2006 Press Releases
Organic Trade Association Statement Regarding Organic Dairies
A small group in the Midwest released today a “survey” purporting to rank organic dairy production practices. It is OTA’s understanding that this survey was not performed using accepted scientific research practices, and thus lacks rigor. The results, therefore, do not portray an accurate picture of today’s organic dairy producers.
Tools for comparison created without regard to statistically accepted principles and research practices are rarely useful in drawing valid conclusions. Thus, such a comparison of certified organic facilities, all of which are operating under national organic standards, is divisive at best and ignores the overall benefits of organic practices in general.
Certified organic farming reduces nutrient runoff, improves soil structure, sequesters carbon, conserves water, reduces pesticide use, and provides other environmental benefits. Choosing organic products encourages businesses of all sizes to invest in production methods that take care of the environment.
Organic dairy animals must have organic feed, must have access to the outdoors and to pasture, are not given growth hormones, and do not routinely receive antibiotics. (Antibiotics cannot be withheld if the animal’s life is in danger; the animal is then removed from the organic herd.) Learn more about organic dairy production at: http://www.ota.com/Organic/Dairy_Production.html.
OTA supports farms and other businesses that meet the federal standards for organic production. OTA continues to support the national organic standards, developed through more than a decade of public input and discussion among consumers, farmers, processors, and environmentalists. As it always has, OTA supports the USDA public comment process as a way to properly address any issues related to the organic standards.
