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Buying Meat Online: the Benefits of Free Range and Organic Meat Delivery
Article Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is organic meat?
- 3. Organic certification requirements
- 4. What is free range meat?
- 5. Free range certification requirements
- 6. Organic vs free range meat
- 7. Is organic meat better than free range meat?
- 8. Is grass-fed meat organic?
- 9. Is free range and organic meat better for the environment?
- 10. What’s the difference between free range meat and conventional meat?
- 11. Why organic free range meat is better than conventional meat?
- 12. Comparison Chart:
- 13. Summary
- 14. Conclusion
As a down-to-earth couple committed to a simple, sustainable life, we always try to prioritise ethical choices, especially when it comes to animal welfare. So, in this post, we explore the two main “high welfare” meat options available to conscientious consumers—free-range and organic—and discuss the differences between them..
Lorna x
1. Introduction
As a down-to-earth couple committed to a simple, sustainable lifestyle, we try to embrace self-sufficiency in all that we do. Keeping our own free range chickens in our garden and producing our own honey from our beehive are ethical choices that, we feel, help us lower our carbon footprint and live in balance with nature.
A free range meat diet is another ethical choice in our journey towards self-sufficiency and one that reflects two of our greatest our passions—sustainable farming and animal welfare.
Source: Generative AI
Happily, we are not alone in this mission, as the chart above clearly illustrates. But sourcing, ethical free-range meat isn’t always straightforward. Meat isn’t always as advertised, especially in supermarkets, where ambiguous or misleading labelling can sometimes allow conventional meat to be passed off as high welfare, free range or even organic.
2. What is organic meat?
In the UK, organic meat mostly means poultry, pork, lamb and beef that has been grown according to strict animal welfare standards
For their meat to qualify as organic, farmers must adhere to stringent rules of animal husbandry as dictated by government approved certifying bodies like the Soil Association.
3. Organic certification requirements
The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, particularly when it comes to organic meat, and it imposes very strict conditions on producers who want organic certification for their meat products. These conditions include:
- Animal welfare: Organic certification demands all animals have permanent access to outdoor space and pasture, so as to promote natural behaviour.
- Diet: Animal feed must be 100% grass (or mainly grass with partial organic feed) and free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Medication: Animals must not be given antibiotics or growth hormones. In the UK, growth hormones are banned in all meat products, both domestic and imported.
- Breeding: Animals should be bred naturally, using non-artificial methods. Cloning and genetically modified animals are strictly prohibited in the UK.
- Transportation and slaughter: Animals must be transported across shorter distances to abattoirs that are organically-certified to process organic meat.
- Certification and inspections: Organic farmers must keep meticulous records on their animals’ feed, grazing and health treatments and must undergo regular inspections to maintain certification.
All organic meat is free range because it meets and surpasses the standard that free range meat producers have to live up to. But free range meat that does not have organic certification cannot be considered as organic.
4. What is free range meat?
In the UK, standard free-range meat mostly means poultry, pork, lamb and beef that has been raised and kept according to specific standards of animal husbandry.
Though not as strict as organic, free range producers must still ensure significantly better living conditions for animals than more traditional farming methods do.
5. Free range certification requirements
Where organic rules tend to be more comprehensive and inflexible, rules on free range meat production are less strict, with different rules for different types of livestock. For example:
- Poultry: Chickens and turkeys must have continuous daytime access to outdoor areas for at least half their lives. The outdoor space must allow natural behaviours like scratching and foraging and indoor areas should have perches, nesting boxes and enriched environments to promote natural behaviours.
- Pigs: Free-range pigs must have permanent access to outdoor areas, which have to be suitable for natural rooting and wallowing behaviour.
- Cattle: Free range cattle must be allowed to graze on pasture for most of their lives, depending on weather conditions.
- Sheep and goats: Sheep, lambs and goats must be allowed to graze on pasture for most of their lives, depending on weather conditions.
- Space: All free range animals, whether indoors or outdoors, must have living space enough to be able to exhibit natural behaviour.
- Medication: Growth hormones are strictly prohibited in all UK meat products, domestic and imported. However, free-range certification does not prohibit the minimal use of antibiotics when necessary to ensure animal health.
