New rules issued by the Department of Agriculture require that livestock must graze on pasture for at least four months a year to qualify for an organic meat or dairy label. The animals also must get at least 30 percent of their feed from grazing. The Associated Press reports that natural food advocates believe these new rules are proof that the Obama administration is willing to set higher standards for labeling food as organic.
Organic advocates also believe a new day has arrived at USDA because the department decided to audit its National Organic Program because of self-admitted problems with reliability and transparency. Kathleen Merrigan, a USDA deputy secretary, called the moves a "down payment" on future reforms of organic practices. She said she expects more rules in the coming months.
Merrigan and Miles McEvoy, the USDA's deputy administrator of the National Organic Program, enjoy strong reputations in the organic industry. "These are people who believe in organics, real organics, and aren't hostile to organics," said Mark Kastel, the co-director of the Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute, an advocate for small organic farmers. (Read more)
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