USDA Declares Intention to Withdraw Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule

BY USDA | Dec 20, 2017

USDA published notice in the Federal Register this week that it intends to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule, which has been under development by the organic community for over a decade. The notice opens a public comment period that is open through Jan. 17, 2018. Comments may be submitted through regulations.gov

From the USDA AMS:

“USDA has reviewed the OLPP final rule and is initiating this action based on the outcome of that review. Specifically, USDA proposes withdrawing the OLPP rule based on its current interpretation of 7 U.S.C. 6905, under which the OLPP final rule would exceed USDA’s statutory authority. Withdrawal of the OLPP rule also is independently justified based upon USDA’s revised assessments of its benefits and burdens and USDA’s view of sound regulatory policy. If this withdrawal is finalized, the existing organic livestock and poultry regulations now published at 7 CFR part 205 would remain effective.”

MOSA continues to support implementation of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule and is strongly opposed to this proposal for withdrawal. Collectively, our staff has already spent hundreds of hours making Organic System Plan (OSP) updates and changes to our processes, policies, and training. This rule represents over a decade of work, including multiple opportunities for public comment. We believe that the organic community, including its consumers, overwhelmingly support the implementation of this rule. Over 47,000 comments were submitted to the USDA, and almost all were in support of the rule moving forward.

MOSA is preparing our public comment in opposition to the proposed withdrawal, and we will post our response on our website soon. We invite all of our clients, and supporters of a strong organic label, to submit their own comments to the USDA.

Thank you for your support!