- Certification and Inspections: Free range farms are subject to regular inspections by certifying bodies to ensure compliance, though these inspections may not be as stringent or as regular as organic inspections.
In summary, UK free-range certification aims to ensure animals are given sufficient outdoor access, space to move and engage in natural behaviours, with higher welfare standards than conventional practices.
6. Organic vs free range meat
The differences between free range meat and organ meat are not always obvious, as there is considerable overlap between the two.
Free range farming can be just as conscientious as organic with most free range producers upholding the same high standards.
As already stated, organic meat is free range but free range meat cannot be considered truly organic unless it meets the high standards of organic certification. But, as we shall see, free range farming can be just as conscientious as organic and most free range producers uphold the same high standards, despite being uncertified as such.
Organic meat
Organic meat comes from animals raised in ways that meet organic certification standards, which are stricter and more comprehensive than traditional or even free-range farming standards dictate.
Animal welfare is at the heart of organic farming with humane treatment of animals and good animal husbandry being of paramount importance. Organic farms often have smaller flocks and herds than non-organic, which promotes natural behaviour and reduces stress.
Eco-friendly practices such as rotational grazing that improve soil health and encourage biodiversity also play an important role in organic farming.
Pros
Organic meat is leaner and more flavoursome than conventional meat.
Organic meat typically has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, due to the natural grazing the animal has enjoyed throughout its life.
Organic farming certification denotes the highest standard of animal welfare and sustainability.
Organic farming is kinder to the environment, producing fewer animals, while promoting soil health and biodiversity
Cons
Organic meat is typically more expensive due to higher production and certification costs, making it less affordable for budget conscious consumers.
Organic meat is not as widely available as conventional meat, especially in urban areas and may not be cost effective for smaller butchers.
Organic meats are often sold in smaller quantities due to lower production yields, which can be off-putting to consumers who are used to the larger portion sizes of conventional meat.
Free range meat
The label “free-range“ is more ambiguous than “organic” and does not, in itself, guarantee good animal husbandry or higher a standard of animal welfare. It just means that animals are not confined to small pens or cages and have some access to the outdoors, though the amount of time, size and quality of outdoor space is not as specific as organic.
That said, ethical free range farmers, such as Field & Flower uphold most of the same organic practices that organic farms do, such as giving animals extensive use of pasture, which results in a slow grown product without the use of antibiotics and artificial feed.
Such producers often avoid supplying supermarkets and other mass markets, preferring instead to sell their produce to independent butchers and restaurants or directly to their customers by way of meat boxes. In this way, free range farmers can meet the same high standards of animal welfare, sustainability and traceability as organic farmers but without the extra cost of certification.
Pros
Most ethical free range farms employ the same standards of animal welfare as organic farms do.
Good quality, ethically produced free range meat can be just as good as organic and even up to restaurant standard.
Free range meat typically has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, due to the natural grazing the animal has enjoyed throughout its life.
Ethical free range farmers often don’t supply supermarkets, where ambiguous or misleading labelling can allow even conventional meat being passed-off as free range.
Ethically produced free range meat is often less expensive than organically certified meat, due to the lower setup and running costs of free range farms compared to organic.
Cons
Free-range doesn’t have to conform to the same strict standards as organic and farms are not as regulated or as frequently inspected.
Herd and flock sizes can sometimes be larger in free range farming, which may raise animal welfare concerns with some consumers.
Like organic, ethical free range meat producers usually don’t supply supermarkets, which can make true free range meats harder to find.
Free range and organic meat delivery box
Switching from supermarkets (and even butchers) to organic or free-range meat box delivery is a great way to buy ethically raised, high-quality meat.
And because most meat box delivery suppliers emphasise full traceability, it allows you to follow your meat’s journey from farm to table.
How to get free range and organic meat delivered
Many UK meat producers offer organic and free-range meat boxes that source from local farms, which focus on animal welfare and transparency.
- Field and Flower – free range meat delivery from free range farms
- Farm Fresh – organic meats online
- Campbells – high welfare meat from Scottish butchers
Benefits of free range and organic meat boxes
- Organic and free-range meats come from animals raised with high welfare standards.
