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AFO
Abbreviation for Animal Feeding Operation defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Animal Feeding Operation (AFO)
Lot or facility (other than an aquatic animal production facility) where the following conditions are met:
- Animals (other than aquatic animals) have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a
total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period, and
- Crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any
portion of the lot or facility.
Agribusiness
A term that combines agriculture and business. In the past, agriculture has been treated as something completely separate from other types of business. This term usually refers to larger corporate businesses involved in producing, processing or marketing agricultural products and services.
Antibiotics
Medicines created using microbes or fungi that are weakened and taken into the body to destroy harmful bacteria.
Antibiotic-free
No antibiotics were administered to the animal during its lifetime. If an animal becomes sick, it will be taken out of the herd and treated but it will not be sold with this label.
Antibiotic resistance
Bacteria's ability to mutate in order to survive treatment with antibiotics. Over time, some bacteria are able to change their characteristics so that antibiotics cannot kill them.
Beyond Organic
When the US government officially approved standards for organic food, a number of farmers dropped their organic certification because they felt the organic label had been co-opted by big business, and there was a burdensome amount of paperwork that they could not keep up with. Many of these farmers raise their animals and crops using methods that are even stricter than the USDA organic standards. There has been an effort to categorize these farmers, so some people are now calling these types of farms "Beyond Organic".
Biodynamics
This holistic method of agriculture is certified by a third-party agency and is based on the philosophy that all aspects of the farm should be treated as an interrelated whole. Having emerged as the first non-chemical agricultural movement approximately 20 years before the development of "organic" agriculture, biodynamics has now spread throughout the world. Biodynamic farmers work in harmony with nature and use a variety of techniques, such as crop rotation and on-farm composting, to foster a sustainable and productive environment.
CAFO
Abbreviation for Confined Animal Feeding Operation (See AFO)
Cage-Free
Birds are raised without cages.
Clean Air Act
Set of laws passed in 1970 to regulate air pollution in the US. The goal of this act was to improve air quality, and it was revised in 1990 to be more detailed about issues such as the hole in the ozone layer and acid rain.
Clean Water Act
Set of laws passed in 1972 to regulate water pollution in the US. This was the first-ever federal regulation of water pollution, and it gave the EPA the right to set standards and enforce them. The goal of this act was to completely stop the discharge of pollutants into the Waters of the United States and make all bodies of water in the US fishable and swimmable. Making this happen is very difficult and expensive because it's not always easy to find out who is polluting.
Contract grower
Farmer who makes an agreement with an agribusiness company to raise products, including but not limited to animals, under agreed specifications. In turn the company buys or markets the products.
Cover crops
Crops that are grown not to be harvested for food but to cover and protect soil surface and prevent soil erosion.
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
If approved, this initiative would require beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts to be labeled with the country in which they were produced.
Crop rotation
The practice of alternating different crops in a field in planned cycles in order to regulate nitrogen levels, prevent soil erosion, reduce fertilizer needs and improve the overall long-term productivity of the land.
CSA
Abbreviation for Community Supported Agriculture, a system in which consumers support a local farm by paying in advance for agricultural products. This reduces the financial risks for the farmer because the costs of seeds and planting crops are covered in advance by consumers. Throughout the growing season, CSA members receive a portion of the farm's harvest each week. Members share the financial risks and the bounty of the harvest -- if it is a successful growing season, they receive a lot of food; if there are fewer crops, they receive less. Members are also encouraged to visit the farm and some even volunteer there.
Dead Zone
An area in the Gulf of Mexico where oxygen levels are so low that most marine organisms cannot sruvive. One of the primary causes is runoff from farms in the Mississippi watershed.
Diversification
Method of farming that involves more than one agricultural product.
Eco-labeling
A method of identifying products that cause less damage to the environment than other
products (such as Fair Trade, organic, Food Alliance certified, raised without antibiotics
, etc.). There exists a wide selection of eco-labels with different criteria and varying
degrees of legitimacy. While some labels indicate that food was produced according to
strict guidelines enforced and verified by third-party food-certifying agencies, other
labels are self-awarded by food producers. For additional information about eco-labels,
visit the Consumers Union Guide to Environmental Labels.
