The USDA is set to unveil a comprehensive document outlining the agency’s updated Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS), offering guidance to livestock farmers, ranchers, and businesses engaged in the production of organic food products.
Designed to enhance uniformity in animal welfare practices within the organic livestock and poultry sector, the OLPS focuses on promoting the well-being and natural behaviors of animals, according to a recent news release from the agency. The final rule encompasses six key areas:
- Outdoor Space Requirements for Organic Poultry
- Indoor and Outdoor Living Conditions: Ensuring sufficient space for livestock to engage in natural behaviors, lie down, stand up, and turn around.
- Poultry Stocking Densities: Aligned with animal welfare standards.
- Preventative Healthcare Practices: Including nutrition and parasite prevention plans.
- Physical Alteration and Euthanasia Limits
- Transport, Handling, and Slaughter Procedures: In adherence to USDA standards.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the USDA’s commitment to creating a fairer, more competitive, and transparent food system. He stated, “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. Competitive markets help deliver greater value to all producers, regardless of size.”
For a more in-depth understanding of the OLPS, a comprehensive document is available [here](insert link), with the final official rule expected to be published in the Federal Register in due course. The USDA’s move aims to set higher standards, ensuring the well-being of organic livestock and poultry while fostering a more consistent and transparent approach to enforcement across the industry.
