What's in your organic grain?

[NH Homesteader]

I received this story in an email from the APPPA (American Pastured Poultry Producer's Association... That's a mouthful)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/busi...7c8a68c1a66_story.html?utm_term=.782ec6a3cc94

I can't afford to buy organic for all of my animals but I am working towards being able to do that. But I am also looking to find more local resources and better sources for organic feed. This reminds me why!

 

[baymule]

How many people are willing to give up "fresh" produce from who knows where, that is clearly out of season locally or regionally? People are so detached from their food supply that many don't even know there are food seasons.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

No it's not. Something may be labeled as organic, but many labels on many products today are false!

That's right and that's why, for the general - non investigative consumer - it IS hard. People SHOULD be able to believe the label.

If you think just because something is labeled organic it should be organic, then with all dues respect, you are being naïve.

When NH started this thread it was all about how you CAN'T believe the label - that is the point of her thread.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

It's a darn shame that you go to all the trouble and work and expense to raise your animals in a healthy manner and then you get screwed like that. GRRRRR!

 

[MoonShadows]

The same goes for the food we consume. Last fall, we dry canned 50 lbs each of rice, black beans and lentils. I made sure I contacted the companies I bought them from before I bought them and asked where they were grown. I didn't care that they said Organic, I only bought from those companies that could verify that they were grown in the US. These products are also imported into the US and sold as Organic. Some may be truly Organic, but I wasn't taking the chance.

 

[lcertuche]

Everyone needs to take control over their food and not stick their heads in the sand.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Yes but it is very difficult to do. A lot of people try to do the best they can, but it's very confusing at times. There are also a lot of limitations as to what is available in a given area. I think people should make an effort and I believe in personal responsibility, but when something us labeled organic and has been recommended as a healthy food, I do think that's sometimes beyond the average consumer. Other than the very educated consumer who has the resources and time to learn more about the issue. I spend a LOT of time researching all the sneaky ways things are labeled and still realize at times I'm buying something I shouldn't be.

Most people don't understand, for instance, that "free range" doesn't mean really free range! Now part of that is something they should understand, but I DO blame big ag in a large part for that.

I'm all about education but really, if something is labeled organic, it darn well should be organic.

I know the best solution is to eat all local organic foods but really, how many places in this country can support that? Not many...

 

[NH Homesteader]

I am not talking about those of us who spend copious amounts of time researching these things. I'm saying your comment that big ag isn't at fault and it's people's own fault is not fair to the many people in this country who have no easy access to this information and no access to fresh foods. Big ag and the "powers that be" have muddied the waters so that it is increasingly difficult for people, the average consumer, to access information about their food. I think people need help to be more educated about their food, but I don't feel that pointing a finger at them is helpful.

And if it is labeled organic it SHOULD be organic. That's not naive. That's expecting the truth. I'm not saying it necessarily IS but that it should be. Like FEM said, I shared this to aid in spreading knowledge in what little way I can to people who may not be aware of this.

 

[Country homesteader]

Yup, I agree with you!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Well....that's reassuring....NOT!