Animals raised on organic farms are should have plenty of access to the outdoors. This is natural, humane, and essential to producing high-quality meat without antibiotics.

At Greensbury Market, we only work with small organic family farms that raise animals with plenty of year-round access to pasture, fresh air and sunshine. Our farms have always complied with standards requiring that meat labeled organic must come from animals with outdoor access and livestock with access to pasture.

Unfortunately, over the years, a few large organic producers have been exploiting loopholes in the USDA labeling laws, and not providing a truly free-range environment. Now, thanks in part to the advocacy work of Consumers Union,  the nonprofit publishers of Consumer Reports, the USDA has tightening up the organic standards by providing clear guidelines on what “pasture raised” actually means. Here are the guidelines that producers much comply with by 2011:

• all organic animals have year-round access to the outdoors
• ruminant animals, such as cows and lambs, will be required to graze on pasture during the entire grazing season (which will vary depending on region but cannot be less than 120 days) and get at least 30 percent of their dry nutrition from the pasture while they are grazing.
• beef and lamb must come from animals that were not confined during the finishing period (when animals are usually fattened on grain).

At Greensbury, we’re proud of our 100% organic label, and we stand behind every effort to ensure that consumers get what they deserve when they choose organic meats.

Once upon a time, pork producers came up with the phrase “the other white meat” to help boost public awareness of pork as a health-conscious choice.  Now there’s a new term in town: “niche pork.” Is this different than organic pork? Yes and no. Here’s the scoop.

Supermarket pork (“the other white meat”)

Traditional pork—let’s call it supermarket pork—all tastes pretty much the same. The problem with much supermarket pork is that it does indeed seem like “white meat,” and many people find it dry and bland.

Supermarket pork comes from pigs that have been bred to produce very lean meat. Hogs raised in indoor, industrial settings (usually penned in warehouses) tend to get little exercise and are fed the same monotonous diet whether they live in California, Iowa, or Pennsylvania. Because they do not live the ways pigs do naturally, and because they are confined during much of their lives, many people feel factory-farmed pigs are treated inhumanely. Additionally, this supermarket pork is usually not organic pork, meaning it is not guaranteed to be free or antibiotics or added hormones.

Niche pork (organic/heritage/sustainably raised by small farmers)

Niche pork is broad term for pork raised to appeal to a niche market. Small farmers are rediscovering heritage breeds (also known as heirloom breeds) such as Durocs, Berkshires, Red Wattles or Tamworths. These old-fashioned pigs tend to have more fat and produce richer, moister, more flavorful meat. A select group of consumers and chefs are learning to demand the premium taste of such pork, whether comes as a thick and juicy chop, a loin, or bacon.

Niche pork also appeals to those concerned about human animal treatment, sustainable farming, and organic standards. Many small farmers who raise heritage breeds allow them to graze in their natural environment, to forage, and to socialize.

Not all niche pork is certified organic pork. If you want to be sure your pork is organic, look for the USDA certified organic label. Here are some other terms you may see used to describe pork products. For a more complete list, visit http://www.nichepork.org.

Free Range – Also referred to as “pasture raised, free roaming, and raised outdoors.” The USDA standard to make this claim for pork is that hogs have had continuous access to pasture for at least 80% of their production cycle.

No Antibiotics Used, Raised without Antibiotics – “No antibiotics added” on the label means that the animals were raised without using antibiotics and that documentation has been provided to the USDA demonstrating this.

Natural – Pork products that meet compliance with USDA Natural Standards, which means the product contains no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed. The label must explain the use of the term natural (such as no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed).

100% Organic – Products produced exclusively using organic methods as defined by the USDA. Can carry the USDA organic certification seal.

Breed Specific – Just as there are breed-specific beef products like Certified Angus Beef, there are breed-specific pork products. Sometimes referred to as heirloom or heritage breeds, examples in the marketplace today include Berkshire (also knows as Kurobuta, meaning “black pig”), Duroc, and Tamworth.

Environmental-consciousness-raising is a worthy goal, whether it’s bringing attention to the plight of migratory birds or the average citizen’s carbon footprint. An article in today’s Washington Post suggests that there’s also a potential downside, especially when it comes to environmental certification:  consumers may be confused or misled by labels and the standards they require.

According to the article, about 600 labels worldwide — 80 in the United States — are issued by companies and nonprofit organizations that offer a promise of environmentally friendly qualities, according to a new survey by the World Resources Institute, Duke University and the environmental analyst Big Room Inc.  Different groups are competing in some cases for the right to proclaim their label the gold standard.

