One of the largest “organic” egg operations in the United States keeps 1.6 million hens, and it continues to grow. To make more space inside the Herbruck's organic henhouses, which contain 56,000 square feet and stand about 20 feet in height, Herbruck has installed four levels of metal shelves. “We think that’s what consumers expect of organic eggs,” said Jesse Laflamme, co-owner and chief executive at Pete and Gerry's Organics. Herbruck's, for example, is given USDA Organic status by an inspection agency known as Quality Assurance International. For years, consumer advocates and small farmers have sought to clarify the regulations for organic hens, demanding that the USDA enforce the outdoors requirement more rigorously.

Source: Washington Post July 13, 2017 11:05 UTC