The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing a rule requesting public comment on its intent to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) proposed final rule published in January 2017.
USDA stated that it believes the OLPP final rule exceeded USDA’s statutory authority beyond the intent of the Organic Foods Production Act.
If this withdrawal is finalized, the existing organic livestock and poultry regulations would remain effective.
The January 2017 OLPP final rule would have established certain production, handling and transportation practices for organic poultry and livestock. After several extensions, the rule would have become effective on May 14, 2018.
Comments concerning the withdrawal of the rule can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal on or before January 17, 2018.
USDA move gets mixed reactions
USDA’s intent to rescind the rule has gained both praise and opposition.
In a statement, Sen. Pat Roberts, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, said he had long felt the proposed final rule was a bad idea and moving to rescind it was a step in the right direction.
“With USDA’s wise decision to withdraw this rule, organic livestock and poultry producers can rest assured that they will not be forced out of business by another costly and burdensome regulation,” said Roberts, R-Kansas.
In his statement, Roberts called the rule an “unwanted and unneeded regulation” and one with“serious potential to force organic livestock and poultry producers out of business, increase prices paid by consumers for organic food, and increase animal disease and mortality.”
However, Rob Larew, senior vice president of public policy and communications for the National Farmers Union (NFU), disagreed. He believes that the proposed rule would improve the consistency and integrity of organic livestock practices and labeling.
“This is a very disappointing decision by USDA, both for American family farmers and for consumers. Currently, we have too much inconsistency in how organic certifiers apply animal welfare standards to farming and ranching operations. This, in turn, endangers the organic label’s integrity and leads to consumer confusion. The OLPP rule would have helped mitigate these concerns by standardizing organic livestock and poultry practices for the voluntary National Organic Program,” said Larew.
“We urge USDA to find a solution that provides certainty to family organic producers and integrity to the organic label. Family farmers, ranchers, and consumers all benefit from thorough, accurate and consistent food labeling.”
