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USDA delays organic livestock and poultry rule a second time
The USDA has delayed the implementation of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule for an additional six months.
Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts calls the rule disastrous and says it is bad news for farmers, ranchers, and consumers.
Fifteen percent of Michigan poultry farmer Adam Snider’s poultry operation is organic. During a recent Farm Bill field hearing he testified against the proposed rule. He says many of the state’s poultry producers are concerned the new requirements will have a negative impact on their operation. “This new rule dictating outdoor space requirements moves the goalpost in a significant way,” he says. “The organic sector has been a bright spot in growth for Michigan. The new rule could put many committed organic producers out of business and is in direct conflict of what producers are currently doing to avoid future high path avian flu outbreaks.”
AUDIO: Adam Snider, Senate Ag Committee hearing testimony
The original rule was finalized in the waning days of the Obama Administration and on January 20th, the Trump administration delayed implementation to May 19th. Earlier today Secretary Perdue announced implementation would be delayed to November 14 to allow time for further consideration by the USDA.
Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association says they welcome a full review of the flawed economic analysis and risky animal health assumptions that were used as the basis for this rule.
HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle criticized the second delay saying the unwarranted action ignores consumer preferences and is a veiled maneuver to undercut America’s family farmers.
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