At Greensbury, we sell only organic meats because we know exactly which standards are required to earn a farmer the “certified organic” label from the USDA. The only way we can promise our customers a truly superior product is to embrace the USDA’s very strict guidelines for certified organic meats. Look for the USDA seal on our package. What this means to you:

• organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
• organic meat comes from animals that are given 100 percent organic feed.
• organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures.
• organic farms do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
• organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
• organic farms are inspected by a Government-approved certifier to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too.

This holiday season, maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the box. Who says you have to send the traditional gifts? For the right recipient, green products and organic foodstuffs perfectly express the spirit of the holiday. You can show you care about the planet and the recipient. Here are some unconventional ideas that can brighten the days of colleagues, family and friends.

1.     Organic Grassfed Beef – Sending meat in the mail may sound funny, but why not? So many Americans love to celebrate with a terrific steak or roast this time of year. Grassfed beef is becoming more and more popular, due to its health benefits, yet it’s not easy for everyone to find at their local supermarket. A delicious sampler of Greensbury organic grassfed ribeyes, filet mignon, and other fine cuts can be ordered online and sent directly the door of anyone on your list. All they have to do is defrost, cook and serve!

2. Organic Tea – The holidays can be stressful.  Consider bringing a tin of relaxing organic teas to treat the host of a holiday party, instead of wine or spirits. Green, white, and black teas contain disease-fighting antioxidants, and herbal teas may have wonderful properties ranging from aiding digestion to calming the nerves.  Organic tea samplers can also be sent via mail through sites such as www.mightyleaf.com and www.republicoftea.com.

3. Organic Bamboo Socks – Everybody needs new socks. Organic bamboo is wonderfully soft and silky and also resists odor, making it an ideal material for socks of all kinds, from active anklets to knee socks to fashionable and funky socks for the whole family. Bamboo is the most sustainable natural fiber. It even fights global warming, since bamboo takes in 5 times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Warm toes, cool the planet…give organic bamboo clothing! Check out www.footprintbamboo.com.

4. Recycled Jewelry – Creative jewelers are making truly unique necklaces, earrings and other jewelry out of every kind of recycled material imaginable. To name a few: glass, porcelain, bicycle tubes, skateboards, and computer components.  When you consider how much harm is caused by mining for gold and gems (to humans and the planet alike), it’s exciting to discover that you can give someone a little holiday sparkle while staying mindful of environmental and political issues. Read this ecoable.com article for some samples of what’s new and different.

5. Customized Reusable Bags – Everyone’s jumping on the bag wagon these days, making or selling reusable totes. It’s a practical earth-friendly gift. But that doesn’t mean it has to be dull. You can order a canvas tote for someone on your list that’s customized with a name or photo – more incentive to bring it along wherever they go! There are plenty of online sources including this one: www.itsonlynaturalgifts.com.

That wraps up this shopping list, though there are plenty more green ideas out there. Remember, organic meats, organic fruits and vegetables, and other organic products are free of things nobody puts on their holiday list: hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.

Going green isn’t always cheap—at least in the short run. Whether you’re shopping for organic beef, an energy efficient washing machine, or a bamboo sweater, the price of green living can be a little higher. Here are some ideas that will make going green a little easier on your pocketbook.

Understand what “green” really means

What’s the difference between “organic meat” and “natural meat”? What’s a carbon footprint? Why is everyone suddenly using the word “sustainable” to describe everything from food to furniture? There are lots of great resources out there that explain the labels, the terms, and the impact of various choices. You might begin with some basic books such as:

Green Living for Dummies

The Everything Green Living Book

It’s Easy Being Green

These books not only explain important concepts, but also provide tips on making small changes and investments that can actually save you money in the long run.

Do your homework

Green is more mainstream now than ever before. There are more and more recycled products, organic food, energy-saving appliances and other green choices on the market. You can search on the Internet and compare prices. You can find wholesale or bulk options that reduce cost over time. You can learn more about exactly what you’re paying for, so that you know, for example, whether the price of your organic steak reflects a commitment to quality and taste as well as organic certification.

Prioritize your values

Price is important, especially in these lean times. But remember to consider different aspects of your choices: lifestyle, taste and aesthetics, convenience, sourcing (where does it come from?) and philosophy (what kind of producer or company do you want to support?)  Also decide what parts of your life you feel most passionate about “greening up.” For some people, choosing organic food is essential, since it impacts individual health as well as the environment. If you commute long distances for work, you may want to spend more on a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle. If your energy bills are sky high, you may want to focus on lowering them through savvy investments.

