organics (was Eggs)

January 2, 2003

On Thu, 2 Jan 2003, skgpeace <skgpeace wrote:

> and on that note, does anyone know if the new USDA standards for

> Organic, Natural, etc., are a marketing ploy or something to be

> trusted?

As I spent almost the entirety of last year studying organic products,

processes, growers, retailers & consumers (with a Perth focus, but with an

international background) I would like to add a piece to this discussion.

The new USDA standards as far as I am aware means that " 100% organic "

means that a product must meet the organic guidelines set out by the USDA

and " organic " means that 95% of this product must meet the guidelines.

" Made mostly with organic products " means at least 70% organic content.

However what you may define as organic or suitable to yourself may not

meet the guidlines set out. there are many organic groups that certify

products with regular visits to farms and factories and they are usually

on the label of a product. Do a little research for yourself and find out

what each group does and doesn't allow and find out if it is suitable for

you. For me I found it surprising that organic raised animals were still

allowed to be branded and have their tails docked without anesthetic.

A good place to start is the International Federation of Organic

Agricultural Movements (IFOAM), they have a website at www.ifoam.org which

has a list of what they find acceptable and member groups internationally.

The USDA guidelines should also be avilable, if not online (as the

legislation is relatively new) you could probably write to them about it.

For those who live in Australia, the 3rd draft of the National Guidelines

for organic agriculture as downloadable from the AQIS website and I dare

say is quite an interesting read. I would also recommend getting in

contact with your local organic growers group, most of the people

involved, especially certified farmers, will be a wealth of knowledge for

you.

Regards to the fish,

LisA

ICQ#: 15562604

" I think---therefore I'm single... "

-Lizz Winstead

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