Barb and Matt Guindon has always prided themselves in producing the best beef they can--which is exactly why they decided to raise grass-fed animals under the strict regulations of an organic farm.
In 2009, the farm, located in Cornell, was certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association International. The calves from that year--the spring of 2010--were certified organic and just became old enough to be processed. With that final step, the Guindons moved forward in finalizing all aspects of their operations and last fall their processor was also certified for the organic beef.
"After the certification was in place we had to develop a label that first had to gain organic approval then USDA had to approve the Organic Grass Fed label," said Barb Guindon. "Our first organic labeled beef will be in the Marquette Co-op this week. We will continue the transition over the next year until all animals being processed will carry the organic label."
The Guindons, who also sell their meat at the weekly Marquette Farmer's Market and directly from the farm in addition to year-round in the Marquette Co-op, have proven their commitment to exceeding the national standards for organic and sustainable farming.
"We hope it will reassure new customers who don’t yet know us that we do in fact farm organically," Guindon said. "Once people get to know us they understand that we work hard to build the soil organically the way nature provided. It also helps people new to organic food to identify our level of commitment. For the customers who get to know us it probably won’t matter much but for places it is sold like the Co-op it helps their consumers to make informed choices."
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Barb Guindon, Guindon Farms
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