Comments to USDA in support of Rule Providing For Heightened Standards under National Organic Program

SUMMARY

The Animal Law Committee (Lori A. Barrett, Chair) submitted comments supporting implementation of the USDA’s rule regarding organic standards for meat and poultry producers. The rule would require heightened standards for the living conditions, physical alteration, medical care, handling, transport and slaughter of organically raised farm animals. Heightened standards are necessary to establish consistent animal welfare standards for organically raised farmed animals and to satisfy consumer expectations that organically raised farmed animals meet a uniform and verifiable animal welfare standard. The Committee supported this rule in 2016 and it was finalized by the Obama administration in January 2017; however, the Trump administration has delayed implementation of the rule and has asked for public comment on the fate of the rule.