- Grass-fed, organic, and free-range meat typically has more omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins (A and E), with no growth hormones or routine antibiotics.
- Meat box deliveries provide fresh, portioned cuts of meat directly to your door, with the option for scheduled deliveries to suit your needs.
- Free range and organic suppliers are usually small, family run farms that prioritise animal welfare and give their livestock ample freedom to roam in fields and meadows
- Meat box delivery suppliers emphasise full traceability, allowing you to follow your meat’s journey from farm to table.
7. Is organic meat better than free range meat?
Broadly, yes. Organic farming prioritises animal welfare and sustainable farming practices that some free range farming may not. For example, unethical practices like beak-trimming (in layer hens) and tail docking (in pigs) that are strictly prohibited in organic farming are only discouraged in free range farming.
However, as said, most ethical free-range producers normally eschew such practices anyway and are just as conscientious about animal welfare as their organic counterparts. Free range producers are also able to maintain the same high standards a organic farming, despite not being officially certified.
8. Is grass-fed meat organic?
Not necessarily. Although organic grass fed meat typically comes from animals like cattle, sheep or goats that have been fed exclusively on grass and other forage, the term “grass fed” doesn’t always mean the animal has had unlimited access to grazing.
“Grass-finished” or “Pasture Fed” are usually more reliable labels when denoting animals that have had permanent access to grazing.
Grass-fed can refer to an organic animal that ate grass throughout its entire life or a free range animal that was “grass-fed” for only part of its life or just in its final months. In other words, all organic animals are “grass fed” but not all grass fed animals can be certified as organic.
“Grass-finished” or “Pasture Fed” are usually more reliable labels when denoting animals that have had permanent access to grazing. But, again, these terms are not exclusive to organic animals, as many free range animals are given just as much access to grass/pasture organic animals are.
9. Is free range and organic meat better for the environment?
Though both organic and free range meat take more land and effort to produce, the environmental benefits are unquestionable. Free range and organic farming is gentler on the earth, protects wildlife and leaves a lower carbon footprint than conventional farming.
Also, the cost of producing organic/free range meat is much higher than conventional meat, which pushes up the retail cost. This means, by default, that those of us who choose high welfare meat tend to buy less of it, while making the most of leftovers (food thrift). This, again, reduces the impact of meat production on the environment.
10. What’s the difference between free range meat and conventional meat?
The main difference is in the way animals are reared and kept. In the UK, even conventional meat is grown to a much higher standard of animal welfare than in many other modern countries. But even these conditions still fall short of those enjoyed by free range animals.
Cheap chicken farming has one of the worst reputations for infringements to animal welfare.
As we will see, the standards of animal welfare applied to organic and free range animals makes it the only humane and sustainable way to consume meat.
Chicken & turkey
Chicken is by far the most consumed meat by humans and chickens are the most domesticated animal on earth. There are currently over 33 billion domestic chickens in the world, a worrying figure, given that there are just 50 billion wild birds on our planet!
Most chickens intended for the meat market are known as “broilers”, which are cheap, fast-grown, over-sized birds, whose meat supplies mainly supermarkets, fast food restaurants and other cheap chicken outlets, particularly in the U.S.
This kind of chicken farming has one of the worst reputations for infringements to animal welfare, with chickens being crammed into overcrowded barns in their thousands.
Thankfully, free range organic chicken and turkey farms do not raise their flocks in this inhumane way.
Both organic and free-range birds are slow-grown and usually sourced from small-scale, family-run farms, which prioritise animal welfare and give their flocks ample freedom to scratch around in fields and meadows.
Both free-range chickens and free range turkeys must have continuous daytime access to outdoor areas for at least half of their lives and this is extended further for organic birds. In both systems, birds must be able to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces during daylight hours. Indoors, there must be perches and enrichment and ample space to a maximum of 6 chickens per square metre.
Pork
Another much abused animal in conventional farming is the pig, often intensively reared in huge numbers in so-called “pig factories”.
Unlike free range pork producers, intensive pig farmers focus on maximising production and profit and typically house pigs in confined spaces which prevent natural behaviour and cause suffering.
In the UK, higher animal welfare standards for pig farming have restrictions on abusive practices (such as sow stalls and tail docking) which are still common in countries like the U.S, where free-range and organic pig farming is still a niche market.
