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USDA delays organic livestock rules again
The USDA has delayed implementing the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule for another six months.
The agency says it is delaying the rule so that important questions can be more fully assessed through the notice and comment process before implementation.
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, then to November 14th to allow time for further consideration by the USDA. It is now delayed until May of next year.
The Chairman of the House Ag Committee Mike Conaway says the rule goes beyond the scope of the National Organic Program and threatens animal health and food safety.
HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle criticized the delay saying the unwarranted action ignores consumer preferences and is a veiled maneuver to undercut America’s family farmers.
The updated standards clarify how producers and handlers must treat livestock and poultry including during transport and slaughter, specify which physical alterations are allowed and establish minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for poultry.
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