Organic farmers will soon benefit from stronger and more consistent animal welfare regulations, including unlimited outdoor access and ample space for natural behaviors. These regulations aim to improve the care standards for livestock and solidify consumer trust in organic products.
New Animal Welfare Regulations: Improving Treatment of Livestock for Organic Farmers
Organic farmers are on the verge of experiencing a significant improvement in the treatment of their livestock, thanks to new animal welfare regulations set to be implemented by the end of this year. These regulations, announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, aim to establish stronger and more consistent standards for organic farmers, ensuring the well-being of their animals.
( Credit to: Agriculture )
One of the key requirements of these regulations is that animals must have unlimited outdoor access, a practice that is already considered the industry norm. In addition, the regulations prohibit the use of small enclosed ‘porches’ that some poultry farms have claimed to be sufficient. This move guarantees that animals have ample space to roam and engage in natural behaviors.
The regulations also address the issue of confinement for cattle, hogs, and poultry. Farmers will be required to provide enough room for their animals to stand up, turn around, lie down, fully stretch their limbs, and carry out natural behaviors. This stands in stark contrast to conventional agriculture practices, where animals are often confined to cramped spaces.
Organic Farmers Embrace the New Regulations
Organic farmers have warmly welcomed these new regulations, viewing them as a significant step towards improving animal care standards. Nate Powell-Palm, a Montana farmer and chair of the National Organic Standards Board, expressed his gratitude, stating that the new regulations make organic farming ‘the gold standard of animal care.’ Powell-Palm believes that these regulations will solidify consumer trust in organic products.
Overcoming Obstacles to Implementing the Regulations
The journey to implementing these regulations has not been without obstacles. The USDA spent a decade developing an organic livestock rule, which was proposed during the final days of the Obama administration. However, the rule was withdrawn by the Trump administration in 2018, citing a lack of authority to enforce humane treatment standards on organic farms. Fortunately, the Biden administration reintroduced a similar proposal in August 2022, and it is now set to become a reality.
The final rule, which was previewed on Wednesday, is expected to be formally published soon and will take effect 60 days later. Farmers will have one year to comply with the regulations, with poultry farmers being given five years to meet the requirements for outdoor access and indoor space.
A Fairer and More Transparent Food System
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack believes that these regulations will create a fairer and more transparent food system. He stated, ‘This organic poultry and livestock standard establishes clear and strong standards that will increase the consistency of animal welfare practices in organic production and in how these practices are enforced.’
The Organic Trade Association also praised the regulations, highlighting that they will level the playing field for organic producers and provide assurance to consumers. The association emphasized that organic meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs will be raised in humane conditions with plenty of access to the outdoors. According to the OTA, sales of organic food surpassed $60 billion in 2022.
Organic Farming: Setting the Benchmark for Animal Care
The implementation of these animal welfare regulations represents a significant step forward for organic farmers. By prioritizing the well-being of livestock, organic farming is set to become the benchmark for animal care standards in the agricultural industry. With these regulations in place, organic farmers can continue to provide consumers with high-quality organic products while ensuring the humane treatment of their animals.