PCC Organic Eggs
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Seattle, WA |
| Website | https://www.pccmarkets.com/ |
| Market Area | WA |
| Total Score | 1385 |
PCC Community Markets eggs come from a known and closely-managed supplier that was also transparent in Cornucopia’s investigation.
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 1385 | 5-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 75 | PCC is a store brand that sources its eggs from a known supplier that is transparent with its practices |
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Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 25 | PCC's supplier sells both conventional and organic products; most of the supplier's production is conventional and done on the same property |
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Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 80 | Non-GMO project, Certified Humane, Salmon Safe |
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Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 75 | Flock sizes of 2,400 per mobile coop |
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The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 100 | Large mobile coops |
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Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 100 | Birds are in mobile coops, affording good space indoors |
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High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 100 | Typically over 200 square feet per bird |
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High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 100 | Outdoor access is legitimate (no porches) with good vegetation, frequent rotations |
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Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 100 | 10 weeks, weather permitting |
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Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 75 | Some indoors and outdoors enrichments provided |
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Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 100 | Brand does not allow beak trimming |
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Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 80 | Brand purchases chicks to raise into pullets on-site |
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Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 60 | Death rate below 5%, spent hens composted |
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Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 90 | Manure is composted on-farm; pastures seeded with orchard, alfalfa, clover; pasture rotation based on soil quality; dogs used for predator protection; employees get regenerative ag training |
| Feed Sourcing | 50 | Obtains domestic, certified non-GMO feed from organic supplier that distributes locally |
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Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 75 | Good animal welfare benchmark confirmed |
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Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 100 | PCC is fully transparent and encourages its suppliers to be transparent with Cornucopia's investigation |
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Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Gluten free, not soy free | |
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Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) | |
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Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 0 | None |
