Executive Summary
In February 2010, the USDA’s National Organic Program released the long-awaited organic “pasture rule,” specifying that ruminant livestock, such as dairy cows and beef cattle, must obtain a minimum of 30% of their feed from pasture during the grazing season.
The new rule contains an exemption for ruminant slaughter stock, such as beef cattle and bison, for a four-month period prior to slaughter—so they can be "finished" or "fattened" on a grain-based diet in feedlots. The USDA has requested comments from the public regarding this specific exemption. Comments are due April 19th, 2010.
In order to develop Cornucopia’s position on this exemption, and gain a clearer understanding of the rule’s effect on organic beef producers, Cornucopia researchers surveyed the nation’s organic beef producers and reviewed previous public policy discussions on the matter.
Our survey results reveal that 83% of organic farmers and ranchers raising beef feed exclusively, or predominately, grass and hay until slaughter, and do not feel they need any exemption from grazing. The remaining 17% finish on grain and express their need and support for the exemption. Of all producers who finish beef cattle from whom we either received a written reply or interviewed, 58% are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, 25% finish on pasture with some grain supplementation, and 17% finish in feedlots on high-grain rations.
Rather than take a position either supporting or opposing the new rule’s exemption, The Cornucopia Institute proposes a three-tiered labeling system for meat from ruminants.
The three labeling tiers would be as follows:
- “Organic – Grain-Finished” for producers who need an exemption from obtaining at least 30% dry matter intake from pasture.
- “Organic – Pasture/Grain-Finished” for those who maintain their animals on pasture, meet the 30% dry matter intake from pasture, and feed small amounts of supplemental grain on pasture.
- “Organic – 100% Grass-Fed” for those whose animals are 100% grass-fed according to the AMS standard outlined below.
A clear labeling system would lead to greater transparency for organic consumers, and let the marketplace decide the viability of each organic production model.
Source: The Cornucopia Institute