Vote with your wallet

If you haven’t seen the movie Food Inc. yet, you can now watch it on DVD. The film makes many compelling arguments about the problems with our current food industry. One thing that stands out: every time you make a food purchase, you’re telling producers what you want to eat. So if you really prefer organic beef, make a vote with your wallet! When enough people demand organic food and other green products, they will be more available and affordable.

Invest in a green lifestyle

Spend money to save it. Consider buying an extra freezer to stock up on bulk or wholesale quantities of organic beef and other organic foods. Calculate how much you’ll save over time if you buy that energy efficient washing machine, or a programmable thermostat, or new windows for your older home. Eat out at restaurants less, cook meals at home more, take public transportation, get an energy audit, calculate your carbon footprint… If you’re willing to take the time and spend the money to make changes now, you may find that green living is much less expensive than you thought.

If you’re wondering whether chemicals are really present in your food, the answer is clear: most meats and other foods sold in the United States today contain a cocktail of trace amounts of chemicals, from pesticides to synthetic growth hormones.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, our country’s meat supply contains the residues of 500 to 600 different chemicals. The debate isn’t about whether they’re there, but how much harm they cause humans, especially because the FDA only monitors some of these chemicals.

What are the possible risks?

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) recently released its latest “Smart Guide” covering the issue of hormones in the food system. Here’s a list of some of the types of chemicals that find their way onto our plates and into our bodies:

o hormone growth promoters given to food animals

o hormone-active pesticides sprayed on food crops

o hormone plastic additives in baby bottles, infant formula cans or other food packaging

o hormone disruptors that build up in the food chain (like brominated flame retardants)

According to the Guide: “[E]ver-strengthening science links exposure to many individual hormone disruptors —pesticides, Teflon chemicals, plasticizers and food contaminants—with these common or rising chronic conditions, including:

o Breast and prostate cancer

o Thyroid disease

o Obesity and diabetes

o Endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility

o Immune-related disease, such as asthma or allergies.

Why are hormones and other chemicals used in food production?

Certain synthetic hormones can make young animals gain weight faster. They help reduce the waiting time and the amount of feed eaten by an animal before slaughter in meat industries. Pesticides are used on farms to protect crops – including grain used for feed – from insects.

Does organic meat contain chemicals?

Even organic meats and organic produce aren’t completely free of toxic chemicals. Contaminants leach into the land, water, and air around the globe. But certified organic livestock are never given antibiotics or synthetic hormones such as the genetically engineered bovine growth hormone. Their feed is organic and vegetarian. Organic farmers use natural methods to control pests. By eating all-organic meats, you also limit your intake of genetically modified foods, because organic farmers cannot raise genetically modified crops or livestock or use production aids that are genetically modified.

Is organic meat better for the environment, too?

Well-balanced soil is the foundation of healthy, nutritious food. Conventional farming depletes the soil over time. Organic farmers use practices that replenish and build healthy soil. They also protect the water supply. Eliminating polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, prevents contamination and protects and conserves water resources. Organic farmers use green manures and crop covers, too, rather than synthetic fertilizers made from petroleum.

Choosing organic is a great way to take care of the people you care about. You can nourish yourself, your family, and the planet by supporting sustainable farming practices and eating foods that are truly good for you.

Your everyday food choices are important – and not just because they impact your health and wellbeing. Making healthy “green” choices for yourself and your family can also benefit the environment for generations to come. When you support organic agricultural practices by choosing organic meat and other organic foods, here’s what you do for the planet:

Reduce unhealthy chemicals and toxins in our environment.

Most crops in the US are grown with the aid of various synthetic chemicals including pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are carcinogenic. Certified organic farmers do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic agricultural practices prevent pesticides and other chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us. When you choose organic meat from small family farms, you “vote” for a planet free of harmful contaminants.

Build healthy soil.

Well-balanced soil is the foundation of healthy, nutritious food. Conventional farming depletes the soil over time. Organic farmers build healthy soils by nourishing the living component of the soil, the microbial inhabitants that release, transform, and transfer nutrients. Soil organic matter contributes to good soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers feed soil biota and build soil organic matter with cover crops, compost, and biologically based soil amendments. These methods not only produce healthy plants that are better able to resist disease and insect predation, but also protect biodiversity and promote soil stability and fertility. Choosing organic meat and other agricultural products means you’re voting to keep essential nutrients in the soil where they belong.

Protect the water supply.

Conventional agricultural practices contribute to water pollution, which is bad for our health and for the environment. As much as 99% of the pesticides applied to crops enter the environment. Contamination of soil and groundwater is a serious threat to many species of wildlife. By eliminating polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, and by building healthier soil, organic practices prevent contamination and protect and conserve water resources. So choosing organic meat means you’re voting for cleaner water.

