By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week its plans to withdraw language that would set animal welfare standards in organic agriculture.
The rules, the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices, were issued in January under the final hours of the Obama administration.
A regulatory freeze enacted by President Donald Trump slowed their implementation. Just last month, USDA again delayed the effective date until May 2018.
The rules would have added provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter, as well as expand existing requirements of livestock care.
It also set required thresholds for indoor and outdoor access for poultry and removed enclosed porches from qualifying square footage.
USDA, however, determined the regulations exceeded its authority.
According to Agri-Pulse, the Organic Trade Association has already filed suit to force implementation of the rules.
Many agricultural associations and groups, however, opposed the rules, citing concerns about biosecurity, increasing costs without adding animal welfare benefits and creating more barriers to the organic certification process.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released a statement in favor of USDA’s dismissal. The group said the “standards were not based on science and were outside the scope of the Organic Food Production Act of 1990.”
USDA is expected to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register this week requesting public comment on its intent to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices proposed final rule.