Oklahoma Farm Report masthead graphic with wheat on the left and cattle on the right.
Howdy Neighbors!
Ron Hays, Director of Farm and Ranch Programming, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network  |  2401 Exchange Ave, Suite F, Oklahoma City, Ok 73108  |  (405) 601-9211

advertisements
   
   
   
   
   

Agricultural News


USDA Organic Standards Rule, Opposed by Pork Producers Council, Reaches Final Consideration

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 16:36:12 CST

USDA Organic Standards Rule, Opposed by Pork Producers Council, Reaches Final Consideration 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




   

 

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI

 


Top Agricultural News

  • Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Sale Order Available Here- Sale Set for 4 PM Friday  Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:50:54 CDT
  • Rural Voters Dominated Vote to Defeat Recreational Marijuana March 7th  Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:13:05 CST
  • Ron Hays Talks to Israeli Ag Tour Guide Colin Lotzof About the Miraclel of Ag in Israel  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:11:04 CST
  • OALP Members Experience First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:51:49 CST
  • OALP Members Get First Hand View of Cutting Edge Drip Irrigation Technology as Israel Travel Ends  Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:50:10 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Fruit, Beef and Dairy Production North of the Sea of Galilee in Israel  Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:56:02 CST
  • Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Sees Diverse Farm Operations in Jordan River Valley of Israel  Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:17:30 CST
  • Israeli Tour Guide Mark Kedem Talks About The Cultural Aspects of What Class XX of OALP is Experiencing   Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:17:23 CST

  • More Headlines...

       

    Ron salutes our daily email sponsors!

    Oklahoma Beef council Oklahoma Ag Credit Oklahoma Farm Bureau National Livestock Credit Ag Mediation Program P&K Equipment Oklahoma City Farm Show Union Mutual Stillwater Milling Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association KIS FUTURES, INC.
       
       
       
       
       

    Search OklahomaFarmReport.com

    © 2008-2024 Oklahoma Farm Report
    Email Ron   |   Newsletter Signup   |    Current Spots   |    Program Links

    WebReady powered by WireReady® Inc.