Farm certification

Farm certification ensures responsible fur for the fashion industry

Saga Furs leads the industry in sustainability with a supplier certification and auditing programme on the environment and animal health and welfare.

Saga Certification by Finnish Standards, with WelFur inside, is a unique farm management system producing the highest level of animal welfare. Responding to demand from global brands and the next generation of consumers on sustainability and animal welfare, Saga Furs has continually developed its certification programme to ensure it meets the high standards that go well beyond what the law requires. As a result, Saga Furs has become the trusted partner of the fashion industry in providing sustainable and ethical furs.

The Saga Certification by Finnish Standards, which has been in place since 2005, has evolved in close cooperation with the industry, Finnish authorities, the EU, and veterinarians specialising in fur farming. This very strict and inclusive approach puts fur farming well ahead of other industries with production animals in terms of animal welfare standards. Starting from 2017, Saga Certification includes the WelFur protocol, which is an additional science-based animal welfare assessment. As of 2021, WelFur is part of Furmark, the comprehensive global certification system. It includes several local certification programmes for different natural fur types. Saga Furs’ role in Furmark is to ensure that the pelts that we sell on behalf of our farm customers are certified. By offering certified pelt lots in its auctions, Saga Furs makes a commitment to ethical and sustainable fur production.

All of the pelts sold at Saga Furs auctions, are certified. The certification system is ensured by a third-party auditors. Saga pelts come mainly from European fur farms, which are inspected and in compliance with the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on Fur Farming. Pelts sourced from Finland comply with the National legal requirements for fur farming, which are further complemented by the Saga Certification.

Main criteria of the Saga Certification by Finnish Standards with WelFur inside

Animal well-being and health (read more)
Animal health and welfare are an absolute prerequisite for high-quality animal breeding. On certified fur farms, animal welfare is promoted with immediate and preventive measures.

Conditions for rearing animals
Safe and stimulating housing, adjusted to the various cycles in the animal’s life, is the fur animal’s most important immediate environment.

Farm hygiene
A neat and tidy farm environment promotes welfare and comfort for both the animals and the farmer. Proactive measures prevent many ensuing problems.

Breeding
Healthy and trusting animals form the basis for high-quality breeding. Certified farms do not sell or deliver fur animals to countries which do not meet the requirements set in the Finnish Animal Welfare Act.

Environmental management
A certified fur farm minimises its impact on the surrounding nature. Detailed provisions for environmental protection are specified in each farm’s environmental permit. In addition, special attention is paid to the correct handling of manure, waste management and the watering system.

Feed management
The animals are given regularly analysed feed that fulfils their nutritional needs in each production phase. Domestic raw materials are favoured in the feed production, and the entire feed chain is documented.

Training and preparing for exceptional situations
Fur farming is a profession which requires solid hands-on competence as well as ongoing professional development on an annual basis. A certified farm is well equipped to act also in exceptional situations deviating from day-to-day routines.
Biosecurity
Shade houses shall be protected from birds and other animals. Similarly, drinking water and food must be protected from birds. The surrounding areas must be kept clean and free of unnecessary objects. Protective equipment for those working in or visiting the farms is strictly regulated. Persons coming from outside Finland must be in Finland at least 48 hours before visiting the farms.