Recently, we purchased a couple of pounds of organic chicken wings. This particular meat from a local farmer was grain-fed and given no antibiotics. My partner and I were a little stunned by how good they tasted. They were juicier and more flavorful than even the best restaurant chicken wings we had tasted in the past, and we’ve eaten a lot of chicken wings. The only problem with them was the cost; they were easily 40% more expensive than their non-organic counterparts.

The cost difference is beginning to erode, with the escalation of non-organic meat prices. Now that organic meats are becoming cost-viable, what do you look for?

Produced on the Same Continent
If your organic meat was raised in Mexico or South America, the rules for calling it “organic” are much more lax than they are here. Also, the carbon cost may be outweighing the organic nature of the meat.

No Antibiotics & No Antibiotics on Label
While an “organic” label may be comforting, there is no guarantee that the meat has still not seen unnecessary doses of antibiotics. In order to use the terms “no hormones” and “no antibiotics” under USDA regulations, the company must provide sufficient documentation to back up those claims.

Where To Buy
While you can now easily find organic meat in your local supermarket, there are a few online outlets that you can turn to for organic meats.

Beretta Farms – Canada
This outfit out of the Toronto area sells a wide variety of organic meats.

Fox Fire Farms – US
Organic grass fed lamb and pork are on the menu at this online retailer.

D’artagnan – US
This turkey is organic and free range; pre-order now for Thanksgiving.

Tags: organic grass fed, organic meats, organic pork, organic poultry, organic turkey

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