Consume less fossil fuel.

Organic farming seeks to make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls. Organic farmers use green manures and crop covers, rather than synthetic fertilizers made from petroleum. If you want to vote against global warming, air quality deterioration, oil spills, and acid rain, choose organic meat and other organic foods.

Respect and nurture healthy animals and people.

Choosing organic is a great way to take care of the people you care about. You can nourish yourself, your family, and the planet by supporting sustainable farming practices and eating foods that are truly good for you. We think this the best reason to choose organic meat: because you can enjoy a delicious meal and peace of mind.

Labeling food is like labeling people. Too often, the description is misleading, or doesn’t give you a full picture of what’s inside. Organic meat, natural meat, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, hormone-free milk…there are lots of terms out there in the marketplace.

So what should the average consumer do? When it comes to agricultural products such as produce, grains, dairy and meats, most of us don’t have the luxury of getting to know our local farms and farmers. Here are some general tips:

1)    Buy your meat, dairy and produce from a trusted source.

2)    Learn how to “read between the lines” of food labels.

3)    Prioritize based on concerns such as taste, convenience, health, food safety, the environment, humane animal treatment, and supporting small family farms.

4)    Advocate for accurate labeling by the USDA and the FDA.

Free ranging chickens

Is Organic Meat Different Than Natural Meat?

The easy answer to the above question is Yes. While some producers of “natural meat” may follow organic farming practices, there is no strict definition of the term. Organic meat, on the other hand, is required to adhere to strict standards established by the USDA National Organic Program.

Here’s are some simple, useful definitions of Natural, Hormone Free, Organic and Grass Fed:

Natural - “Natural” sounds good, but the truth is that it doesn’t mean much on a meat label. The FDA does not restrict the use of the term “natural” except for added color, synthetic substances, and flavors. For example: meat labeled natural can be raised on farms that use pesticides on their fields and in their animal feed. For interesting updates on the debate over “natural” foods and other topics, visit http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com.

Hormone Free – This claim can be misleading even when it’s technically true. All poultry is free of hormones. Hormones haven’t been allowed in poultry or pork in the U.S. since 1959. Look for “no antibiotics” or “free range” or “organic” for more meaningful information about how the chicken was raised.

Organic – When you see the USDA “organic” label, you know the food inside has passed strict guidelines. Here’s a summary of what it means when meat passes the organic test:

•       organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
•       organic meat comes from animals that are given 100 percent organic feed.
•       organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures.
•       organic farms do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
•  organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
•  organic farms are inspected by a Government-approved certifier to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too.

Grass Fed – As of November 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began regulating a voluntary “U.S. Grass Fed” label for beef and lamb. The regulations require that the animal has access to pasture and isn’t fed grain. Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than conventional beef, with more vitamins and “good fats” like Omega-3s and CLAs.

As more research points to the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals in our lives, choosing organic meats and produce is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your exposure to potentially harmful substances. 

According to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental-research organization, “There is growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can adversely affect people, especially during vulnerable periods of fetal development and childhood when exposures can have long-lasting effects.” 

The Group has become well-known for its “Dirty Dozen” list of the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides. The conventionally grown peach – a beloved summer favorite that’s just now showing up in stores and markets — ranks as the number one culprit for pesticide load. In the veggie department, sweet bell peppers are the worst.

You can download the shopper’s guide to your iPhone or as a PDF. And if you’d rather not make a habit of eating chemicals and pesticides, try to choose organic meats, fruits, vegetables, and other foods as often as you can.

The green community keeps getting bigger — which is one of the most exciting things about starting up Greensbury Market. Everywhere we go, we meet more people who really care about investing in things that are good for the environment. Choosing organic meat is one way you can put your dollars to work for a healthier planet, while also taking better care of yourself and your family. 

Here’s a list we found at www.care2.com, an online community dedicated to healthy and green living, listing the top 10 reasons to buy organic meat and dairy. Read the article for a complete explanation of their top ten.

1. Free of antibiotics, added hormones, GMO feed and other drugs; no GMO animals

2. Mad cow safeguard: Animals aren’t forced to be cannibals

3. More humane, ethical treatment of animals

4. Animals free-range and graze

5. Manure used naturally and productively

6. Animals are integral to small farms 

7. Fewer chemicals used

8. Diversity 

9. Factory farms use huge amounts of resources

10. Your dollars support small organic family farms 

Visit the Organic Trade Association Web site for updates on the U.S. federal organic standards.