For many shoppers, knowing that their food is organic is important. They don't like the idea of their food being treated with chemicals and other unknown substances before it reaches them. These same shoppers' interest in their food now extends all the way back to the farm - and not just for vegetables and fruits. The movement for seeing "certified humane" labeling on animal products is gaining popularity.

The label originated in 2003, when the nonprofit Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) developed a set of standards by which the quality of life and care for farm animals could be judged and designed a label to bring that standard of care to public attention. The USDA verifies the process. The "Certified Humane Raised & Handled" label means that a producer has passed inspection and certifies that their meat, poultry, egg and/or dairy animals are raised to humane care standards. Standards require that the animals have access to clean water and sufficient food and live in a comfortable environment, protected from the elements in inclement weather but with plenty of room to move and exercise naturally. Caretakers must also be trained in animal husbandry and welfare, and there is a prohibition on growth hormones and antibiotics.

Currently, more than 50 companies use the label and the HFAC is receiving more frequent application requests. The biggest indication that the movement is catching on is that grocers, like the New York-based D'Agostino grocery, are asking their suppliers to become certified humane.

Because of the high quality of care that is provided to the animals at farms that receive this certification, the price of their goods is high. In some cases, it is significantly higher than non-certified products.  Consumers are still buying them, though. They like the idea of supporting animal welfare and the extra money is worth it. According to the HFAC FAQ, three out of four consumers said that they would prefer to buy products that were certified cruelty-free.

Saying and doing are not the same thing, of course, and both the number of products under humane certification and the number of people who buy them are still relatively small. If the spread and acceptance of the organic movement is anything to go on, the next several years should see a dramatic increase in interest in cruelty-free goods across the board, from farmers to consumers.