Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Grass-fed label rescinded in U.S.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Too much overlap and no guarantees – those are the reasons behind the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) January recision of labelling standards for grass-fed and naturally-raised meat marketing claims.

"Because AMS does not have express authority to define grass-fed or naturally-raised, it is inappropriate for the agency to offer it as an AMS-defined marketing claim," the service noted Jan. 14.

Previously, anyone who wanted to market products using the standards had to obtain the go-ahead not only from the service but also from the agriculture department's Food Safety and Inspection Service or, conversely, meet the labelling requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And just because the marketing service approved the claims didn't mean the other agencies would, the service said in another January notice.

Predictably, the decision brought complaints. "Meat labelling just became even more confusing for farmers and consumers," fumed Ferd Hoefner, policy director of the U.S. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition in a January news release. "Actions such as this take us into a Wild West situation, where anything goes and both farmers and consumers lose."

Anyone with "naturally-raised" promotion ambitions, however, needn't worry about encountering an O.K. Corral-style free-for-all of new standards and marketing claims.

It turns out no one was even using the naturally-raised standard.

More have bought into the grass-fed standard and, if they want to continue the claim, they must convert the standard into either an existing, new or privately-developed standard by April 11, the service has said. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top