Agricultural News
USDA Organic Standards Rule, Opposed by Pork Producers Council, Reaches Final Consideration
Fri, 02 Dec 2016 16:36:12 CST
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule is now pending at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the last step in the rulemaking process before it becomes final. The National Pork Producers Council has expressed that it is urging the USDA to withdraw the rule. If it is approved before January 20, 2017, NPPC intends to approach the agency's new administration, appointed by President-Elect Trump after he assumes office, to repeal it. In July, NPPC submitted comments in opposition of the rule that said the regulation's new animal welfare standards for the National Organic Program, if enacted, would be the first time such criteria are codified in federal law and would present serious challenges to livestock producers. There are a number of problems with the proposed welfare rules, NPPC points out in its comments, including:
- Animal handling practices are not a defining characteristic of organic agriculture and are not germane to the National Organic Program as authorized by Congress.
- The livestock practices will be costly (if even practicable) to implement for current organic producers and serve as a barrier to new producers entering organic production, without making the resulting products substantively more organic.
- Consumer misconception about the intent of the National Organic Program and the meaning of its label is not a valid rationale for expanding the program to encompass animal welfare.
- Animal welfare is complex and dynamic; decisions about animal care need to be science based and carefully considered by each producer.
- The proposed livestock and poultry practices present significant challenges to the maintenance and promotion of public and animal health.
NPPC has requested USDA reconsider the proposed animal welfare standards, arguing that, because animal welfare is not germane under the Organic Foods Production Act, USDA does not have clear authority to promulgate such rules. NPPC's request also points out that the regulation would have a negative effect on the cost and availability of organic livestock and poultry products. NPPC contends the proposed standards cannot be justified by USDA's claims that it will clarify public expectations about organic labels or by addressing unfair competitive disadvantages facing organic producers. The organization asserts these standards are not science based and present real challenges to protecting animal and public health.
Source - National Pork Producers Council
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