Organic Milk Program Shows Some Muscle

Investigation Prompts Large Organic Dairy To Change Its Ways To Retain "Organic" Label Following a year-long investigation by federal investigators, Aurora Organic Dairy will reduce its herd by 40% to increase pasture-feeding time per cow and make other changes to bring it into compliance with standards of the National Organic Program, according to a story in the Rocky Mountain News. The episode shows the power of federal labeling of foods at a time when so many words on packages are virtually meaningless. Zero trans fats doesn't mean there aren't any trans fats. USDA Organic means something. It has clear -- though not completely uncontroversial -- standards, and importantly it has independent agents checking to see that those farms that claim to be organic follow the standards. Organic milk is one of the most popular organic products, as more and more consumers seek foods that avoid synthetic hormones, antibiotics and genetic engineering. Sales rose 24% in 2005, according to the latest figures available. People who buy organic expect the label to mean something, and this kind of story shows that the government is putting some muscle behind its label. __________________________________________________________ TRUTH IN ORGANICS A special report about the USDA organic program, and the government proposal to allow dozens of non-organic ingredients in certified “organic” foods. The 38 Non-organic Ingredients In 'USDA Organic' Foods What They Are, How They''re Used, And How They Made The List When "Organic" Doesn't Quite Mean Organic If A Sausage Is Organic, Why Isn't The Casing? In-fighting In The Organic Movement Two Prominent Organic Advocates Argue Over The Future Of Organic, And How To Grow The Market Easy Organic Recipe Ideas Great Ideas For Greening Your Diet Organic Schmanic. Why Should I Pay More For Food? The Reasons For Buying Organic Foods Keep Growing, And Include Some You''ve Probably Never Thought Of. Organic Labels Come In Different Shapes and Sizes A Guide To Organic Labels And Their Confusing Cousins Blog: Organic Labels / Garden Division Leslie Land Redbook Magazine Truth About Organics __________________________________________________________