Why we’re NOT organic
We have spent quite a bit of time researching organic, non-gmo, cage free, free range, pasture raised, etc – and there is still much to be learned.
However, what we found is the bubble over our heads of how we think products are produced based on the label and how they actually are produced are often different.
Let’s talk ‘Organic‘ for a minute. Now organic is okay when you are in the big city with no option but the big box store. Otherwise, organic is an often misunderstood label for the consumer that needs to be inspected by the critical buyer.
How about Organic Chicken? Unfortunately, there are several problems. Here are a few….
First, the birds are raised in barns (labeled:cage free/free range) – some of which have no access to the outdoors. So the birds spend most of their life inside or outside on cement pads – they are not on grass.
Second, they are fed USDA organic feed – organic feed is supposedly grown according to official standards but it is not followed up with testing for GMO’s, herbicides, or pesticides thereby allowing for real and potential contamination.
Third, organic chickens in the store are often processed in water containing bleach or other chemicals – a quick smell is often the best inspection.
How do we go beyond organic? We believe birds should be outside and we are very wary of both the standard organic & non-gmo feeds – both of which are not tested. Our birds are on ‘grass’ 24/7 where they run about freely, protected by an expansive electric fence and daily moved shelters. Besides grass & wild flowers, our birds are supplemented with a feed that is tested & guaranteed to be GMO free, pesticide free, herbicide free, & medication free. Our birds are processed on the farm in water that has no bleach or chemicals. |