Happy pigs in mud, cows in clover. This is the way we like to think of farm animals. Unfortunately this is most often not the case. My love of animals and conviction that eating meat is part of the ideal healthy human diet has led me to seek out meat that is:
Humanely raised and treated
Free range
Grass fed
Hormone and Antibiotic free
Pesticide free
Affordable
Although certified organic food is wonderful because you are assured that the producers strictly satisfy the above criteria the cost of these products is generally very high and not affordable for everyone.
'Organic' is a ridiculous term because it simply means that it consists of natural elements. Many food producers are predominantly 'organic' by the definition set out by reputable certifiers however for a range of reasons they do not bother with the expense of becoming certified.
Many farmers produce food that fits the list above and I plan to find them. I encourage you to band together with friends, family and colleagues to buy in bulk direct from these farmers.
Definition of CICO
I aim to find farmers that raise their animals according to the basic principles outlined below.
Humanely raised and treated
Free range
Grass fed
Hormone and Antibiotic free
Pesticide free
Affordable
When I refer to CICO or Cows in Clover Organic I mean a supplier that satisfies the above criteria.