USDA Grass Fed claim Could Destroy Grassfarming

“While we strongly support the proposed regulation provisions requiring any meat labeled under this program to be sourced from animals that receive 99 percent of their lifetime energy supply from grass and forage, it must be linked to the confinement issue.  Cattle that have received a 99% forage diet fed in confinement (similar to cattle fed a grain-based ration in feedyards) cannot be considered Grass Fed.  Yet, that would be allowed under the current proposal.  We passionately believe that the term Grass Fed is synonymous with animals having free access to pasture and/or range.”

“Consumers expect Grass Fed meat to be sourced from animals that spend a majority of their time in pasture and range conditions.  The AGA believes that confinement should be limited to emergencies that may threaten the safety and well-being of the animals or to routine management practices such as sorting and round-ups.”

“Consumers who seek out grass fed products do so not only because of the perceived benefits concerning the healthiness and safety of the product, but also because of the sustainable agricultural model.  This model is typically represented by small American family farms that put their heart and soul into what they produce.  Many consumers support the philosophy of this model because of its humane treatment of animals, the benefits to the environment and the idea of preserving the American family farm.  Factory farm methodology and factory assembly-line production just doesn’t compare in the eye of these consumers.  We feel it would be disingenuous to allow factory farmed meat to bear the label which in the mind of the consumer is reserved for pasture raised products.”  

The USDA is taking comment on this proposed regulation until August 10.  Any consumers who would like to offer their comments concerning this claim and its relationship to the issue of animal confinement can do so by addressing Martin O’Connor, Chief Standardization Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2607-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0254.  Comments can be sent by facsimile to (202) 720-1112 and by electronic mail to marketingclaim@usda.gov or via the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. The preferred method of comment is by electronic mail.  If interested you can view the comments offered at www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/claim.htm.  

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If you would like more information please contact Patricia Whisnant at (573) 996-3716, pwhisnant@americangrassfedbeef.com, AGA Pres., or Carrie Balkcom, Ex.Dir. of the AGA at (877) 774-7277, aga@americangrassfed.org.