From: VillageBakery@fastermac.net
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 12:24 PM
To: MarketingClaim
Cc: info@slowfoodusa.org%inter2
Subject: Docket #LS-05-09



August 3, 2006
   
  To Whom It May Concern:
   
  As a proud member of Slow Food Northern Ohio, I would like to provide my
feedback on the USDA?s published-for-comment grass fed standards, Docket
#LS-05-09.
   
I only buy pastured, grass fed meat for my family, as I understand the health
and ethical differences between eating meat from animals raised in confinement
and eating meat from animals who eat grass on pasture.
   
  I am pleased that the USDA has chosen to determine production and labeling
standards for grass fed animals ? beef in particular.   I am however deeply
concerned that the proposed standard neglects to specify that grass feeding take
place outside, on pasture.  The proposed rule currently makes no distinction
between animals who eat grass on pasture, and animals who are fed harvested
grass while in confinement or on a feedlot.

  To me, the term grass fed is ? and should continue to be ? synonymous with
animals having free access to pasture and/or range.  
   
  The term and label for grass fed should also mean no confinement.
   
Ultimately, I believe that grass fed should mean animals humanely raised in
grass pastures from birth to harvest, the way nature intended.  
   
  Please do your part to ensure that the integrity of this definition survives
the legislative process.  This is absolutely necessary in order to preserve the
value of the grass fed label and standard of quality for US consumers, and
particularly for the health of my family and local community in Athens, Ohio.  
   
  Thank you for your attention.
   
  Sincerely,
   
Christine T. Hughes
Member, Slow Food Northern Ohio Convivium