USDA proposes "grass-fed" standard

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on a proposed minimum standard for grass (forage) fed marketing claims. The standard, when adopted, will become the U.S. Standard for Grass (forage) Fed claims.

Increasingly, livestock and meat producers are using production and/or processing claims to distinguish their products in the marketplace. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, through its voluntary certification and audit programs, verifies the accuracy of these claims. The proposed standard will establish the minimum requirements for those producers who choose to operate a USDA verified program involving a grass (forage) fed claim.

The request for comments will be published in the May 12, 2006, Federal Register. Comments must be received on or before Aug. 10, and should be sent to Martin E. O’Connor, AMS Livestock and Seed Program, Room 2607–S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0254. Comments may also be sent by facsimile to (202) 720-1112, by electronic mail to marketingclaim@usda.gov, or via the Internet at www.regulations.gov. Comments should refer to Docket No. LS-05-09. Copies of the notice are available through the above physical address or by accessing the website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/st-pubs.htm.

Grass-fed lamb and goat