Organic groups and farmers applaud new USDA organic livestock standard

The U.S. Department of Agriculture published its new standard for organic livestock production. Industry groups say that this will help producers compete and promote trust in organic products for consumers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has finalized its standard for organic livestock production. The new rule sets requirements for outdoor and indoor conditions as well as healthcare practices and transportation of animals.

“These changes are to support and promote the wellbeing of natural behaviors of organic livestock and poultry,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, the USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “It's really about establishing clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock production and handling.”

Various roadblocks delayed the new rule. The original standards were set in 2002, but in the years since, groups advocating for organic food companies, farmers and consumers have worked towards tightening language, particularly around the conditions that the animals are kept in.

“I think this is what is really unique about organic standards, is that the industry came to USDA back in 1990 and they said, ‘Hey, we wanna make sure that we have consistent application of what consumers are expecting when they buy something that is labeled as organic,'” said Moffitt.