New Proposed Synthetics for Organic Meat

Earlier today, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) released a notice that it proposes to add 13 substances, along with any associated restrictions, for organic livestock production to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (commonly known as the National List). The National List governs synthetic substances permitted in organic agriculture.

The list of proposed additions to the National List for organic livestock production mainly include substances that veterinarians could use to treat medical conditions in livestock like reactions to pesticides, diarrhea, ulcers, etc., as well as other substances like acids for facility and processing-equipment sanitation. Comments on these additions to the National List must be received by Sept. 15, 2006 (for details on how to submit comments or to read the notice, see http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-6103.htm).

According to the Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, MA, organic meat saw the most growth of any organic-product category in 2005 with a 55.4% increase in sales.