USDA declines to investigate alleged violations at major organic farms
By Peter Whoriskey, Washington Post
Aerial photographs taken last summer of some of the largest organic egg and dairy farms in the United States showed few animals outside on pasture, but the USDA will not investigate whether these operations are violating rules for organic agriculture, officials wrote last week.
The photographs of the 14 operations, according to the watchdog group that had them taken, is evidence that these large farms were not really “organic.” Under USDA rules, organic farms must allow animals to engage in their natural behavior and have free access to the outdoors. Cows, goats and sheep are supposed to be able to get to pastures for grazing.
While the investigations will not go on, the photography presented by the group belied the picturesque images of red barns and green fields that organic brands often present to consumers. The photographs show industrial-scaled operations, a distinct contrast to advertising. The farms – five dairies and nine chicken operations – supply well-known store brands such as Walmart, Target and Costco, according to the group.
Okay, I’ll bite.
But without government to regulate, how will we know organic is organic???
Government doesn’t care. They take the money whether they do the job or not. A private guild would do a much better job, because its reputation would depend on it.
Imagine that. Giant food producers that lie. If you want chickens that get out of the coop each day, get a coop. Same with any other animal that one wants to eat. It’s called ‘food production’ for a reason. These aren’t pets having a great life ’til the second they become food for humans. No part of this process is pretty and anyone who thinks it is, is deluding themselves and needs to take a sight-seeing trip to an animal processing plant. Enjoy the bacon.