WattAgNet: USDA enacts major welfare changes for organic livestock

The final rule will strengthen animal welfare requirements for organic-certified livestock, drawing objections from poultry and pork industry bodies.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will publish a final rule creating stricter animal welfare standards for organic livestock and poultry.

The rule, to be published in the Federal Register on January 19, will affect all livestock raised as part of the USDA’s National Organic Program. All animals will be required to be given enough space to lay down, turn around, stand up, fully stretch their limbs without touching other animals or the side of the enclosure, and otherwise express natural behaviors. The regulation, published in the final days of President Barack Obama’s administration, will establish new rules for housing, transportation and slaughter of organic poultry.

US Department of Agriculture graphic on new organic-certified livestock standards

Graphic by US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program

In a release, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service said the rules will strengthen the integrity of the organic label.

“This rule is also about fairness for organic producers - it ensures that everyone competes on a level field and plays by the same rules,” AMS Administrator Elanor Starmer said.

The rules, proposed in April 2016, establish minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for poultry; specify which physical alterations are allowed and prohibited and clarify how livestock must be handled throughout their life, including transport and slaughter, to ensure their health and well-being.

According to a January 18 report from the Associated Press, a proposed requirement for producers to provide enrichment to entice chickens to go outside was removed from the final rule. It was removed due to concerns about…