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How to become an Approved Business
Beyond the farm gate, butchers, creameries, wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants who’d like to sell PfL Certified Produce become Approved Businesses.
One: Read the standards
Read our Certification Standards, Version 5.1 to check that you comply.
Two: Register
Log into your personal dashboard. Don't have an account? You can easily create one now. If you know you'd like to become a member (£120 p/a) and receive your certification licence for free, register here. Or, you can register for a free account here. Certification licence fees (£120 p/a) will apply if you are not a member.
Three: Apply
Once logged in, select 'become certified' from the left hand navigation of your personal dashboard. Enter and submit your business information, ensuring that you select 'retailer' under 'business type.' This is key to ensuring you complete the correct Approved Business application. If you are also applying to become a Certified Enterprise then select 'producer' too. Just trying to become an Certified Enterprise? Visit our 'how to' page.
Four: Self assessment
Fill in our self assessment form to demonstrate that you have read the Standards, understand how they apply to your business and how you will ensure that the integrity of the PfL certification mark is maintained.
Five: Results & licence fee
We will review your application and contact you to discuss any issues or queries. We will then email you notifying you of whether your application has been successful. If it has, we will send your Certificate of Approval and ask you to pay your licence fee (to use the Certification Mark and branding) if you are not a Pasture for Life member. Or, become a member to receive your licence for free.
Six: Create your business profile
Your business profile can appear on our 'where to buy' map — the most visited page on our website. For this reason, we suggest you spend take time over this section and use high quality imagery (1-2MB). Log into your personal dashboard and select 'business public profile'. Fill in and submit your details. Click 'where to buy' to see your business profile in action.
Seven: Supply chain transparency
As an Approved Business, you can give your customers total transparency as to where their animals or produce has come from. We make it easy to manage all your certified livestock and to market your business on our website.
When taking delivery of an animal or produce, update the records on your dashboard. Add in any new information. For butchers, this might include date of death, abattoir location, and deadweight. Find out more about how to manage your livestock here.
Eight: Your Approved Business kit
In the blog section of our website, search 'Approved kit'. This will pull up everything you need to promote and make the most of your certification. The kit includes:
- Logos
- Brand guidelines
- Postcards (to download and print)
- Posters (to download and print)
- Email signature
Save the 'Approved kit' to your personal dashboard by clicking into a resource and selecting the tag icon in the top left hand corner of the page.
Nine: Stay on top of your approval
We will contact you when it is time to renew your approval. You can also stay on top of this in the 'manage certification' section of your personal dashboard.
Contact your Certification Manager, Jenna, with any questions using our contact us page.
Three: Apply
Four: Self assessment
Six: Business profile
Seven: Supply chain transparency
Eight: Approved kit
Chef Fred Berkmiller, approved L’Escargot Bleu
"Becoming Pasture for Life approved felt like a very natural step for me, as it perfectly aligned with my food philosophy, always seeking the most natural ingredients possible."
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Useful documents
Approved Business FAQs
View frequently asked questions about certification. From costs and the difference between grass-fed and 100% pasture-raised, to the economic, environmental, and health benefits of a pasture-based system.
Our Standards
Read our certification standards for ruminant livestock and products from ruminant livestock. These are a set of regulations rooted in the practical experiences of our farmers and backed by rigorous research. They offer a clear definition of what is meant by 100% Pasture for Life certified.
Case study
French chef Fred Berkmiller shares why pasture fed meat, local farming, and healthy soil are central to his award winning Pasture for Life Approved restaurant in Edinburgh.