American Grassfed

Grassfed producers began collaborating in early 2003 with initial support from the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Cooperative Development Center in Denver, Colorado. Later, the American Grassfed Association (AGA) secured a $25,000 USDA Business Development Grant to help raise awareness of the association among producers, industry professionals, and consumers.

In its formative years, one of AGA’s main objectives was working with the USDA to establish a clear legal definition for grassfed products and introduce a labeling program that would allow producers to charge a premium for products that met this definition, while also offering consumers a trustworthy option for purchasing grassfed items. When the USDA released its definition in 2006, AGA’s producers and leadership chose to create a more rigorous standard. The AGA certification and standards were officially introduced in 2009. After the USDA withdrew its definition, AGA’s standards became the recognized benchmark for grassfed meat, dairy, poultry, and pork production, endorsed by a variety of leading industry organizations.

Beyond offering certification to grassfed producers, AGA also works to educate consumers, chefs, and the media about the benefits of grassfed products and serves as a key information source. Additionally, AGA advocates for policy changes that support pasture-based farming practices.