A New Benchmark of Excellence: Farm of the Free Has Earned GFAS Accreditation!

We’re thrilled to announce that Farm of the Free, our sanctuary nestled in Good Hope, Georgia, has officially earned Accredited status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the only globally recognized certification program for true sanctuaries.

About the Prestige of the GFAS Accreditation 

Founded in 2007, GFAS stands as the leading international authority for evaluating sanctuary excellence and certifies a small percentage of facilities operating as animal sanctuaries, and it is not awarded lightly. Earning this recognition means that Farm of the Free has successfully undergone a rigorous, peer-reviewed evaluation, including on-site visits and in-depth assessments of animal care, ethics, safety, organizational sustainability, outreach, and governance.

Only about 8% of organizations calling themselves “sanctuaries” ever achieve GFAS accreditation—proof that meeting these gold-standard requirements is both rare and meaningful.

How our mission at Farm of the Free Aligns with GFAS Standards

Farm of the Free exists to rescue and care for industrialized farm animals and to enlighten others about the peaceful, compassionate lifestyle of vegan living. We provide individualized care and enrichment. We build trust and give our animals space to be ambassadors for their species—messengers of empathy and transformation. Our goal is to educate our community about the importance of caring about how animals are treated and empowering those to make a difference in rescuing animals from abuse and exploitation.

This mission harmonizes seamlessly with GFAS’s core values. GFAS exists to ensure sanctuaries uphold the highest standards, and be recognized by the public, donors, and foundations for doing so. By becoming GFAS-accredited, Farm of the Free now formally stands among the most transparent, ethical, and professional sanctuaries in the world.

GFAS accreditation brings important practical and symbolic benefits to Farm of the Free:

• Credibility & Trust — Donors, law enforcement, legislators, and grant makers recognize GFAS-accredited sanctuaries as the best of the best, and we are proud to represent in Good Hope, GA

• Greater Visibility — Our sanctuary will now appear in the searchable GFAS “Find-a-Sanctuary” directory, making it easier for supporters to find and support us, as well as trust the work we do here at Farm of the Free

• Resource Access — We gain exclusive access to the GFAS Sanctuary Resources Portal, including workshops, webinars, and mentorship. So get ready to hear more from Farm of the Free!

• Community of Peers — We are proud to be a part of the best of the best, and can’t wait to share more soon​​

Why Community & Giving Matter Now More Than Ever

Sanctuaries don’t exist in isolation. They thrive on deep-rooted community support. Our success in achieving GFAS accreditation underscores how much can be accomplished when community comes together with purpose.

Here’s why your continued involvement matters:

• Sustaining Excellence – Meeting GFAS standards is not a one-time feat; it requires ongoing commitment to animal welfare, organizational integrity, and outreach, which requires resources. Find out about ongoing memberships at Farm of the Free, become a sponsor, we have many ways to donate!

• Scale and Impact – Each donation, volunteer hour, and share escalates our ability to rescue more animals, deepen their care, and expand our educational outreach.

• Shared Ownership – Accreditation isn’t just our achievement—it belongs to every individual who has believed in our mission and given time, love, or resources. Consider becoming a member!

• Inspiring Others – As GFAS-accredited sanctuaries are rare, having Farm of the Free in Good Hope, Georgia, shows what’s possible—and can ignite positive change across the region and beyond.

• Building Resilience – A strong network of supporters ensures we can endure challenges and continue offering a safe haven for years to come.

What’s next?

This accreditation is a milestone—and a spark for what’s to come. Join us as we expand our mission:

• Consider becoming a monthly donor, volunteer, or sponsor.

• Spread the word—share our story and bring more people into our circle of care. Did you know we have Open Barn Days and FREE guided tours every month?

• Attend our upcoming community events and tours. We are so excited to invite the community to Flocktoberfest 2025!

Thank you for being part of the journey—this accreditation belongs to us all.