freerange

Free-range is a term used in animal farming to indicate that the animals have some access to the outdoors. In poultry production, it typically refers to hens having regular access to outdoor space beyond the indoor housing. The term can be used for eggs, meat, and other products, but its definition varies by country and certification program. In practice, outdoor access and the quality of outdoor areas can differ widely, and some programs require only occasional access rather than continuous use.

Regulatory definitions vary by region. In the United States, the term is used in labeling for eggs to indicate that hens have had access to the outdoors during their laying period, but the extent, duration, and conditions of access are not always strictly defined, and outdoor space can be modest. For meat and other products, the use of the term is often less tightly regulated. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, free-range labels generally impose explicit requirements on outdoor access, minimum space per bird, and certain indoor housing standards, often with certification or auditing attached.

Free-range is contrasted with cage-based or strictly indoor systems, but actual practices differ. Some producers provide substantial outdoor ranges with pasture, while others use small outdoor runs that offer limited space. Welfare and environmental outcomes of free-range systems depend on management, climate, stocking density, and access quality. Some studies report welfare benefits from outdoor access, while others highlight risks such as predation, disease transmission, and soil or vegetation degradation in outdoor areas. Consumer interpretation of free-range can vary, and claims are frequently product- and jurisdiction-specific.

The term is also used for other species, including pork and beef, but definitions are less standardized, leading to calls for clearer, verifiable standards and independent auditing to prevent misleading claims.