However, even in the UK, standards for pig farming still fall woefully short of those practiced by free range and organic pork farms, who give their pigs continuous access to outdoor areas where they can roam, root, forage, and wallow freely.
Moreover, production is strictly regulated by government approved certification schemes like RSPCA Assured and Soil Association Organic.
Beef
Intensive beef farming, though admittedly less common in the UK than in other countries, still exists in some sectors of beef production and usually means confining animals indoors in “feedlots” where they are fed a grain-based diet to promote rapid growth before slaughter.
Free-range grass fed beef producers typically avoids such intensive farming practices, giving animals ample grazing and space to roam, access to shelter and lower stress levels.
Animals are allowed to live as naturally as possible and are only confined indoors during periods of inclement weather.
Whether free range beef and organic beef, farming is regulated by government approved certifying bodies, such as The Soil Association and RSPCA Assured, both of which ensure the minimum standards of animal welfare are adhered to. Fully grass-fed cattle producers can also apply to be certified by the Pasture for Life association, which upholds some of the strictest conditions for UK free-range livestock.
Lamb and mutton
Sheep are, perhaps, the least abused animal in the UK meat industry, with just 1% being farmed in intensive systems. In both free range and non-free range, natural grazing and high welfare are prioritised and sheep are usually only confined indoors for lambing, fattening and milking.
That said, there are still significant differences between free-range and organic lamb and mutton compared to non-free range, with the main difference being in diet, medication and quality of meat.
- Diet: Where, an organic free range sheep and lambs must be fed a diet that is 100% organic, without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or GMOs, non-organic may have a more variable diet, which can include some conventional grains and protein supplements that are banned in organic farming.
- Medication: In all sheep and lamb farming, animals may be given antibiotics and wormers. However, in organic free range systems, medications cannot be given routinely and only when an animal is sick.
- Meat quality: Organic free range sheep and lamb tend to be leaner and more flavourful, due to a natural, forage-based diet. Organic free range sheep and lamb is also often richer in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene.
In summary, organic free range sheep farming practices restrict medication use, particularly antibiotics, and focus on preventive health through diet, spacious living conditions and natural treatments. Non-organic systems, while regulated, often use medications more liberally to manage the health of animals in larger-scale operations, though even this usage is increasingly regulated to support animal welfare.
11. Why organic free range meat is better than conventional meat?
Organic and free range meats stand out for their flavour, quality, and ethical production, compared to conventional meat. Such high welfare meats include:
Organic free range chicken
- Why it’s best: Known for its superior flavour and texture, organic free range chicken is widely available and a staple for many. Birds raised with outdoor access and a natural diet tend to have firmer meat and richer taste.
- Look for: Labels like RSPCA Assured or Soil Association Organic for added welfare assurances.
Organic free range pork
- Why it’s best: Organic free range pork is prized for its succulence and flavour, particularly cuts like shoulder and belly. Outdoor-raised pigs can root and forage, which improves the quality of their meat.
- Look for: “Free range” or “outdoor-bred” labels to ensure pigs had meaningful outdoor access.
Organic free range beef
- Why it’s best: Grass-fed, organic free range beef has a more complex flavour and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed alternatives. Cuts like ribeye and sirloin from free-range cattle are particularly well-marbled and tender.
- Look for: Grass-fed certification and local farm sources.
Organic free range lamb
- Why it’s best: Organic free range lamb, raised on open pastures, benefits from a natural diet, resulting in tender, flavourful meat. Spring lamb is especially sought after for its delicate taste.
- Look for: British lamb with assurance marks like Red Tractor or farm-specific certifications.
Organic free range turkey
- Why it’s best: Ideal for festive occasions, organic free range turkeys are known for their juicy, flavourful meat. Birds that roam freely develop better muscle tone, resulting in a superior texture.
- Look for: Bronze or heritage breed turkeys, often associated with higher welfare.
