Econiche Traction...more There's more chances for Econiche success than just fed subsidy.
For one, I believe that the USDA stonewalling has everything to do with beefproducers lobby. In all the numerous Ecoli lawsuits, one of the main questions for the defendants is "Did you do everything reasonably within your power to minimize the chances for Ecoli to enter the foodstream" As long as Econiche is not approved, their answer is yes, once it's approved they are gambling if they do not require their meat suppliers to vaccinate the herd. Beef suppliers are (usually) at arms length from the meat producers and thus insulated from the lawsuits. (so far) If a Walkerton type of event happens in the states, the USDA may be forced to approve it regardless of the beef lobby, as it becomes an environmental issue.
Second, if the public starts to demand premium meat (check out the lightning fast move away from "pink slime" by the giants) then Econiche is a logical part fo the premium meat supply. The green leaf logo may just start appearing in your supermarket, spurring a snowballing demand. Those that go first down this road, will gain most for their brand.