USDA has released a new rule regarding organic livestock and poultry standards, which the department says will level the playing field for organic producers and businesses.
“This organic poultry and livestock standard establishes clear and strong standards that will increase the consistency of animal welfare practices in organic production and in how these practices are enforced,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “Competitive markets help deliver greater value to all producers, regardless of size.”
USDA received more than 40,000 written comments in the rule-developing process. The final rule lays out more consistent standards for six key areas, including outdoor space requirements, indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care practices, physical alterations and euthanasia, and transport and slaughter.
“These new standards not only create a more level playing field for organic producers, but they ensure consumers that the organic meat, poultry, dairy and eggs they choose have been raised with plenty of access to the real outdoors, and in humane conditions,” said Tom Chapman, CEO of the Organic Trade Association, in a news release.
The rule in its entirety will be published at federalregister.gov under Docket ID AMS-NOP-21-0073.
