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USDA publishes last minute final organic rule

USDA has finalized animal welfare standards for organic poultry and livestock producers that the National Pork Producers Council says is another ‘midnight’ regulation dumped on farmers.

National Pork Producer Council staff veterinarian Dan Kovich tells Brownfield the standards seem to be based on public perception and misunderstandings rather than sound science, and the council plans to repeal the rule with the Trump administration.  “It will be important for us all to make sure incoming administration understands that this rule was really pushed at the last minute against a lot of significant, real and valid producer concerns about what it would mean.”

He says the final rural gives the National Organic Standard Board the ability to make outdoor space requirements for organic livestock which could mean several more years of uncertainty for producers.  “This really, I think, is going to put a damper on anyone who would be considering going into organic pig production on any sort of scale from moving in that direction because it’s going to create years of uncertainty as far as to organic pork as to what the requirements are actually going to end up being.”

Kovich says the ruling also raises increased concern for disease outbreaks of pseudo rabies and Trichinella which have been greatly reduced through biosecurity measures in commercial pork production.

Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, says the administration ignored repeated concerns and overstepped its bounds in the waning hours.

Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan says the rule did not go far enough to address her concerns about animal health, consumer organic prices and access, or the impact on organic producers.

The updated standards clarify how producers and handlers must treat livestock and poultry during transport and slaughter and sets minimum space requirements for poultry, among other requirements.

AUDIO: Interview with Dan Kovich