Supporting and Expanding Ethical, Values-Based Sourcing of Animal Proteins
As the food system faces rising climate challenges, evolving consumer expectations, and growing awareness of animal welfare and public health, the conversation around the ethical sourcing of animal proteins has taken on a new urgency. It is no longer simply a sourcing issue; it’s about leadership, resilience, and responsibility across the entire supply chain. On stage at the Menus of Change Conference at the Culinary Institute of America last week, LaBelle Patrimoine’s Founder and CEO, Mike Charles, shared powerful insights into how values-based sourcing can create positive change in the food industry.
Defining Ethical, Values-Based Sourcing
Mike emphasized that at the heart of their work is a commitment to the animals themselves:
"At LaBelle Patrimoine, our stakeholders are the chickens themselves. It’s about more than just sustainability, it is about animal welfare, human rights, transparency, and community values all coming together," Mike explained. "Our heritage breed is slow-growing and hardy, thriving outdoors on pastures that are healthy and rich with natural flora and fauna. We’ve always maintained the highest industry standards because ethical sourcing isn’t just a buzzword bur rather a continuous commitment to doing better for the animals, the farmers, and the consumers."
This approach reflects a deep respect for the animals and the environment, with all their birds certified at the highest GAP Level 4 standard. The breed’s slow growth and pasture-based life cycle not only enhances animal welfare but also supports healthier, more resilient flocks.
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Impact
Key hurdles Mike identified are consumer education and whole bird utilization:
"One of the biggest challenges is teaching buyers and consumers that we owe it back to the birds to use them fully and respectfully," he said. "It’s not just chicken breasts. There’s so much more value a whole bird can offer. Partnering with companies that embrace whole bird utilization and value-added products like chicken sausage is an important step."
When it comes to scaling values-based sourcing from a niche to a norm, Mike is optimistic:
"Scaling values-based sourcing isn’t as difficult as some think. We started with just a few flocks, and today, LaBelle Patrimoine is proud to be in over 400 retail outlets and restaurants," he noted. "The key is education, helping consumers and buyers understand the unique qualities of our chickens and why whole bird utilization matters. When farmers see there’s a real market for hardy, healthy birds raised with care, they want to be part of it."
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Mike envisions a future where ethical sourcing is widespread and consumer-driven:
"Educating the consumer is essential. I believe most people want to do the right thing once they are aware of the facts. When demand grows, farmers will naturally align to produce proteins that are sustainable and humane," he said. "I’m here to show the world that this model is possible, and yes, even profitable, creating win-wins for all stakeholders."
The path to ethical, values-based sourcing is a journey of continuous improvement, grounded in respect for animals, farmers, and the environment. Leaders like Mike Charles demonstrate that with commitment, innovation, and education, it’s possible to build supply chains that are not only more humane and sustainable but also economically viable and scalable.
As consumers, buyers, and producers come together to raise standards, the future looks brighter for the family farms, the birds, and the communities that sustain them. Every conscious purchase supports this shared vision of a better food system—one rooted in care, quality, and responsibility for generations to come.
