What is Global Animal Partnership? Founded in 2008, Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) is a non-profit organization made up of farmers, scientists, retailers, manufacturers, and animal advocates, all collaborating with a common purpose: improving animal welfare. G.A.P. is making a difference by creating and managing a comprehensive 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program for farm animals, where farms & ranches are audited every 15 months by an independent third-party. Through our 5-Step Rating program and labeled product program, producers and consumers can choose to support a program that continuously improves the lives of farm animals Step by Step. To date, more than 3,200 farms, raising more than 290 million animals annually, have been audited and certified to our unique, multi-tiered 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program. LOOK FOR THE G.A.P. LABEL When you see the G.A.P. Step Rating label on meat, eggs, or other grocery products, you can easily identify items that have been raised in accordance with our 5-Step Rating standards. Just look for the G.A.P. Step Rating! WHAT IS ANIMAL WELFARE TO G.A.P.? --Health & Productivity Raising animals so that they're healthy and productive with good quality feed and water, shelter, and free from disease and illness and injury (but treating any animals that get sick). --Natural Living Raising animals in environments that allow them to express their natural behaviors effectively --both indoors and outdoors. --Emotional Well-Being Raising animals in environments that provide them the ability to be inquisitive, happy and playful, and minimize boredom, frustration, fear, stress and pain, as much as possible.