12. Comparison Chart:
Free-Range Meat, Organic Meat, and Conventional Meat in the UK
| Feature | Free-Range Meat | Organic Meat | Conventional Meat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Welfare | Animals must have outdoor access for a significant part of their lives, as defined by UK free-range standards (e.g., RSPCA Assured). | Animals are raised under strict Soil Association Organic Standards or equivalent, with mandatory outdoor access and high welfare. | Welfare standards vary; animals are often kept in confined indoor environments (e.g., battery farms for poultry or intensive feedlots). |
| Diet | Fed natural diets, though feed may be non-organic. Free-range poultry often eats grains, and free-range cattle may graze on pasture. | Fed certified organic feed that is free from GMOs, synthetic pesticides, and chemical fertilisers. Grazing is required where possible. | Feed may include GMOs, synthetic additives, and routine antibiotics. Animals are often grain-fed to encourage faster growth. |
| Use of Antibiotics | Allowed only for treating illness, not for growth promotion, in line with UK standards. | Strictly regulated; only used as a last resort for illness under organic certification rules. | Commonly used to prevent disease and promote growth in intensive farming systems. |
| Hormones | Not permitted under UK or EU law | Not permitted under UK or EU law. | Not permitted under UK or EU law. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally lower than conventional farming due to better grazing practices but may still rely on non-organic feed. | Lowest impact due to practices like crop rotation, reduced carbon emissions, and no synthetic chemicals. | Often has a high environmental impact due to intensive farming, heavy resource use, and pollution. |
| Certification | UK farms may display Red Tractor Free-Range or RSPCA Assured labels, though specific free-range standards vary by species. | Certified by organisations like the Soil Association, OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers), or BDA (Biodynamic Association). | No special certification required beyond compliance with basic UK food safety regulations. |
| Taste and Quality | Tends to be of higher quality than conventional meat, with more natural flavours reflecting the animals’ diets. | High quality; animals are slower-grown, leading to better marbling and richer flavours. | Can vary; often less flavourful due to fast-growing breeds and processed feed. |
| Price | Moderate; more expensive than conventional but less costly than organic. | Most expensive due to slower growth, smaller-scale farming, and certification requirements. | Cheapest due to mass production and lower welfare standards. |
| Availability | Farmers’ markets, and butchers. Limited availability in UK supermarkets (e.g., Tesco Finest Free-Range, Waitrose Duchy). | Available at organic-certified stores (e.g., Whole Foods, Planet Organic) or online through companies like Pipers Farm or Field & Flower. | Most widely available; found in all UK supermarkets and general food outlets. |
13. Summary
- Free-Range Meat: A popular ethical choice in the UK, with standards ensuring outdoor access for animals. Look for labels like RSPCA Assured or Red Tractor Free-Range for verified welfare claims.
- Organic Meat: The gold standard for welfare and sustainability, organic meat in the UK is certified by organisations like the Soil Association. Expect to pay a premium for better farming practices and environmental care.
- Conventional Meat: The most affordable and widely available option in the UK, though welfare and environmental standards are often lower. Best for those on tight budgets, but ethical concerns are prevalent.
14. Conclusion
For us, free-range meat delivery offers a host of benefits that chime with our own sustainable living choices. The main benefit, though, is that we can be sure that the meat we buy comes from animals raised in humane conditions, with outdoor access and the ability to express natural behaviours.
What also appeals to us is that free range and organic meat comes from sustainable, small-scale farms that support environmentally friendly practices, while offering transparency about the origins of the meat they produce.
These benefits are usually not offered by conventional farming (the main supplier of our supermarkets), the meat thereof is poorer in quality and flavour and often the product of abusive systems, such as pig factories.
Choosing free range or organic
Ultimately, the choice between free-range and organic meat really comes down to personal preference, as both options can uphold high standards of animal welfare. Abuses can occur across all farming types, including organic. So it’s important to get to know your meat supplier by doing a bit of research.
Customer reviews are always a good place to start and most ethical suppliers also like to demonstrate their commitment to quality and animal welfare by recording Youtube videos, highlighting their philosophy and practices.
Personally speaking, we order our meat from Field and Flower (especially when it comes to our Christmas turkey!) and have never had cause to regret it—the quality has always been excellent, and we trust their commitment to humane practices and traceability.
But there are many other reputable suppliers out there, both free-range and organic, each with a strong dedication to animal welfare and conscientious farming. It’s just a question of finding one that suits you.
