What is the difference between Organic and Non-Organic meat?
Although there is no legal restriction on the use of the term “organic”, food may only be described and sold as “Organic” if the producer is a member of a certified Organic regulatory authority. Membership of such organisation(s) is expensive and the rules imposed are onerous. That said, the principle difference between Organic and non-organic meat lies in the nature – and price! – of the feed which the contributing animals have enjoyed in their lives before slaughter. Organic feed is grown without the aid of artificial fertilisers and so production yields are commonly lower. In round terms, Organic feed can be double the price of a basic, non-organic ration. It follows that for feed to be certified as Organic, it has to have been produced in accordance with the standards issued by a regulatory body such as the Soil Association or the Scottish Organic Producers Association and it should be guaranteed free from the possible presence of pesticide residues and free of any GM-based content
