WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2017)—The Organic Trade Association today released the following statement and background in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s delay of the effective date of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule:
- 1995-2000: The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) made a series of recommendations, which were incorporated into the final rule establishing the USDA organic regulations in 2000. These included healthcare practices, outdoor access and livestock living conditions.
- 2002: The USDA organic regulations were implemented
- A 2010 audit conducted by the USDA Office of the Inspector General identified inconsistencies in certification practices regarding outdoor space.
- 2011: NOSB unanimously adopted a final detailed set of recommendations that were intended to further define, clarify and incorporate production practices including provisions establishing maximum ammonia levels, perch space requirements, outdoor access clarifications, specific indoor and outdoor space requirements, and stocking densities for avians.
- 2013-2017: USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) released an economic analysis of two options for regulations regarding outdoor access for poultry, and indicated it would pursue rulemaking to clarify outdoor access based on the NOSB recommendations.
- 2016: NOP released a proposed rule to ensure consistent application of the organic regulations for livestock and poultry operations.
- During the rulemaking process, NOP completed an additional economic analysis at the request of Congress and stakeholders.
- 2017: After extensive public input, NOP released the final rule on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices, which was published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017 (82 Fed. Reg. 7042). Due to the White House Memorandum to federal agencies released on January 20, 2017, requesting a regulatory freeze on rules recently published or pending, the effective date of the rule was delayed to May 19, 2017. On May 10, 2017, USDA delayed the effective date by an additional six months to November 14, 2017, and reopened the comment period.
- Establishes minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for poultry.
- Clarifies how producers and handlers must treat livestock and chickens to ensure their health and well-being throughout life, including transport and slaughter.
- Specifies which physical alterations are allowed and prohibited in organic livestock and poultry production.
- Provides generous implementation timelines for producers to come into compliance including:
- five years to establish outdoor access requirements for egg operations
- three years for broiler operations to establish indoor space requirements
- one year for all other adjustments.
The Organic Trade Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information, should contact us.