USDA Publishes
Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Proposed Rule

60-Day Comment Period Opens with Publication

Today, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards
(OLPS) proposed rule in the Federal Register. With this publication, USDA
proposes requirements for organic poultry and livestock living conditions, care,
transport, and slaughter.

“This proposed Organic Livestock
and Poultry Standards rule demonstrates USDA’s strong commitment to America’s
organic producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We encourage
producers, processors, and consumers to submit written comments about the
rule so that we can work together to create a fairer, more competitive, and
transparent food system.”

“This rulemaking is an
opportunity to ensure consumers’ expectations align with the enforced organic
standards, building trust across the supply chain and leveling the playing
field for producers,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory
Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “With this proposed rule, USDA is seeking to
establish and clarify clear standards for organic livestock and poultry
production.”

When finalized, USDA’s National
Organic Program (NOP) will oversee the rule’s implementation. Read the
full USDA Press Release.

NOP will also host a public
webinar listening session on August 19, 2022, to hear oral comments on the
proposed rule. Learn more at the link below.

 View
the OLPS Proposed Rule

Includes
links to the Federal
Register announcement, how to access the webinar, submitting
written comments, and signing up to make oral comments at the webinar.

How to Submit an
Effective Comment  

NOP has a microlearning module
(linked below) that provides guidance on how to write an effective public comment.
Effective comments help others understand your perspective and how proposals
will impact your organic farm or business. This helps USDA best balance needs
across impacted participants in the organic market.