
USDA Organic Protocols Aim to Boost Animal Well Being and Public Health
- foodfightadmin
- May 5, 2023
- Hunger In America
- rsc pages
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is evaluating the proposed Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards, aiming to provide clarity and consistency in applying the USDA organic standards. Animal welfare organizations argue that these updates have the potential to enhance the living conditions of over 186 million farm animals raised annually under the USDA‘s National Organic Program.
The proposed standards, supported by 57 U.S. representatives and 20 U.S. senators, will establish regulations and guidelines for livestock health practices. They include prohibiting certain procedures like debeaking and desnooding of birds, as well as tail docking of cattle. The rules will also require perches for egg-laying hens and ban gestation crates for pregnant swine, all with the goal of improving living conditions in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Furthermore, shelters will need to provide adequate space for ruminants, swine, and birds to lie down, stand up, and fully stretch their limbs and wings.
Gillian Lyons, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Humane Society Legislative Fund, emphasizes that if these changes are finalized, they will significantly improve the lives of animals raised within the organic program. Lyons highlights that the proposed modifications have the potential to enhance living conditions and overall animal health. Moreover, the establishment of animal welfare standards will positively impact public health by improving food safety and preventing potential epidemics and pandemics.
Lyons explains that by favoring free-range practices over high-density cage farming, the proposed rule will reduce the risk of disease transmission and proliferation, such as avian influenza. Animal welfare improvements outlined in the rule will reduce stress in animals, enhance their immune systems, and subsequently lower the risk of disease transmission to humans.
The proposed Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards represent the first updates to organic animal livestock guidelines since 2017. Previous reforms were deemed modest by animal advocacy groups, as they merely reflected existing standards already adopted by many organic producers. The additions proposed in the current standards aim to further strengthen animal care and improve living conditions compared to the previous rule.
According to a Consumer Reports survey, nearly 90% of organic shoppers consider high animal welfare standards important for food labeled organic. Charlotte Vallaeys, Senior Policy Analyst with Consumer Reports, testified at a USDA National Organic Standards Board Meeting, stating that consumers expect organic farms to adhere to consistent standards, including high animal welfare mandates. She added that consumers believe that by purchasing organic meat and poultry products, they are already supporting animal welfare.
The new rules may also benefit farmers’ economic sustainability, as stated by Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director at the Organic Trade Association. Mirenda emphasized that strengthening organic animal welfare standards is crucial for the longevity of family farms, the advancement of organic practices, and maintaining consumer trust in the organic label.
Should the new standards be implemented, USDA plans to provide organic farmers with up to 15 years to secure financing and develop the necessary infrastructure to comply with regulations. Advocates like Mirenda believe that the 15-year timeline is too long and may exacerbate consumer confusion and market challenges. Lyons agrees that the rules should be implemented swiftly, as their fundamental principles are well-known to stakeholders and have the support of many organic producers who are already compliant.
Despite concerns about the timeline, Lyons believes that the new rules will be beneficial for animals and consumers alike. She asserts that finalizing this rule would not only protect animals but also increase customer satisfaction with the organic label, making it a win for all parties involved.