Comment Re:Time to go organic (Score 2, Informative) 253
The difference in price is largely lost in the cost of organic feed, which is often twice conventionally raised feed. I think there would be less reliance on antibiotics in beef operations if there were an antibiotic-free classification priced somewhere between organic and conventional. This would allow the purchase of conventional feedstuffs to fatten the cattle to the consumer's liking while reducing antibiotic use in livestock. The beef industry, no matter how small or large, makes management decisions based on profit.
The dairy industry in America is currently testing a model such as this with processors creating a third classification between organic and conventional with dairy products from cows NOT treated with growth hormones. There is a public opposition to the use of this hormone (which large dairy farms defend by saying it's FDA approved). Will it make a difference to the consumers? Will consumers pay for it? In my opinion, there are far too many people that pick the lowest costs foods for this to make a difference. I hope I'm wrong.
The dairy industry in America is currently testing a model such as this with processors creating a third classification between organic and conventional with dairy products from cows NOT treated with growth hormones. There is a public opposition to the use of this hormone (which large dairy farms defend by saying it's FDA approved). Will it make a difference to the consumers? Will consumers pay for it? In my opinion, there are far too many people that pick the lowest costs foods for this to make a difference. I hope I'm wrong.
