Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a request for comment on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) proposed rule, which would update and standardize key organic animal welfare practices (e.g., living conditions, outdoor access and spacing requirements, and animal healthcare). The rule represents a refinement and clarification of several organic animal welfare provisions that were first introduced over twenty years ago.
“The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has always fought for the highest animal welfare standards in organic,” says OTA Executive Director and CEO Tom Chapman. “We even brought suit against USDA in 2017 for rescinding the original version of this rule (Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices), despite widespread industry support. Today marks the first significant movement on organic animal welfare in years; we hope that it also signals a willingness on behalf of USDA to listen to the organic industry and act swiftly to implement these common-sense reforms. Organic producers and their animals have waited long enough, it’s time for USDA to act.”
AMS is offering a 60-day period for comments and will host a virtual listening session on August 19, 2022 to hear comments live. OTA is currently analyzing the proposed rule and will provide more detailed feedback, as well as submit a formal comment to the record, shortly.
