New USDA Organic Pasture Rule is Issued

Straus Family Creamery and Hundreds of Other Organic Family Farms Stand Behind Better Rules

Marshall, CA, February 16, 2010 - The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has released its final version of the revised Pasture Rule. This final rule amends the livestock and other related provisions of the National Organic Program regulations. The intent of the revised Pasture Rule is to ensure that cows graze on pasture during the grazing season by establishing strict, enforceable guidelines. "I am very pleased with the final version of the revised Pasture Rule," stated Albert Straus, Founder and President of Straus Family Creamery," the rule will allow local organic certifiers to protect the integrity of the National Organic Program with enforceable standards. "

Our concerns about specific language in the Pasture Rule that might have impacted the health of the animals and land have been resolved in the final version of the rule. "The final rule allows for a grazing season that considers regional variation in climate, soil conditions, and regional water quality regulations," commented Albert Straus. "We're very grateful to all of the consumers who urged the USDA to account for such regional variations in the final rule. It's exciting to see the National Organic Program continue to get stronger. "

The revised Pasture Rule will take effect in June of 2010 and can be viewed here.

Additional Resources:
* National Organic Program Site
* Discussion Forum on Facebook