Electronic Pasteurization or Electronically Pasteurized
Means the food has been treated with radiation as a method of killing harmful bacteria.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency. A part of the US federal government that enforces environmental laws and provides information and guidance to policy makers.
Externality
A cost or benefit of a product or service that is not included in its price. For instance, externality of a sustainable farm is the preservation of unpolluted, undeveloped greenspace; although society enjoys the benefits of these areas (preservation of biodiversity, protection of clean water, aesthetic appeal, etc.), no one provides compensation to the farmers who maintain the land.
Factory farm
A term usually describing large, corporate owned animal feeding or breeding operations.
Family farm / Small farm
Defined by the USDA as a farm with less than $250,000 gross receipts annually on which day-to-day labor and management is provided by the farmer and/or the farm family that owns the production or owns or leases the productive assets.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration. This government agency regulates industries and labels food and related items such as medicines and cosmetics.
Feedlots
Buildings, lots, or a combination of buildings and lots in which animals are concentrated for feeding, breeding, raising, and/or holding.
Finishing
The process through which an animal gains weight more rapidly prior to slaughter due to a higher energy feed ration.
Food Alliance
Meats labeled "The Food Alliance Approved" were raised on ranches that preserve soil and
water quality, and were provided access to fresh air, pasture, and comfortable living
quarters, without artificial hormones, rBGH, or unnecessary antibiotics. This claim is
verified by third-party inspectors at www.thefoodalliance.org.
Meats are available in some farmers' markets and natural foods stores in the Northwest and Midwest; online store also sells products.
Free range
This term refers to animals (usually poultry, and the eggs that they produce) that are not confined, meaning that these animals are able to go outdoors to engage in natural behaviors. It does not necessarily mean that the products are cruelty-free or antibiotic-free, or that the animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. The use of the term "free range" is only defined by the USDA for poultry production, and need only mean that the bird has had some access to the outdoors each day, which could be a dirty or concrete feedlot. USDA considers five minutes of open-air access each day to be adequate. Claims are defined by USDA, but are not verified by third party inspectors.
Free walkers
These hens are housed indoors, though they can move around and have unlimited access to food. Similar to "cage-free".
Genetic engineering
The science of changing the DNA of a plant or animal to produce desirable characteristics. Examples of desirable characteristics include fast growth and unusually large size. This is a very controversial science that many believe has not been adequately tested and studied. In addition, not everyone agrees that the plants and animals that are genetically engineered are safe for humans to eat or safe for the environment if released.
Genetically modified
See "GMO".
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism. This is a plant or animal that has been genetically engineered or modified through scientific developments such as recombinant DNA technology to grow differently or be more resistant to bacteria. Many industries support the development and use of GMOs while many consumers and organizations question their safety and have called for adequate and independent testing of GMO products. Some farmers in the U.S. and some other countries like Argentina produce and sell certain GMOs for human and animal consumption. The US Food and Drug Administration, at present, does not require genetically engineered or modified food to be labeled. Because of the uncertainty, many natural foods are labeled "No GMO" or "No Genetic Engineering".
Grain-fed
The animal was fed a diet consisting of mostly grain in order to grow more rapidly and finish with more fat deposit in the muscle or marbling. Corn is the most widely used grain in the US, particularly in the Midwest where the climate is ideal for producing it. Other grains used to finish cattle are wheat, barley and milo.
Grain Finished
Some producers raise their animals on pasture or roughage then feed them higher concentrations of grain for a certain amount of time before slaughter. Grain is higher in energy and allows the animal to become fatter more rapidly and creates the taste to which most people are currently accustomed.
Grass-fed
Animals graze on pasture and eat grasses or hay only. Grass-fed cattle are not supplemented with grain. Typically grass-fed animals are not fed animal by-products, administered synthetic hormones, or be given antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease (though they might be given antibiotics to treat disease). Grass fed labels do not guarantee no hormones or antibiotics unless specified. This is the same as pastured or pasture raised.
