12/26/06 "Naturally raised" livestock meeting

American Rancher December 26, 2006 The meaning of the term "naturally raised" when it comes to livestock has been the subject of debate among some in the industry. So the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is considering developing a voluntary standard to address production practices associated with the term "naturally raised" livestock. Marty O'Connor of AMS explains. O'Connor: "We feel in the Agricultural Marketing Service that a standardized definition of naturally raised will help clarify in the marketplace what truly is being done in the production activity to obtain a approved label for a product that is put into the market with a USDA certified or verified program that does make the claim of naturally raised." AMS scheduled three listening sessions for public input on developing a voluntary standard. One was held last week in Washington D.C. Two sessions are scheduled in January, one in Denver, one in Seattle. O'Connor: "We think it is a vital program that has the interest of both the consumers and the production entities within the sector of livestock production and we look forward to working as quickly as possible to get something out there that is going to be both useful and informative." The listening session on "naturally raised" being held in Seattle is scheduled for January 18th. It will be held at the Seattle Marriott SeaTac Airport and begin at one p.m. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide either verbal or written comments. Verbal comments will be limited to three minutes per person. I'm Bob Hoff. `