As reported
by the Associated Press on Yahoo! Finance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
has issued a proposed
rule about organic livestock and poultry practices. USDA’s Agricultural
Marketing Service sets and enforces standards for organic production. The
proposed rule seeks to strengthen standards for organic livestock and poultry
production by clarifying how producers and handlers must treat livestock and
poultry to ensure their health and wellbeing throughout all phases of life. The
proposed rule addresses four broad areas of organic livestock and poultry
practices: living conditions, animal healthcare, transport, and slaughter.
Among other things, the rules would ensure that (1) all livestock, including
poultry, have enough space to lie down, turn around, stand up, and fully
stretch their limbs; (2) beaks could not be removed and tails could not be cut;
and (3) poultry houses have fresh air and ventilation.
Individuals
and businesses engaged in the organic meat, egg, poultry, dairy, or animal
fiber industries may be affected by the proposed rule, which is currently open
for public comment. For more information, see this
frequently asked questions document.