Grass Fed/Grain Supplemented
Animals are raised on pasture and eat grasses. At a certain point, grains are slowly introduced into the diet in a controlled amount, along with the grasses. This is common in winter months when all grass diets are not available.
Heritage
Heritage foods are derived from rare and endangered breeds of livestock and crops. Animals are purebreds, a specific breed of animal that is near extinction. Production standards are not required by law, but true heritage farmers use sustainable production methods. This method of production saves animals from extinction and preserves genetic diversity.
Holistic Management
A decision making framework that assists farmers and others in establishing a long-term goal, a detailed financial plan, a biological plan for the landscape and a monitoring program to assess progress toward the goal.
Hormones
Chemicals found naturally in animals' bodies that control processes like growth and metabolism. Synthetic (man-made) hormones have been developed for a number of purposes, including treatment of hormonal disorders in people, and also for promotion of faster growth in farm animals. For instance, by adding minute levels of estrogen into a beef animals bloodstream encourages the animal to produce more testosterone to balance the levels, the increased testosterone encourages muscle growth.
Hormone Free
The USDA has prohibited use of the term "Hormone Free," as animals produce estrogen and testosterone naturally but meats can be labeled "No Hormones Administered" or "No added Hormones".
Humane
The compassionate care and treatment of animals being raised for livestock.
For more information visit the following labeling agencies for humane:
Animal Compassion
Certified Humane
Free Farmed
Animal Welfare Institute
Independent family farm
Farm on which the ownership and management are controlled by at least one family member who lives on the farm, not by a corporation or absentee owner.
IPM (Integrated pest management)
Natural pest control methods, such as habitat manipulation, biological control, and pest-resistant plants, are used to eliminate pest problems. Pesticides are used in the smallest possible amounts only when other techniques prove inadequate.
Irradiation
Exposure to radiation. Meat is sometimes irradiated to kill micro-organisms and reduce
the number of microbes present due to unsanitary practices.
Labels are often referred to as "first-party," "second-party," and "third-party" labels. These terms refer to the organization that is issuing the label.
First-party labels:
Eco-labels issued by the manufacturer without independent review and are also known as "self-certified" labels.
Second-party labels:
Eco-labels issued by industry, trade or membership associations. The standards may be developed by the second party organization but certified or verified by an independent or third party organization.
Third-party labels:
Third-party labels are issued by organizations that are truly independent from the product that they certify and the manufacturers and retailers of the product. The decision-makers within these organizations (such as the board of directors), do not have any ties to the industry
Mobile Meat Processing Unit
An animal harvesting and cutting unit in a trailer that can be moved from one farm to another in order to accommodate small farmers and ranchers. The units reduce the stress animals endure from being transported long distances. These units are typically not certified by USDA.
Monoculture
Monoculture is the destruction of a diverse ecosystem and replacement with a single species or crop. This is common practice in modern agriculture, where large acreages of crops are grown for sale to other regions or countries. Monocultures deplete the soil, and fruits and vegetables become more susceptible to pests and disease than those grown in a diverse crop environment, thus requiring larger amounts of chemical sprays.
Natural
Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and poultry products. USDA guidelines state that "Natural" meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. However, "natural" foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics. The label "natural" by itself usually does not describe any change to typical production.
No antibiotics administered raised without antibiotics or antibiotic-free
No antibiotics were administered to the animal during its lifetime. If an animal becomes sick, it will be taken out of the herd and treated but it will not be sold with this label.
No Hormones Administered or No Added Hormones Animals were raised without added growth hormones. By law, hogs and poultry cannot be given any hormones - so the use of the label on these meats is misleading! To ensure that other meats were raised without added hormones, ask your farmer or butcher.
No-till farming
The practice of planting new crops amidst cuttings of old crops and not plowing the field in order to slow the release of carbon dioxide and diminish the greenhouse effect. No-till and low-till practices also increase the retention of water and nutrients, allowing earthworms and other organisms to proliferate and keep the soil healthy.
