USDA Releases New Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a final rule that updates the standards for organic livestock and poultry production. The rule is the most significant update to the organic regulations since 1990, and it aims to level the playing field for organic farmers and businesses.

The new rule outlines more consistent standards for six areas, including outdoor space requirements, indoor and outdoor living conditions, poultry stocking densities, preventative health care practices, physical alterations and euthanasia, and transport, handling, and slaughter.

The rule also provides the USDA with more oversight and enforcement authority. This is important because it will help to ensure that all organic producers are following the standards and that consumers can trust the organic label.

The new rule is supported by many organic farmers and businesses, as well as by consumers who want to buy organic meat, poultry, and eggs from animals that have been raised in a humane and sustainable way.

The rule will be published in the Federal Register on October 25, 2023, and it will go into effect on January 25, 2024.

Here are some of the key changes in the new rule:

• Outdoor space requirements: Organic poultry must now have access to the outdoors at all times. Outdoor areas must be at least 75% soil and include vegetation to the degree possible.
• Indoor and outdoor living conditions: Shelters must now have sufficient space for livestock to lie down, stand up, turn around, fully stretch their limbs or wings, and express natural behaviors.
• Poultry stocking densities: The rule sets specific requirements for indoor and outdoor stocking densities to align with advisory board recommendations, third-party animal welfare standards, and public comments from organic stakeholders.
• Preventative health care practices: Producers must now maintain preventative health care practices that include sufficient nutrition and comprehensive parasite prevention plans. Animals must be treated with allowed medicines to minimize pain, stress, and suffering.
• Physical alterations and euthanasia: Physical alterations are permitted only for identification purposes or the safety of the animals, and certain alterations are prohibited altogether. Alterations must be performed at a young age for the species and in a manner that minimizes the animal’s pain and stress.
• Transport, handling, and slaughter: Operations must now describe how organic management and animal welfare will be maintained for transport that exceeds eight hours. Animals must be fit for transport. The mode of transport must be seasonally appropriate to protect livestock from cold or heat. Operations must adhere to USDA (FSIS) humane slaughter standards.

The new rule is a positive step for the organic industry and for consumers. It will help to ensure that all organic producers are following the standards and that consumers can trust the organic label.

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