raised.’ Two federal petitions are open asking regulators to make sure the label reflects how hens are actually raised. If you have a minute later, you can leave a short comment.”

CSA or Egg Pickup
“APPPA has filed two petitions asking federal regulators to align the definition of ‘pasture raised’ for eggs with the same standard used for poultry. If you care about clear labeling, you can submit a short public comment.”

Social Media
“We’re supporting a national effort to protect the meaning of ‘pasture raised.’ Two federal petitions are open for public comment right now. If you support pasture-based farms, you can leave a short comment here.”

On most pasture-based farms, hens live outdoors on real pasture with living vegetation. Farmers typically use mobile shelters that are moved regularly to fresh ground so birds always have access to forage and new pasture.

This is the system many consumers expect when they see the term “pasture raised.”

The petitions ask federal regulators to apply the same understanding of pasture-raised used for poultry products to egg labeling.