October 27, 2023

 

USDA finalises organic livestock and poultry standards for clearer animal welfare regulations

 

 

These standards are aimed at fostering equitable conditions for organic farmers, ranchers, and businesses while promoting more competitive markets for their goods and delivering greater transparency to consumers.

 

Speaking about this development, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the USDA is committed to establishing a fairer, competitive, and transparent food system. He noted that the OLPS final rule defines robust and transparent standards that enhance the consistency of animal welfare practices in organic production and their enforcement. Vilsack highlighted that competitive markets benefit all producers, irrespective of their scale.

 

The impetus for this update was driven by significant consumer and organic industry interest. The USDA meticulously reviewed over 40,000 written comments from the public, which played a pivotal role in shaping this final rule. Furthermore, the USDA organised a virtual listening session in August 2022 to gather public input on the proposed rule.

 

The final rule outlines more uniform standards covering six key aspects of animal welfare:

 

1. Outdoor Space Requirements: OLPS establishes minimum outdoor space standards for organic poultry and mandates unfettered access to the outdoors. Outdoor areas should consist of at least 75% soil and incorporate vegetation to the fullest extent possible.

 

2. Indoor and Outdoor Living Conditions: Shelters must provide sufficient space for livestock to perform natural behaviours, such as lying down, standing up, turning around, fully stretching their limbs or wings, rooting in the case of swine, and scratching for chickens. Bedding areas should be adequately spacious, comfortable, and appropriate for maintaining livestock's hygiene, keeping them dry, and preventing lesions based on their species.

 

3. Poultry Stocking Densities: The rule prescribes specific indoor and outdoor stocking density requirements in accordance with recommendations from advisory boards, third-party animal welfare standards, and input from organic stakeholders.

 

4. Preventive Health Care Practices: Producers must adhere to preventive health care practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and comprehensive parasite prevention plans. Animals must receive authorised medications to minimise pain, stress, and suffering, with necessary treatments administered even if the animal's organic status is lost.

 

5. Physical Alterations and Euthanasia: Physical alterations are permissible solely for identification or animal safety, with certain alterations strictly prohibited. These procedures must be performed at a young age for the species and carried out in a manner that minimizes the animal's pain and stress. Humane euthanasia may be employed only when treatment is not a viable option.

 

6. Transport, Handling, and Slaughter: Operations must outline strategies for maintaining organic management and animal welfare during transports exceeding eight hours. Animals must be fit for transportation, and the mode of transport must be suitable for the prevailing weather conditions to safeguard livestock from extreme cold or heat. Operations must adhere to USDA (FSIS) humane slaughter standards.

 

USDA's National Organic Programme will partner with USDA-accredited certifiers to oversee the implementation and enforcement of these standards. The implementation of OLPS promises to provide more equitable competition opportunities for organic livestock and poultry farmers, ranchers, businesses, and those considering transitioning to organic practices. It aligns more closely with consumer expectations regarding animal welfare and organic standards for products bearing the USDA seal.

 

-      DVM360