Is Pastured Poultry the Same as Organic?

Maegen
Oct 18
2 min read

Is Pastured Poultry the Same as Organic?

(Hint: It’s actually beyond organic!)

If you’ve ever picked up a package of chicken at the grocery store labeled organic and wondered how it compares to pasture-raised chicken, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get — and it’s a great one to ask.

At first glance, both sound like healthier, more ethical choices — and they are, compared to conventional chicken. But there’s a big difference between organic and pasture-raised poultry, and it comes down to how the birds live, eat, and move.

What “Organic” Really Means

Organic chicken must meet certain USDA requirements. These birds are fed certified organic feed (which means no GMOs or synthetic pesticides), cannot be given antibiotics, and must have “access to the outdoors.”

Sounds great, right? The catch is that “access to the outdoors” can mean as little as a small door leading to a concrete or dirt pad — and many industrial organic chickens never actually step outside. While the feed may be organic, the living conditions can still resemble large-scale confinement barns.

What “Pasture-Raised” Means

Now, pastured poultry — like what we raise here at Purely Pastured Farm — is a completely different approach. Our chickens actually live on fresh green pasture, where they can scratch, peck, chase bugs, and enjoy the sunshine every single day. They’re moved to fresh grass regularly so they’re always on clean ground and have constant access to natural forage.

We supplement their diet with a wholesome grain blend to ensure they get all the nutrients they need, but their main “job” is to live like chickens are meant to live — outside on grass, contributing to a healthier farm ecosystem.

“Beyond Organic”

Joel Salatin, the farmer who pioneered the modern pastured poultry movement, often says this model is “beyond organic.” And he’s right.

Why? Because pastured poultry focuses on the whole system — the health of the bird, the land, and ultimately the people who eat the food. It’s about transparency, soil health, and respecting the natural behaviors of animals, not just checking off boxes on a government label.

The Bottom Line

So, is pastured poultry the same as organic? Not exactly. In fact, it’s often better.

When you choose pasture-raised chicken, you’re choosing nutrient-rich meat from birds that lived the good life — outdoors, on fresh grass, cared for by hand. You’re also supporting regenerative farming that builds soil and strengthens local food systems.

That’s why we proudly say our poultry is “beyond organic.”

From my family to yours,