CHICAGO – Whole Foods Market is test marketing a new humane meat-rating system that is scheduled for national expansion early next year, according to The Chicago Tribune. Should the six-step, color-coded labeling system work according to plan, it could allow consumers at supermarket chains levels of specificity in choosing meat to match their principles.

The rating system, which was developed by the Global Animal Partnership, a nonprofit group made up of farmers, scientists, retailers, sustainability experts and animal welfare advocates, intends to address growing consumer concerns over the way animals are raised for food. Such a move could also increase sales for certified farmers and participating stores, likely to include another unidentified major national retailer and restaurant group in the coming year, according to GAP.