USDA to propose stricter rules on organic farming

The Obama Administration has unveiled more stringent federal standards for organic livestock and poultry producers.  Under the news rules implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers are introduced to new requirements on proper treatment and handling of meat sold with the certified organic label.

The USDA rules seek to improve the living conditions of livestock and poultry by requiring that they have enough space to lie down, stand up and roam around. The Wall Street Journal reported that egg-laying hens would need at least 2 square feet per bird both inside and outside their houses to comply with the new standards.

Specifications for the outdoor environment were also defined. Turkeys, broilers and other birds should be given a square foot of space for every five pounds to ensure that they have enough room to dust-bathe and peck in soil. It is also required that 50 percent of poultry-designated areas should be covered in soil.

Moreover, traditional practices in conventional agriculture such as debeaking poultry and docking cattle and hog tails have been prohibited.

"This will support the continued growth in the organic livestock and poultry sectors, and ensure consumer confidence in the organic label," said USDA head of organic program Miles McEvoy, as quoted by ABC News.

The provisions on expanded outside access for poultry have sparked debate among experts and safety advocates. They contend that giving poultry more outdoor access would increase chances of being contaminated with salmonella.

The Animal Welfare Institute, meanwhile, supports the proposal.  

According to The Hill, the USDA estimates that compliance with the new rules would cost organic farmers $9.5 million to $24.1 million per year over the next 13 years. Public benefits, however, would range from $14.7 million to $62.6 million per year.

The public are given 60 days to submit their comments on the USDA's proposed standards after it is published in the Federal Register.  

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US Department of Agriculture, USDA, Barack Obama, United States, organic farming, organic products, USDA organic label, Animal Welfare Institute, organic farming

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