An Idea Whose Time Has Come

From the Union of Concerned Scientists:

New grass-fed label for beef approved

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a new voluntary "grass-fed" label that will allow consumers to identify meat from cows and other animals raised on a natural diet of grass. Cows raised on grass, the natural diet that they evolved to eat, are healthier than cows in feedlots that are fed corn, which they have trouble digesting. To qualify for the label, animals must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season. Beef from cows raised in these smart pasture operations also has health benefits for consumers and is easier on the environment.

Dangerous bacteria strain linked to antibiotic use in swineA dangerous strain of bacteria

A dangerous strain of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic methicillin now kills more people in the United States than AIDS, emphysema, or homicide, according to a government study. The bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has long been known to thrive in hospitals, but has now spread into the general community, where it is spread by contact with clothing or skin. New studies from Europe and Canada suggest that some MRSA may originate in swine operations and spread via pig farmers and their families into the general community. The U.S. government does not know whether use of antibiotics in livestock in the United States is contributing to community-associated MRSA, because it is not testing U.S. livestock for the presence of bacteria.

Organic farming can feed the world

Organic farms can produce enough food to support the world's population, according to researchers from the University of Michigan. They analyzed data from nearly 300 studies comparing organic yields with nonorganic yields in both developing and developed countries. The researchers concluded that organic farming methods could support the world's current population, and potentially an even larger population, without converting any additional land to crop production. Moreover, intensified organic agriculture would reduce the harmful impacts of conventional farming such as soil erosion, water pollution, release of global warming pollution, and loss of biodiversity.