Fieldale's 'organic chicken' request tabled

WASHINGTON - Fieldale Farms' request that it be allowed to market one of its products as "organically produced" has been put on hold by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The northeast Georgia poultry giant had asked USDA for the designation for its Springer Mountain Farms chicken even though the birds are given conventional feed.

Now, USDA has tabled the request.

Fieldale's request got a cool reception from organic food interests, but its supporters say organic feed is not available to meet the needs of the growing organic poultry market.