Knowledge is power, as they say, and today many Americans want to know as much as possible about the food they eat: where it comes from, what’s in it, and whether it’s good for their health and the environment.

The government has responded to new concerns about food safety, quality and public health with more laws about nutrition labeling in supermarkets and restaurants. Especially where meat is concerned, however, it can be confusing to sort through all the information on packages and labels. What does “natural” mean? If it says “no growth hormones,” does that mean it’s organic? Where does “grass fed” or “free range” fit into the picture?

At Greensbury, we believe that “certified organic” provides the best insurance that meat is as natural, healthy and environmentally friendly as possible. Here’s why:

1)   Organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Organic livestock are never given antibiotics or synthetic hormones such as the genetically engineered bovine growth hormone. Their feed is organic and vegetarian. By eating 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.

2) Organic meat comes from animals that are given 100% organic feed. Organic animals are raised the way nature intended, in an environment with fewer toxins, no pesticides, healthier soil, and 100% organic all vegetarian feed.

3) Organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures. Animals on certified organic farms are raised with special attention to their health and wellbeing. They have access to fresh air, sunshine, and the outdoors. This is good for them, and food for you, too. Organic meats come from animals whose good health is looked after.

4)   Organic grass-fed beef has special health benefits. When compared to grain-fed livestock, organic grass-fed, pasture-raised beef is among the healthiest protein sources on the planet. Grass-fed beef can have up to one-third less fat as a similar cut from a grain-fed animal. Because they are lower in fat than grain-fed animals, grass-fed meat is lower in calories. Grass-fed beef has two to four times more heart-friendly omega-3s than meat from grain-fed animals.

5)   Organic farms do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. 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.

6)   Organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. 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.

7)   Organic farms are inspected by a Government-approved certifier. The inspection process is rigorous and ensures the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too.

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