Non-therapeutic Antibiotics or Sub-therapeutic Antibiotics
Antibiotics administered to animals for purposes of prevention rather than the treatment of existing illness. Sub-therapeutic antibiotics also increase appetite which makes animals grow faster.
Organic
In order to be labeled "organic," a product, its producer, and the farmer must meet the USDA's organic standards and must be certified by a USDA-approved food-certifying agency. Organic foods cannot be grown using synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, cannot be genetically modified, and cannot be irradiated. Organic meat and poultry must be fed only organically-grown feed (without any animal byproducts) and cannot be treated with hormones or antibiotics. Furthermore, the animals must have access to the outdoors, and ruminants must have access to pasture (which doesn't mean they actually have to go outdoors and graze on pasture to be considered organic. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a fixed set of standards that must be met by anyone using the "organic" label in the United States. These standards were issued in December, 2000, after a 10 year development process. Certifying organizations may not alter the USDA standards for organic certification in any way in order to comply with USDA organic regulations. Certifying organizations are required to maintain conflict of interest disclosures and recognize all other USDA accredited certifying organization's decisions. Compliance with the standards is assured by USDA which accredits certifying organizations.
Standard Requirements for Organic Production
Fruits, Vegetables, Meat and Poultry
Most synthetic (and petroleum derived) pesticides and fertilizers, and all antibiotics, genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge, are prohibited for use in organic production. In addition, organic animals must eat 100% organic feed that does not contain any of the animal byproducts or growth hormones. Organic animals also must have access to the outdoors. Synthetic materials can only be used in organic production if they are reviewed for appropriateness by the National Organic Standards Board and placed on the National List. All materials on the National List will be retired after five years unless otherwise reviewed again and re-listed.
Originally, the USDA National Organic Program required that all substances used in organic production meet National Organic Program standards. The USDA has since narrowed the definition of substance to ingredient used in organic production. This means that a substance used in processing that may leave residues but that is not actually an ingredient in the final product does not have to have USDA approval.
Lingering Questions about Chickens and the Outdoor Access Requirements
The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 and the National Organic Program explicitly require that organic meat and meat products must come from animals that have been raised outdoors. However, the USDA has drawn a distinction between chickens and other animals. While ruminant animals are guaranteed continuous access to the outdoors without confinement, chickens are not guaranteed continuous outdoor access and can be confined.
Tiers of Organic Labeling
One may see one of three labels on an organic product, and they mean different things. The three labels are:
100% Organic
According to USDA's national organic standard, products labeled as "100 percent organic" can only contain organically produced ingredients. Products containing 100% organic ingredients can display the USDA Organic logo and / or the certifying agent's logo.
Organic
To be labeled as "organic," 95% of the ingredients must be organically grown and the remaining 5% must come from non-organic ingredients that have been approved on the National List. These products can also display the USDA organic logo and/or the certifier's logo.
Made With Organic Ingredients
Food products labeled as "made with organic ingredients" must be made with at least 70% organic ingredients, three of which must be listed on the back of the package and again, the remaining 30% of the non-organic ingredients must approved on the National List. These products may display the certifier's logo but not the USDA organic logo.
The percentage level of organic ingredients determines what tier of organic labeling should be used. In food products, water and salt are not included calculation of the percentage of organic ingredients. However, for personal care products, water can be included in the organic weight of a product. Since water is usually one of the first three ingredients listed on personal care products, it is easier for personal care products to be organic than food.
Pastured or Pasture-Raised
Indicates the animal was raised on a pasture and that it ate grasses and food found in a pasture, rather than being fattened on grain in a feedlot or barn. Pasturing livestock and poultry is a traditional farming technique that allows animals to be raised in a humane, ecologically sustainable manner. This is basically the same as grass-fed, though the term pasture-raised indicates more clearly that the animal was raised outdoors on pasture.
Pathogens
Micro-organisms that cause disease.
