Serving as a form of communication between farmers and consumers, thorough agricultural labels are a key way of providing shoppers with the information they need to make a decision. In this article, we will discuss examples of the details that agricultural labels should include outside of the needs of the supply chain in order to both meet regulations and to appeal to customers.
Nutritional information
Being a legal requirement on most types of packaged food, nutritional information provides consumers with the key information they’ll need to know about a product's nutritional value. For shoppers, this information helps them make informed decisions aligning with their dietary needs and preferences, allowing them to make health-conscious decisions through transparency from the provider.
Allergen information
Allergen warning labels provide essential information about any potential allergens, a crucial aspect for those suffering with food allergies. The farmer is legally required to disclose any potential allergens which may be present, whether that be from an active ingredient or the surroundings during food preparation, allowing consumers to avoid substances that could potentially cause a reaction.
Organic & Fair Trade claims
The "Certified Organic" seal is becoming more and more sought after by consumers, showing that a product has been produced in accordance with organic farming standards, supporting sustainable farming practices and avoiding harmful chemicals. Similarly, “Fair Trade” labels signify that a product was produced under fair working conditions for farmers who are receiving a fair price for their goods. Both of these labels attract consumers who are making a conscious decision to support ethical and sustainable agricultural practices, but official certification must be given before a farmer is able to use the claims on their labeling.
Country of origin
Food labels must state the country in which the product was grown or manufactured. This is in order for consumers to be able to make more informed decisions regarding the origin of the food they are consuming. Many consumers prefer to support local farmers or choose to buy produce from their nation from a sustainability perspective, cutting down on the amount of transport required during the supply chain.
Animal welfare
For animal by-products, claims such as "free-range", "grass-fed”, and “cage-free" indicate whether the animals are treated fairly in the food production process. Animal welfare practices have gained more traction in the industry as consumers make choices that align with their ethical values, displaying a level of commitment from the farmer who is manufacturing the products.
Non-GMO
Many consumers prefer to stay clear of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) due to speculation of the impact they can have on both health and the environment. Farmers growing non-GMO crops are able to obtain widely recognized labeling that assures consumers that their product is free from genetic modification.
Similar Questions
- Why is agricultural labeling required?
- What are Some Labeling Requirements for Special Dietary Needs?
- What labeling is required by the USDA?
- Why are nutrition labels required?
- Why is labeling food important?
- Why is Agricultural Labeling Important?
- Which labels are regulated by the USDA?
- When labeling food, what is required to be documented on the label?
- What does USDA Organic Labeling Mean?
