If you’ve ever wondered what that word “organic” means on your milk jugs and meat packages, the USDA has narrowed the definition for you.
On Friday, the department announced new rules that say cows producing so-called organic milk and meat must spend at least four months a year grazing on pasture. In the past, the rules only specified that animals have “access to pasture,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
But the new rules are more narrowly tailored and specify that 30% of the animal feed must come from grazing.
I agree with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, who said in announcing the new rules that “Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture.”
But I’m not sure I agree with this followup statement, “The final rule published today will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products.”
It’s for sure better to have clearer rules. But 30%? Is that the best we can do? What happens during the rest of the year?
Maybe it’s the best we can do for now. This is indeed a good first step.
And at least for now — or by next June which is the deadline for farmers and ranchers to comply — consumers can be assured that “organic” labels on meat and milk mean that, at a minimum:
- Animals must graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year;
- Animals must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture during the grazing season;
- Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements for the grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality; and,
- Livestock are exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days. Livestock must have access to pasture during the finishing phase.
Straw Hat Tip: Twitter.com/agville
Virtual Farmgirl 