USDA proposes change to organic livestock, poultry rules

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed to amend the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule with new requirements for living conditions, handling, transportation and slaughter.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed to amend the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule with new requirements for living conditions, handling, transportation and slaughter. 

With the amendments, USDA will enforce consistent standards for organic poultry and livestock, as well as clarify existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices. The change aims to fulfill the purposes of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and facilitate interstate commerce of organic products.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will host a virtual listening session on August 19, 2022, at 12:00 PM eastern time (ET) to hear comments regarding the proposed rule. The deadline to register for oral comment is 11:59 p.m. ET, August 15, 2022. The written comment period will close at midnight 60 days from publication.

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, stated “We encourage producers, processors, and consumers to submit written comments about the rule so that we can work together to create a fairer, more competitive, and transparent food system.”

Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, added “This rulemaking is an opportunity to ensure consumers’ expectations align with the enforced organic standards, building trust across the supply chain and leveling the playing field for producers.”

More about the potential changes

The amendments will address livestock health care practices, living conditions, transportation of animals and slaughter. According to the proposed rule, the changes include:

  1. Livestock health care practices: The rule would specify which physical alteration procedures are prohibited or restricted for use on organic livestock. The proposed livestock health care practice standards include requirements for euthanasia to reduce suffering of any sick or disabled livestock.
  2. Living conditions: The proposed rule would set separate standards for mammalian and avian livestock living conditions to better reflect the needs and behaviors of the different species, as well as related consumer expectations. The proposed avian livestock living standards would set maximum indoor and outdoor stocking densities.
  3. Transport of animals: The proposed rule would add new requirements on the transport of organic livestock to sale or slaughter.
  4. Slaughter: The proposed rule would add a new section to clarify how organic slaughter facility practices and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations should work together to support animal welfare.
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