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Tell USDA to stop organic factory farms.

The USDA recently put out a proposal to deal with the issue of access to pasture for meat and dairy cows being raised as organic. It prohibits the use of feedlots for organic beef and dairy cattle. It’s time for the organic industry to level the playing field for family farmers and make sure that organic animals are raised in ways that meet consumers’ expectations.

Take action now to advocate for strict organic standards.

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November 21, 2009

Subject:

To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing to support the agency’s proposal to require strong pasture requirements for organic dairy and beef operations.  The controversy over organic milk has been undermining the credibility of organic for too long and I urge the agency to issue a rule clarifying the pasture rule as soon as possible.

I strongly support the provisions of the rule that would not allow certified organic beef and milk to come from animals raised in confined animal feeding operations because I expect organic animals to be kept on pasture for as long as the weather allows good pasture management and good animal health.  Therefore, I support the rule’s requirement of a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake from pasture for a minimum of 120 days.
  
But the rule does need some improvements to make it workable for farmers.  I support the detailed changes proposed by the National Organic Coalition and the Federation of Organic Dairy Farmers to address some overly prescriptive language that could cause problems for animal welfare and the environment by requiring animals to be outside on pasture even when bad weather or the season makes this inappropriate.

I think the proposal could be even stronger with the following changes:

- The rule should be changed to substitute “grazing season” instead of “growing season” to take into account the reality of the grazing season in different parts of the country.

- To protect pastures from damage and to ensure the health and safety of livestock during bad weather conditions, cows should only be required to be kept on pasture during the grazing season.

- The rules should also allow for clean, well-managed barnyards that enable exercise and outdoor access during the non-grazing season.

As a consumer, I have always expected that organic livestock were kept on pasture for as long as the weather allowed and that a substantial portion of an organic cow's diet came from grazing.   I urge the agency to establish strict standards for organic milk and meat as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

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