What does organic really mean?
When you pick up a package of organic meat in the grocery store, it probably looks just like the conventionally produced meat right beside it. However, the "organic" label carries with it a background of laws and regulations regarding the meat product.
Certification
Not just any producer can call its product organic. The use of this term on a product label means that someone is checking up to ensure the producer is actually following organic practices. It also means that the product is traceable, since organic farmers must document that the standards are followed each step of the way, from birth to slaughter.
In the United States, any farm using the term "organic" on its label must be certified organic by a certifying agent accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). All production and handling practices must meet national standards to receive certification. Only organic farms that sell under $5,000 per year of product may use the term without becoming certified; however, they must still follow the national standards.
Drug Policy
Animals marketed as organic can not receive any antibiotics, growth hormones or other drugs other than vaccinations.
Overuse of antibiotics is blamed for increasing problems with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can often cross over to humans. The use of human antibiotics in livestock production makes this even more of a concern. Many types of livestock are fed low levels of antibiotics to promote growth, even when they are not sick.
Organically raised animals, on the other hand, may not receive antibiotics unless they are removed from the herd. The Organic Trade Association website notes that these animals cannot then be sold as organic. At the same time, growth hormones--frequently used in conventional livestock farming to promote faster growth and higher milk output--are banned on organic farms.
Feeding Requirements
Organic certification ensures that ruminants (grazers) have daily access to well-managed pasture in the grazing season, at least 120 days per year.
Organic farmers do not feed their animals ground-up animal parts or manure, as often happens on large conventional farms. All feed must be organically grown; that is, grown with no bioengineering, irradiation, synthetic pesticides or sewage sludge, according to a USDA Factsheet.
Animal Welfare
The overall goal of organic farming is to raise animals in conditions that most closely approximate their natural environment. As a result, animals on organic farms may tend to receive more humane treatment.
Grazing animals must have regular access to pasture, and poultry may not be caged and must also have access to the outdoors (though not necessarily to pasture).
No artificial additives
Organic meat has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives added. Regulations allow certain organically produced additives in some cases.
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