Milk Industry is Turning to Small Batch Operations

More and more consumers are learning about the negative impacts of factory farming, the awful treatment of the animals, and the lower quality product that results. Many farmers are responding to this turn in the industry by opening “microdairies”, where customers can buy premium raw, organic, or grass-fed milk products made on site. These products are more expensive than the milk in a grocery store, but the quality, humane treatment of the animals, and the taste make it worth the price. Trinity Valley Farm in Cortland, NY is a great local example of this kind of operation – they sell non-homogenized products, made from cows who graze outdoors, and who aren’t fed any hormones or GMOs. Small, local operations who put the animals and consumers first are a great alternative to factory farms. Check your area for these farms!

Strawberries Now Top Dirty Dozen List

Strawberries are now the number one, most pesticide-contaminated produce, displacing apples in the number one spot for the first time in five years. 98% of strawberries tested were contaminated with pesticides – 40% had ten different pesticides, some even had up to 17 pesticides. Some pesticides have been linked to cancer, behavioral problems, neurological problems, and development issues, but they don’t violate food regulations, since the government won’t enact stricter laws. In California, where most U.S. strawberries are sourced, each acre of strawberries is treated with 300 pounds of pesticides, harming the workers in the field, the people who eat the berries, and the land on which they’re grown. The Dirty Dozen list is an essential resource when trying to avoid as many chemicals as possible. Be sure to check it every year, as the list changes based on annual testing.

Ag Department Proposing Stricter Animal Welfare Standards for Organic Chicken and Meat

The Agriculture Department is proposing stricter standards for animal well-being for organic chicken and meat. The new rules would ensure that all organic livestock and poultry would have enough room to lie down, stand up, turn around, and stretch their limbs. Beaks and tails will not be allowed to be cut off, fresh air and ventilation would be required, and the biggest industry change would be for poultry. The Ag Department wants organic chickens to have access to outdoor areas that are at least 50% covered by soil, access to clean water and sunshine, and also be encouraged to go outside every day. The proposals have opposition from industry producers. They say  it will be too expensive and that it would slow down egg production. Industry representatives also warn that these new regulations would lead to a decrease in corn and soybean demand, (what’s wrong with that?) if chickens are allowed outside to graze. It’s about time that the Agriculture Department starts taking the lead for animal welfare and consumer health. It’s disgusting that even organic meats and poultry still suffer in unhealthy conditions. Just another reason to eat mostly plant based foods and when you do buy meat or poultry, make sure you know where it comes from!