Approved Business FAQs

What is an Approved Business?

Independent businesses, operating beyond the farm gate to process and sell Pasture for Life Certified products are Approved Businesses. These businesses include butchers, wholesalers, creameries, retailers (including online marketplaces), and restaurants.

Why should I become an Approved Business?

For the efforts of the Certified Producer to be reflected at the point of sale, it is important that the rest of the supply chain reflects the same standards of integrity. If you sell Pasture for Life Certified products then you need to be an Approved Business.

Once approved, you will be permitted to use the Certification Mark and branding within your business and you will feature on our ‘where to buy’ map, which is the most visited page on our website.

If I'm an Approved Business, does that mean that I'm certified?

No, you are approved. The animals or animal products are certified.

What can become an Approved Business?

Any business in the UK that processes, packs, sells or serves certified Pasture for Life produce, in accordance with our standards. This includes butchers, creameries, wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers (including online marketplaces) and restaurants.

What produce can be certified?

Any products derived from certified ruminants can be certified, including meat and meat products, dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, kefir, cream and ice cream. Where complex products e.g. salami, sausages with natural casings etc., that are primarily made from certified ingredients are processed, they should be labelled as “made with PFL certified product” as well as carrying the Pasture for Life Certification Mark. Fibre products such as skins, hides, wool and hair can also be certified.

Do I have to be a Pasture for Life member to become approved?

No. However, the £120 p/a licensing fee is covered in membership fees. As membership costs £120 p/a, and includes multiple additional benefits — from events and research to discounts and a personal dashboard — it will likely make sense for you to become a member and, in essence, receive your licensing fee for free. Being a member also gives you access to our community of certified producers if you are looking to build supply chain relationships. We can make you a member as part of your application process. Or, simply click here to become a member today.

Can I sell certified and non-certified produce through my business?

Yes, however it must be explicitly clear which produce is certified and which is not to ensure the consumer can make informed choices about the produce they purchase.

I am already a Certified Producer. Do I need to register as both a Certified Enterprise and Approved Business?

It depends. If you are selling just your own, PfL Certified, meat directly to your customers then there is no requirement to apply to become an Approved Business. When a certified producer also runs a supply chain business that processes and sells non-certified Pasture for Life products, or certified products from other producers, then that business will need to apply for Approved Business status.

Fees

How much does approval cost?

The cost for approval is £120 p/a, which covers the certification license fee. If you are a Pasture for Life member, then the license fee is included in your membership.

What is the certification licence fee?

Anyone who wishes to be approved and use the Certification Mark must pay an annual licensing fee to do so. If the licensing fee is not paid, permission to use the Certification Mark will be removed.

The approval process

What does the approval process involve?

The Approved Business application process is very straightforward. You complete an application form and self assessment questionnaire on your personal dashboard, which the certification team will review. If all is in order, we will confirm your application has been successful, add you to the ‘where to buy’ map and issue your certificate of approval. Your Business Approval will be due for renewal every two years.

Will I have an on-site inspection?

We don’t have an on-site inspection programme at present for independent Approved Businesses, but we are working on this and in the meantime reserve the right to arrange an informal visit from one of our staff.

What happens if the standards change?

We regularly review and update our standards following feedback from Certified Producers and Approved Businesses and to align with the latest research knowledge. In these cases, we will send you the updated standards with a handy record of changes, flagging any alterations we have made. If you have any questions, or are no longer compliant with the standards, contact your Certification Manager, Jenna, using our contact form.

Marketing and promotion

How should I label certified produce?

Certified produce should carry the Certification Mark and the necessary batch identification to ensure full traceability. See the Certification Standards for more details. We will email you a livestock batch code and QR code when a livestock transfer goes through. When scanned, this QR code will take your customers through to your profile on our website. View 'how to upload your livestock' for more.

Where can I get logos and marketing material for PfL Produce?

Once your personal dashboard is set up and the approval process is complete, you will be able to access these resources on the website. Or, use our contact form.

Can you help promote my business?

Yes. We love to promote the work of our Certified Producers and Approved Businesses and do so in monthly digital roundups as well as exclusive features and campaigns. Please email your Certification Manager, Jenna, with ideas using our contact form.

I’m already selling grass-fed produce. Why is the Pasture for Life mark needed?

Because customer confidence is paramount. We are driving awareness that the term ‘grass-fed’ is falling short of customer expectations in terms of how the animals are raised, and the quality of the produce. The Pasture for Life mark guarantees that animals have been fed a 100% pasture based diet. As recognition grows, so too does demand for the PfL brand within its own right.

How does Pasture for Life help with the supply chain?

We increase supply chain demand through our awareness building campaigns — promoting the benefits of pasture-raised meat, dairy and fibre and growing recognition for the Pasture for Life certification mark. Our ‘where to buy’ page is the most visited page on our website — an important spotlight on Certified Producers and Approved Businesses.

Our membership is a great place to build strong trading networks with pasture-focused farmers and retailers. We also work with partner organisations to lobby the government for supply chain fairness.

In our Business Plan to 2030, we have re-committed to urgent supply chain work to secure fair, long-term relationships in the market; relationships to reward Certified Producers and Approved Businesses. Funding dependent, we will build on our relationships with a large number of supply chain businesses who want to buy PfL if we can get the route to market set up.

Other

Where can I buy certified produce to sell through my business?

We have various ways that Approved Businesses can link with Certified Producers to source PfL certified produce:

If you are a member, you will have access to the Livestock Marketplace, forum, and regional WhatsApp groups. Contact your Membership Manager, Bryony, using our contact form for access.
Your Certification Manager, Jenna, can also send messages to Certified Producers with your requirements and contact details. Use our contact form.

Approved Business FAQs