At Whole Foods Market, all fresh lamb in our Meat department comes from Global Animal Partnership Step-4 Certified animals raised with no antibiotics, no added growth hormones and no animal by-products in their feed. We also have strong relationships with farmers and ranchers who are deeply committed to animal welfare. But what does all of this mean for you? Confidence that you’re buying high-quality-tasting lamb that was raised to our high standards.
Our Standards for Lamb
When you're purchasing fresh lamb from Whole Foods Market, you can trust that the animals were raised with their well-being in mind. Plus, our lamb must meet our baseline Meat department Quality Standards.
Our Baseline Standards for Meat
All fresh lamb must meet our farm animal and meat standards. This includes no antibiotics, ever, no added growth hormones and no animal by-products in feed. These standards apply to everything in our Meat department.
Global Animal Partnership Step-4 Animal Welfare Certified
All fresh lamb in our Meat department is certified to meet 100+ animal welfare standards by the Global Animal Partnership. Our fresh beef, pork, chicken and turkey (except kosher turkey) is also Animal Welfare Certified. Our Step-4 certified lamb is pasture-raised and not raised on feedlots.
About the Global Animal Partnership: Global Animal Partnership is a nonprofit organization made up of farmers, scientists, retailers, manufacturers and animal advocates, all collaborating with a common purpose: improving farm animal welfare.Meet Some of Our Lamb Suppliers
We have strong relationships with farmers and ranchers from all over the world. When we say we know them by name, we’re not just making a point. We really mean it. Read their stories below.
Atkins Ranch | New Zealand
Jack Murray, Jim Goodall, Kate Gower-James, Kelsey Mead, James Mead, George Mead, Catherine Mead
Our lambs are grass-fed and Non-GMO Project Verified.* We’re proud to be recognized as the first lamb producer to achieve Step 4 in the Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified program.
Agromarin Patagonian Farm | Chile
Felipe Marin, Jose Miguel Marin, Mario Marin
Our grass-fed lamb is the culmination of climate, location, diet, breed, culture and time. Our investment and care result in a premium product on your plate.
Learn more about Agromarin Patagonian Farm Opens in a new tab
Capra Foods Lamb | Texas
Kelly McGarva, Ross McGarva, Alan McAnelly, Zach Hagan
Our Dorper lambs grow shorter, lighter coats that don’t require shearing. We find that these lambs have a milder flavor with all the meaty richness you expect. Our lambs are raised with no antibiotics and are Global Animal Partnership Step-4 certified because our lambs’ wellness is our priority.
Pozzi Ranch | Sonoma County, California
Joe Pozzi
Sourced from family ranches throughout Northern California, we operate a multigenerational business with a core belief rooted in a commitment to caring for our animals and providing source-verified, grass-fed lamb. That’s why being a part of the Global Animal Partnership program is a win-win.
Theos Swallow Fork Ranch | Meeker, Colorado
Anthony Theos, Angelo Theos
Our flock of Merino sheep grazes on open land, traveling 70 miles, adapting and acclimating as summer turns to fall. This practice is used with the aim of acting as a natural fire suppressant that promotes new vegetation in the spring.
Four Hills Farm | Versailles, Kentucky
Jim Mansfield, Lynn Pruett
We use rotational grazing so our Katahdin sheep maintain a varied diet of grasses and forages. Our goal is to raise sheep with a rich but mild-flavored meat, great for first-time lamb eaters.
Looking for lamb buying and cooking tips? Check out our in-depth lamb guide for all the pointers you’ll need.
*The lambs have been raised and fed a diet in compliance with Non-GMO Project Verified standards for the avoidance of genetically engineered ingredients.
