USDA Undersecretary Proposes Increased Regulations for Organic Livestock

An expansion of animal welfare rules for organic farms has been proposed by USDA Agriculture Undersecretary Jenny Moffit. According to Moffit, the proposed regulation would “establish and clarify clear standards for organic livestock and poultry production”.

The standards come more than four years after the former administration dismissed the rules proposed in the final days of the Obama administration. The Organic Trade Association and the Humane Society Legislative Fund said the rules would mark a landmark federal regulation that would include a ban on sow crates and tail docking of cattle.

The Center for Food Safety says the proposal appears to be fully reinstating the requirements outlined by the Obama administration which also requires more space indoors for broilers and increased outdoor access for egg-laying hens. USDA will conduct a listening session on August 19, along with a. 60-day comment period.

Read more on the organic livestock and poultry proposed regulations here.