Dr. Mercola November 08 2007 36,677 views
A growing number of small farmers in the United States, fed up with federal regulations that they say favor big business, are facing felony charges and possible jail time.Farmer Richard Bean, who runs Double H Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia, and his partner are being charged with felony intent to defraud, which carries the possibility of three years in jail for a conviction, for selling meat improperly labeled “certified organic” along with seven misdemeanor charges. “We were trying to skirt the system. A small farm, making it work," Bean said. "We were able to earn a significant amount more per animal, and that‘s how we are able to compete with corporate agriculture."Among the farm’s offenses were not slaughtering animals at a state-inspected facility, and placing certified organic stickers on meat that had been raised according to organic standards, but was not certified as such.Government officials say the federal and state rules are designed to protect consumers from unsafe foods. However, proponents of local foods (locavores) and small farms, believe the regulations are forcing small farms out of business, and that government-certified organic foods are inferior to locally produced ones.Small farmers and locavores are calling for unregulated direct sales of locally grown foods that allow people to obtain fresh foods that are better for the environment and the local economy.
I agree. I had not heard about Ron Paul until Dr. Mercola mentioned him. I cannot believe there is such a candidate out there and he is the only one without political baggage because he does not take anything from special interest groups. Everyone needs to commit to getting him elected. At that time, I did not think he had a chance, but now I think he will win. His grassrooots raised $4.2 million dollars Monday without the campaign really doing anything because the people believe in him. Donate if you can!
ISLANDER!!!! HEY!!! Excellent points you have made.
It is well past the time that people in this country wake up to the fact that GOVERNMENT CONTROLS MOST ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES........OPEN YOUR EYES! To think these "regulators" are policing our ORGANIC farms when conventional slaughter houses are pits of vulgar bacteria waiting to jump on board the next person who ingests the meat from these plants. WHAT WERE THOSE FIGURES I READ NOT TOO LONG AGO???? Only 17% of slaughter houses are actually inspected!!!! AHHHH GOOD JOB FDA!!! What bull crap is this - I would much rather eat food from a small local farm that one such as ConAgra - makers of the famous Peter Pan Salmonella P'nut Butter.
RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heard yesterday he's in third place for the republicans and has the largest internet following of any candidate!!!!HIPHIP HOORAY!!!
HERE'S A THOUGHT - DENNIS KUCINICH (yes a democrat) for his RUNNING MATE!!!!
SEEMS LIKE WE'D BE ON A BETTER TRACK AND THERE'D BE LESS MY PARTY/YOUR PARTY BULL GOING ON!!!!
I understand eating meat and dairy since I used to consume plenty myself. It has taken my wife and I 8 months to transition away from it. We feel much better and have more energy eating almost all raw, with very little meat and no dairy.
Many of these problems would be eliminated if everyone would do the same, including our country's outrageous obesity rates. Fast food restuarants would have to close, or serve only healthy food. Meat should be put on the side dish/flavorings list, and fresh fruits and veggies should be our main focus.
If the farmers in this article had labeled their food as 'locally grown without harmful additives...' etc. I believe they would have succeeded without breaking the law. Sometimes you have to break the law to do what is right. Without knowing the whole story, it sounds like these guys may have just tried to go around the law.
Absolutely right, smclark7! Where do you live?
The small farmer goes to jail for selling healthy meat and the corporate farms can sell meat filled with hormones,intibiotics and fed garbage, not to mention cruelty to the animals and sick animals sent to the slaughterhouse for us to consume. Greed sure is ugly!