Food Production Practices – What do they mean?

You have a vast array of product choices available.  Different production terms and labeling is a great way to gain some insight into your food, but what does it all mean? 

SavorWisconsin.com features a diverse line-up of products from within the state’s border.  In addition to buying local products, here are some insights into the production methods that can appear on product labels to keep in mind when making your next purchase.

Free-Range or Free-Roaming: These labels tell customers that poultry products or eggs come from birds not raised in cages. Neither label requires third party certification as the USDA does not define or certify free-range or free-roaming claims for any meat or poultry products.

Grass-fed: This label identifies meat products coming from animals fed on grasses and forages, never grains. The grass-fed label is under USDA regulation with standards for certifying meat.

Naturally Raised: This label is used by producers to indicate that certain production practices have been followed, but this standard varies by producers.  While this label is in the process of coming under USDA regulation standards, it is not currently regulated.

USDA Organic: The National Organic Program (NOP) develops labeling standards for organic agricultural products. Farmers who want to use the word “organic” in marketing materials are required by law to be certified.

Because of the variations in labeling and certification, you can be certain to have the best understanding of the food you consume by developing a relationship with the producer.  Feel free to ask questions and make decisions based on the attributes that are important to you and your family. 

Making a connection with your food can take many forms from knowing the source to how it was grown.  To check out a line-up of Wisconsin grown products and learn more about the producers - Click Here.