Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

re: Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

Laserman — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 03:17:38 GMT

The term "organic" has already become impossible to define, as I've seen about 6 different ways to define it. A case in point: When I go to buy "organic" cheese, the cow may have been grass-fed or grain-fed. The milk may have been raw milk or pasteurized. I'm sure there may be other variables. This is just an idea of the minefield you have to navigate sometimes to get what you really want.

Also, I believe from reading Dr. M.'s newsletters that there is a movement to change the term "organic" to include some GMO products. And I believe various other groups would like to redefine "organic" to suit their interests. So perhaps the term will have to be changed. Real? Pure? Whole? Original? Classic? Perhaps a contest is in order.

re: Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

The Herb Doc — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:21:40 GMT

Hi all, and thank you Dr. Mercola for bringing this subject up!

When I think about it, yes they can destroy it as we have come to know it! (and trust it? – Not me!) However, here is the solution! I have always said this; “Take a look around you on the Interstate Highways! What do you see? Trucks haling produce and all kinds of food stuff from one part of our country to another! Does anyone see what is wrong with this picture?” Sure it’s good for the industry but I don’t care if it is marked “Organic with the Dali Lama’s own Hand-written Signature” It did not come from a source we have seen with our own eyes in most cases!

The small farm needs to come back into everybody’s own area and life NOW and BIG TIME! Who cares about “The Modern Organic Ag. System” if you are into health! We don’t have to change it on their level but on ours! We need our own system!

People, if we don’t grow it or raise it ourselves, we have to get more personally involved with the growers, they should be our best most trusted friends in the world! It can be done! Even if you live in the middle of a huge city it is well worth it to your health to make a trip out to the farm lands, seek out small (and I mean small!) organic farms and introduce yourselves. Make friends and find out there whole growing process! (Even then, check on them at least once a year)

I know we can’t have everything that we want in the way of fruits and vegetables during the off seasons, but why do you think there are on and off seasons!? Do you think God is telling us something?

We can change this problem easily because there are so many organic farmers that just can’t get the big distribution contracts and would welcome semi local people with open arms if we would seek them out rather than wait for “who ever made the big deal with Safeway” or whatever! Do you here what I am saying?

I have an organic garden for our private use but as a Clinical TCM Herbalist, I face the same problems getting large amounts of bulk herbs for my product line, “Plant Cures” ( www.plantcures.com ) from China! I have begun to experiment with growing some of these Chinese herbs in the Southwest and am having more and more success.

My point is, we have to get closer to the earth when it comes to our food, especially in this modern day.

Thanks all, and best of health!

Christopher Gussa TCM Herbalist www.plantcures.com

re: Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

Pat Ormsby — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:46:28 GMT

It looks like we need a new word to replace "organic," containing all of the meaning "organic" is supposed to. However, that will never substitute for searching out local produce where you can go in and witness the conditions for yourself. This should be possible potentially even in a big city.

re: Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

friendly curmudgeon — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:10:18 GMT

With the major food cooperations' recent discovery that there is filthy lucre (and lots of it) to be made in organic food, it is only a matter of time before the word "organic" becomes bastardized. The word's fate has probably been sealed, in fact, by the fact that organic is going corporate.

See Michael Pollan's marvelous book, THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, for terrific reporting on the organic movement's growing pains / impending demise (based on your viewpoint). I read it this summer and it was an eye-opener not only on the organic wars (corporations vs. small farmers) but on the big meat and poultry industries (you don't want to know -- but you do and must).

re: Will the USDA Destroy the Organic Label?

mmc88121 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:04:23 GMT

Of course the USDA will corrupt the work organic. This is just a start with "farmed fish". I would not be suprised if in a few years they start saying GMO seeds are organic. What is the real shame is many people could care less that this is happening to them.

mmc88121