Should organic cattle be pasture fed?

Is it still organic if calttle are raised in intensive feedlots?

Two of the largest organic dairy companies in the nation, Horizon Organic (a subsidiary of Dean Foods), a supplier to Wal-Mart and many health food stores; and Aurora Organic, a supplier of private brand name organic milk to Costco, Safeway, Giant, Wild Oats and others, are purchasing the majority of their milk from feedlot dairies where the cows have little or no access to pasture.Together, these corporations control up to 65% of the organic dairy market.

The USDA is writing the rules for Organic Dairy Farms. They are questioning how important access to pasture is to organic consumers. Do you believe that meaningful access to pasture is a critical part of what organic should mean?

You have an opportunity to tell the USDA if you want organic cows on grass. They will soon finalize rules about Access to Pasture on Organic Dairy Farms.

We have until June 12, 2006, to make our voices heard.

> http://www.organicconsumers.org/nosb2.htm