Raised Without the Routine Use of Antibiotics
Antibiotics were not given to the animal to promote growth or to prevent disease, but may have been administered if the animal became ill.
rBGH
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, also called recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST). This is a genetically engineered hormone that is administered to dairy cows to increase their milk production.
rBGH-Free or rBST-Free
Milk labeled "rBGH-Free" is produced by dairy cows that were never administered this hormone. Organic milk is rBGH free. (rBST stands for recombinant bovine somatotropin.)
Riparian
Defined as relating to, living or located on the bank of a natural water-course (as a river) or sometimes of a lake or a tidewater.
Rotational grazing
The practice of moving animals between two paddocks, so that each paddock undergoes a short grazing period followed by a longer rest period. The practice protects pastures from overgrazing and reduces soil erosion.
Ruminant
Ruminants are hooved animals with four-chambered stomachs which enable them to digest cellulose. After eating, ruminants regurgitate a semi-digested material called cud, which they chew, then eat again. Cows, goats, sheep, bison, deer, camels, llamas, and giraffes are all ruminants.
Self Certified
The farmer makes claims such as "No hormones administered", but there is no outside verification of the claims, meaning the consumer believes the farmer at his or her word. Many reliable, legitimate sustainable farmers are self certified, but it's still best to know your farmer, butcher and/or to trust the brand you buy.
Small farm/Family farm
Farm that earns no more than $250,000 per year and on which the day-to-day labor and management is provided by the farmer and/or farm family that owns or leases the production or production equipment. This does not necessarily mean that the farm is organic or cruelty free, or even that it is not controlled by a major agricultural company.
Subtherapeutic
Below the dosage levels used to treat diseases but given routinely to prevent disease and promote appetite.
Sustainable
A product can be considered sustainable if its production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. A sustainable product can thus be created repeatedly without generating negative environmental effects and without compromising the wellbeing of the animals ,workers or communities. The term 'sustainable' lacks a clear-cut, universally-accepted, enforceable definition - thus it can be interpreted in different ways. It is more of a philosophy or way of life than a label.
Sustainable Agriculture
Farming that is profitable for farm families; maintains the natural environment and resources; supports the rural
community; and offers respect and fair treatment to all involved, from farm workers to consumers to the animals
raised for food.
The US Congress defined sustainable agriculture in the 1990 Farm bill as an integrated system of plant and animal
production practices that:
- Satisfy human food and fiber needs
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
- Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate,
natural biological cycles and controls
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole
The United Nation's (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) adopted the following official definition of
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in 1988:
- Sustainable development (in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors) should conserve land, water, plant
and animal genetic resources, is environmentally non-degrading, technically appropriate, economically viable and
socially acceptable
During the UN Conference on Environment and Development, in 1992, a number of non-government organizations (NGO)
drafted their own NGO Sustainable Agriculture Treaty which states:
- Sustainable Agriculture is model of social and economic organization based on equitable and participatory vision
of development which recognizes the environment and natural resources as the foundation of economic activity.
Agriculture is sustainable when it is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, culturally appropriate
and based on a holistic scientific approach.
Third Party Certified (or Verified)
Food inspected by a company operating independently of the producer or distributor. The third party certification company confirms the legitimacy of claims made by food producers and distributors, thus ensuring that the food labels are meaningful. Organic and Biodynamic Certified are examples of third-party certification.
Transitional Organic Farmer or Grower
A farm or grower who is converting to organic practices but has not yet completed the transition.
Treated by Irradiation or Treated with Radiation
The FDA requires that food treated with irradiation be labeled with one of these phrases and to carry a radura symbol.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA, which was founded by Abraham Lincoln, supports rural development, food safety, nutrition and research for agricultural technology. The agency is also in charge of national forest and rangelands and works to reduce hunger in the US and internationally.
100% Vegetarian Diet
Animals are not fed any animal byproducts. This does not guarantee they were raised outdoors or on pasture, but it should indicate that they were raised on grasses, hay, silage and other feed found on pasture or in a field. Grain, like corn, is vegetarian and falls into this category. |
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