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Greetings!
Spring is in the air! We have accomplished a lot
during the winter months and are now ready to move
forward on several fronts. In late February, several
members of FACT's staff attended the 2009 Midwest
Organic Farming Conference in LaCrosse,
Wisconsin. We met with and learned from organic
farmers - and there were hundreds of
farmers in attendance. Most of these farmers are
concerned about the welfare of their animals and take
great strides to promote their health and well-being.
They have the same concerns about animal welfare
as do our supporters.
As most of you know, by purchasing organic food you
are looking out for your family's health, as well as
improving animal welfare, protecting the environment,
and reducing your exposure to harmful chemical
residues. FACT supports farmers who use healthy
and humane practices to raise their animals,
including limiting the unnecessary use of antibiotics,
providing the animals with safe feed and access to
the outdoors, and allowing the animals to express
their natural behaviors.
We have been actively involved in strengthening
organic food regulations since 2001, when the use of
antibiotics in cows transitioning to organic production
was called into question. FACT urged the National
Organic Program to maintain a strict "no antibiotics
ever" policy for milk labeled as organic and continues
to do so.
We at FACT will continue our advocacy to make the
organic standards even more meaningful. This
includes continued visits with organic farmers,
meeting with policy makers in Washington D.C., and
educating the public about choosing the most
humane products at the grocery store. As always,
please visit our website for more information.
Our secure Donate page makes it easier
than ever to give to FACT. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Richard Wood
Executive Director
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Deadline for Mad Cow Disease Rule Looms for Feed Industry
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Food Animal Concerns Trust is dismayed to learn that
steps needed to protect the public from mad cow
disease might be further delayed. This new
delay would come after years of inaction under the
Bush administration despite thedetection of mad cow
disease in the United States in 2003.
According to industry reports in several trade
publications, the impending April 27th
deadline for full implementation of the 2008 Feed
Rule will be extended 60 days by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The final rule
prohibits certain risky materials
from use in animal feed and requires alternative
disposal of these materials. As the FDA
would not confirm or deny the rumor, FACT now calls
on the Agency to implement the
rule without delay and to continue work on
strengthening it. Check out FACT's breaking news release for more
information!
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FACT staff attends nation's largest organic farming conference
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On February 27 and 28, several members of FACT's
staff attended the 20th Annual Organic Farming
Conference in rural Wisconsin. Organic farmers,
advocates and interested citizens from across the
country converged to strengthen the 'good food'
movement. The demand for organic and sustainable
food items is growing. Concern for human and
environmental health, animal welfare and food safety
are among the issues driving this upward trend.
During the three day conference, staff members
attended
sessions focused on farm animal welfare, progress
of the national organic program and marketing
sessions aimed at growing the organic agriculture
movement. Keynote speakers included Dr. Vandana
Shiva, one of the world's most renowned
environmentalists, and Dr. Alan Greene, Chair of The
Organic Center's Board of Directors. The exhibition
hall was filled with over 140 booths representing a
variety of resource groups, certification agencies,
buyers, processors, cooperatives and suppliers.
FACT is committed to promoting organic food
production. Certified organic farmers must meet
basic humane standards in raising their animals. For
example, organic eggs must come from uncaged
hens and organic pork must come from pigs that are
not confined. For more information about organic food
choices or the Midwest
Organic Farming Conference, please contact
Larissa McKenna.
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Deadly MRSA bacteria are spreading from farm animals to people
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Last month, FACT was quoted in The Oregonian regarding the livestock-
MRSA connection. It is
estimated that more than 90,000 people become ill
and 18,000 die from MRSA infections (methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus) each year in the
United States. The vast majority of human
infections are caused by strains that emerged in
hospitals because of heavy antibiotic use.
Researchers are finding that MRSA bacteria are
becoming widespread among pigs, dairy cattle and
possibly chickens. FACT's Public Health Director
Steve Roach commented on how livestock herds
could act as a reservoir for these dangerous bacteria
which can spread to people.
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Support FACT and enjoy an evening of fun!
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On Thursday, April 23, from 6 - 9 pm, FACT will be
hosting an informal gathering of supporters and
friends at Mad River
Bar & Grille in Chicago. Come out and meet
FACT's staff, hear about our current activities and
enjoy complimentary pasta, pizza and great drink
specials. There will be a $5.00 cover at the door and
100% of the money raised will benefit FACT. Mad
River Bar & Grille is located at 2909 North Sheffield
Ave, Chicago, IL. For more information contact
Jacki Rossi or call (773) 525-4952. We hope to
see you there!
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FACT has joined Facebook!
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Are you interested in interacting with people who care
about animal welfare and public health? Now is your
chance. FACT recently started a Facebook group
where people can join our discussion board, get up-to-
date news and learn about upcoming events. Join a
community committed to making farms healthy and
humane places to raise animals! Become a member
of
FACT's Facebook group
today and invite others to join as well!
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