Dr. Mercola November 10 2007 18,988 views
Grass-fed meat will soon only be allowed to use the “grass-fed” label if the animals ate nothing but grass after being weaned, according to new standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).The grass-fed label is currently unregulated and can be used for animals that were fattened on grains in the final weeks before processing.The new rules, which take effect November 15, 2007, require that grass-fed animals eat nothing but grass and stored grasses, and have access to pasture during the growing season, which is defined as from last frost to first frost.However, according to the American Grassfed Association, which represents many raisers of grass-fed animals, the definition of "growing season" means that animals could be confined for long periods, and kept off of pasture even when there is grass growing.The new rules also do not restrict the use of antibiotics and hormones in the animals.The American Grassfed Association is planning to set up its own certification system that would require animals to be on pasture year-round, and be free of antibiotics and hormones.Increasing numbers of people are eating grass-fed meat because they believe it is better for the environment and healthier, with higher levels of omega-3 fats, than meat raised on grains.
Thank-you for raising your concerns as a farmer. I believe many consumers would like to buy their produce & meats from a farmer whom practices environmentally & socially responsible food production. However, the challenge is, as the consumer which farm follows the above practice? How do we know? In Canada, starting in South Western Ontario, an organization called Local Food Plus (www.LocalFoodPlus.ca) a non-profit group brings farmer & consumers together by its certification process. It's intention is to address you the farmers concerns
improving the connection between small farmers and consumers like myself whom want to support local agriculture, encourage environmental responsibilty and we are willing to pay for it therefore you the farmer has the possibilty of earning more money.
The cost is much less, paperwork much less, freeing up your time to do what you do as the farmer, the certification lets the consumer know we are all on the same page, creating a Win Win situation for both of us, superior product, preserve farmland and grow a stronger local economy.
I encourage you to check it out, www.LocalFoodPlus.ca
We, the consumers want to buy your products that much I know, we want to assist you in every way, we will pay for superior food, we just need to know we can trust what we are buying. I believe LFP is the way to go. It is new as of Sept.06 and everyone can become involved to encourage its growth allowing us all to enjoy real whole alive fresh, seasonal,local, chem-free, non gmo, food!
Naomi McBride