What is PCAS?
The PCAS Standard was originally developed by the former Cattle Council of Australia, now known as Cattle Australia (CA). It was created to enable grassfed producers to verify claims about pasturefed or grassfed production methods.
The PCAS Standards govern the on-farm feed requirements and traceability of the cattle, as well as preslaughter handling practices which influence eating quality. The PCAS Standards also include two optional modules to support claims relating to freedom from antibiotics and hormonal growth promotants (HGPs).
The Standards outline requirements for on farm feeding practices, cattle traceability, and preslaughter handling, all of which influence eating quality. Two optional modules are available to support additional claims relating to freedom from antibiotics and hormonal growth promotants (HGPs).
The Standards were developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, retailers, and processors.
PCAS Standards
The PCAS Standards consist of one core module and two optional modules.
The core module covers on farm feed requirements, cattle traceability, and animal handling practices that affect eating quality. The optional modules support claims relating to freedom from HGPs and antibiotics.
Core Module:
Optional Module 1
Optional Module 2
Program Status
As of 1 January 2026, the PCAS program is no longer active. However, the PCAS Standards continue to serve as the baseline standard for grassfed claims under the Animal Raised Claims Framework for Beef Production Systems in Australia.
Other grassfed raising claim programs are assessed against the PCAS Standard as the primary reference point.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1. Existing Certificates – Certificates issued prior to program closure remain valid until their stated expiry date. Eligible producers may continue using PCAS Vendor Declarations for qualifying livestock during this period.
2. Non‑Certified Supplier Declaration - producers supplying multiple markets or indirectly supplying commercial grassfed programs may choose to use the Non Certified Supplier Declaration to demonstrate that livestock were raised in accordance with PCAS requirements, even if the property was not accredited. Acceptance of these declarations is determined by individual grassfed programs, and producers should confirm requirements with their customers.
3. The Non-Certified Supplier Declaration is available here: 16 Oct 2017 | Version 1.4 | PDF | 92.84 KB
