The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) introduction of updated standards for organic livestock and poultry production. The standards are expected to create “a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system” for producers while also aligning more closely with consumer expectations regarding outdoor access.
OTA CEO Tom Chapman says that the eagerly awaited update to the organic standards is a victory for the organic sector and consumers who have long advocated for more robust regulations. “These new standards not only create a more level playing field for organic producers, but they also assure consumers that the organic meat, poultry, dairy and eggs they choose have been raised with plenty of access to the real outdoors and in humane conditions,” Chapman said.
The final Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) regulation establishes clear standards for outdoor access for organic poultry, including minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements. The new rule also specifies indoor and outdoor living conditions, stocking densities, preventative healthcare practices, transportation, handling and slaughter practices for all organic avian and mammalian livestock species. According to OTA, the most significant aspect of the rule is the clarification that screened-in, enclosed porches do not qualify as sufficient outdoor space for organic chickens. It removes previous ambiguity and inconsistent animal welfare standards, ensuring organic standards align with consumers’ expectations for animal welfare.
“The passing of this rule ensures one of the most important tenets of organic egg production, outdoor access, is guaranteed and meaningful for the hens that we care for. This is a huge win for the hens. This is a huge win for hundreds of small family farms across our great nation that prefer to farm this way,” said Chris Nichols, CEO of organic egg producer Chino Valley Ranchers.
Current organic poultry producers have up to five years to implement the new regulations.