From: fletcherd@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 2:38 PM
To: MarketingClaim
Subject: Grass-Fed Meat





Chief - Standardization Branch, AMS, USDA - Martin E. O'Connor Agricultural
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 2607-S, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250-0254

Dear Chief O'Connor,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed USDA grass-fed meat label
and to urge you to clarify the proposed rule to prevent meat from grain-fed
animals from being erroneously labeled as grass-fed.

As you know, animals raised in their natural environment on a grass-based diet
are healthier and encounter less stress.
Intense grain feeding in confinement is inhumane, unhealthy for the animals and
unhealthy for our environment.

It is important, however, to clarify what is meant by "immature grains"
presently in the wording. It should be very strictly worded to allow only those
animals raised outdoors, grazing exclusively on grasses, legumes, etc. to be
called "grass-fed."

Also, the USDA should combine the "free-range/pasture-raised"
label with the "grass-fed" label to avoid any confusion by keeping them
separate.

Thank you.


Sincerely,

Fletcher Dean
PO Box 2
Calais, Vermont 05650