Jack Hubbard, active in the Washington, D.C, circuit and an associate of Berman and Company, a DC public relations organization, recently commented on welfare certification organizations and specifically, Global Animal Partnership (GAP). This certification is promoted by both the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA. These organizations are opposed to all forms of intensive livestock production and are motivated by a vegan agenda.
Hubbard points out that three of the eight board members of GAP, are avowed opponents of commercial production of meat and poultry. Individual board members wear other hats and participate in organizations that are lobbying for restrictions on the industry to be included in the 2023 Farm Bill. Global Animal Partnership has ties through common board membership to Compassion in World Farming and the Humane Society International affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. Retail industry participation on boards includes executives employed by Whole Foods Market catering to an affluent clientele with a strong bias to organic and subsistence production.
Hubbard provided a set of criteria that could be applied to select a certified organization. These include:
- Understanding the motivation and affiliations of a certification organization.
- Researching board members and executives and ascertaining that objectives, as presented on websites, are aligned with company objectives.
- Evaluating the history of the history of certifying organizations to detect trends in intensifying welfare standards that impose additional costs and inconvenience.
A producer should select a certifier compatible with the policies of their company and long-term objectives. Those wishing to work with extremist organizations, are advised of the adage that Those who would sup with the devil, should use a spoon with a long handle.