verified Transparency & Quality

Farm Rating System

This is a farm operation rating system for farmers selling meat processed by the Earth First Food mobile abattoir, including a pathway for regenerative farming operations.

This Tier system helps both farmers and consumers easily identify the type of farming operation and the quality of meat they are buying or raising. It creates a clear framework for understanding the differences in farming operations, animal welfare standards and overall quality. This makes it easier for everyone to make informed decisions.

* Organic farms can be included in this system and be identified by Tier (X) + Organic.

Baseline

Conventional Farming

info
Conventional farming practices.
rule
No requirements on farming practices other than what is required by NZ law.
science
Conventional farms commonly use synthetic fertilisers as well as herbicides, pesticides and fungicides along with other agrochemicals.

Starting the Journey

Tier 1 – Regenerative Pathway

grass
Plant or promote diverse grazing pastures on at least 10% of productive land. Note: without seeding, diverse pastures are promoted using adaptive grazing management.
trending_down
Reduce synthetic fertiliser inputs.
biotech
Baseline plus annual Soil Food Web Total Package soil testing.
moving
Work towards Tier 2.

Advancing Practices

Tier 2 – Regenerative Pathway

Tier 1 plus the following:

block
Eliminate all synthetic fertilisers.
compost
Replace synthetic fertilisers with biological inputs on entire operation or eliminate all fertilisers.
agriculture
Minimise soil disturbance by using no till methods and by using grazing management practices that reduce pugging.
biotech
Baseline plus 2 yearly Soil Food Web Total Package soil testing.
moving
Work towards Tier 3.

workspace_premium The Gold Standard

Tier 3 – Regenerative

Tier 2 plus the following:

sync
Implement adaptive grazing management with generally at least daily animal moves on at least 80% of productive land for at least 9 months of the year.
nature
Ensure adequate pasture recovery on adaptively grazed pastures before re-grazing.
health_and_safety
Demonstrate reduced reliance on, or eliminate pharmaceutical animal health inputs within 2 years.
pest_control
Demonstrate reduced reliance on, or eliminate pesticides, fungicides and other agrochemicals.