Post by crazy1 on Jan 14, 2008 6:55:50 GMT -6
Well pholks I received this Email this morning.
This should be oph concern to all oph us, not just those that are Certified Naturally Grown producers. Please read this and go to the link to voice your opinion.
This "great idea" of theirs will have a monumental effect on the farmers/ranchers who are trying to provide Naturally raised meat and produce.
Hello !
Well, the USDA is at it again. They want to define another useful term in in a specific way and then require that farmers get their permission to use it, just like they did with organic. This time they're defining "naturally raised" for meat products.
This new label will cause confusion, and undercut the name recognition we've worked so hard to build over the past five years for Certified Naturally Grown. And their definition of "naturally raised" is weak. It simply requires that the animals weren't treated with antibiotics or horomones but it doesn't say anything about the animals' living conditions or the feed they're given. Meat from animals raised in confinement operations and given conventional feed could qualify!
The "naturally raised" label, if adopted, will also undermine the Certified Organic label. Whatever its flaws, participation in the National Organic Program has been responsible for taking many thousands of acres out of conventional agriculture. We don't want to see that progress lost as big livestock producers opt for the easier "naturally raised" marketing label instead of organic.
You can read the full text of the proposed standard here: edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-23103.htm
Whether or not USDA adopts this standard depends on the feedback they receive in the next two weeks.
IMPORTANT - Submit your comments online by January 28th:www.regulations.gov this is no longer an active link!!!
Even if you only raise produce, not livestock or poultry, this move should be of concern to you as a CNG farmer, a food eater and an environmentalist.
Please use the feedback form on this page: www.regulations.gov
The more you can explain the reasons for your position, the better and more effective it will be.
For insight into who's pushing for this label, and the rationale behind its creation, see the transcripts of USDA's listening sessions: www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/naturalclaimListeningsessions.htm.
Some fine print:
To avoid confusion, it's important to clarify what it means that this would be a voluntary standard. This just means that nobody is required to use the term. It does NOT mean that your application to USDA's labeling division for permission to use the term "naturally raised" is voluntary. If this voluntary standard is adopted, and if you wish to use the term "naturally raised" (and possibly even "naturally grown") to help market your meat products, you must either have your operation certified by a third-party agency or present to FSIS documentation to assure them that you meet the standard.
I'll keep you posted on any new developments. Meanwhile, all best wishes to you for a prosperous 2008!
Alice Varon
Certified Naturally Grown
This should be oph concern to all oph us, not just those that are Certified Naturally Grown producers. Please read this and go to the link to voice your opinion.
This "great idea" of theirs will have a monumental effect on the farmers/ranchers who are trying to provide Naturally raised meat and produce.
Hello !
Well, the USDA is at it again. They want to define another useful term in in a specific way and then require that farmers get their permission to use it, just like they did with organic. This time they're defining "naturally raised" for meat products.
This new label will cause confusion, and undercut the name recognition we've worked so hard to build over the past five years for Certified Naturally Grown. And their definition of "naturally raised" is weak. It simply requires that the animals weren't treated with antibiotics or horomones but it doesn't say anything about the animals' living conditions or the feed they're given. Meat from animals raised in confinement operations and given conventional feed could qualify!
The "naturally raised" label, if adopted, will also undermine the Certified Organic label. Whatever its flaws, participation in the National Organic Program has been responsible for taking many thousands of acres out of conventional agriculture. We don't want to see that progress lost as big livestock producers opt for the easier "naturally raised" marketing label instead of organic.
You can read the full text of the proposed standard here: edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-23103.htm
Whether or not USDA adopts this standard depends on the feedback they receive in the next two weeks.
IMPORTANT - Submit your comments online by January 28th:
Even if you only raise produce, not livestock or poultry, this move should be of concern to you as a CNG farmer, a food eater and an environmentalist.
Please use the feedback form on this page: www.regulations.gov
The more you can explain the reasons for your position, the better and more effective it will be.
For insight into who's pushing for this label, and the rationale behind its creation, see the transcripts of USDA's listening sessions: www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/naturalclaimListeningsessions.htm.
Some fine print:
To avoid confusion, it's important to clarify what it means that this would be a voluntary standard. This just means that nobody is required to use the term. It does NOT mean that your application to USDA's labeling division for permission to use the term "naturally raised" is voluntary. If this voluntary standard is adopted, and if you wish to use the term "naturally raised" (and possibly even "naturally grown") to help market your meat products, you must either have your operation certified by a third-party agency or present to FSIS documentation to assure them that you meet the standard.
I'll keep you posted on any new developments. Meanwhile, all best wishes to you for a prosperous 2008!
Alice Varon
Certified Naturally Grown
That's exactually what it is. Big brother interfering in our lives once again. 
