My thought is in the form of a question: Does organic mean vegetarian or only non-medicated or only non-GMO or all three plus more prohibited items?
It can mean absolutely anything, except it doesn't mean "vegetarian." I think, however, some of the customers in the buying group think it does mean "vegetarian," as well as a lot of other things it probably doesn't mean.
Unless something is labeled as "Certified Organic," and then the certification people might bust you if you claim certification but don't actually have it. "Certified Organic" means something specific, but it still doesn't mean "vegetarian." Unless, of course, the ingredients were imported, and then we're back to the words "Certified Organic" meaning absolutely nothing ... there is so much fraud in the imported organics industry ... so if the feed mill is importing ingredients, then they have to do testing of each and every delivery (they should do this anyway as some "Certification" organizations do not involve testing ... they involve fees and paperwork. I've been writing to feed mills lately to ask if they do testing of every delivery, and so far most do not. Most rely on the certification organization.
What you see in the backyard/small flock egg "business" is the word written as "organic." That means nothing. It kinda sorta is supposed to mean the birds have been fed nothing but Certified Organic feeds from at least day 3 of their lives, but are also allowed to forage in uncertified pastures for weeds and bugs. I think a lot of people raise their birds on whatever feeds are handy, and then when it is time to sell eggs, switch them to "Certified Organic" feed and advertise the eggs as "organic." This is why it's good to ask specific questions and listen to your gut about the answers. If something sounds "off," ask more questions or walk away.
There are a few medium-sized egg vendors who have their property Certified Organic, so those eggs could be called "Certified Organic" if they are always only fed "Certified Organic" feed. Those eggs are usually very expensive.
I think in this instance (my story) it means the layer ration the flock gets fed at the moment is "Certified Organic." I gather the birds are also fed treats sometimes, and these treats have been described as "organic." I've not bothered to ask them if the birds were put on "Certified Organic" feeds on day 3 of their lives, or to be more specific about the treats, because it isn't my place to try to poke holes in their business.
Here is a link to info on including fish meal in Certified Organic poultry rations:
http://www.extension.org/pages/70046/including-fishmeal-in-organic-poultry-diets#.Ux5eqyhOETM
Me too!
