UNITY, Maine — The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is dismayed by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) decision to abolish the federal Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP), which was published more than a year ago on January 20, 2017. USDA delayed implementation of the rule and, on Monday, ignored more than 63,000 comments from farmers and consumers who wanted swift implementation of the standards. Instead, the Administration sided with 50 commenters who opposed the rule.
The OLPP was intended to create stronger, more specific language ensuring consistent animal welfare standards for certified organic animals. The rule would have helped guarantee that meat, poultry and eggs labeled organic come from animals raised with sufficient space, appropriate diets, adequate access to the outdoors, and ability to express their natural behaviors.
“Consumers who choose certified organic dairy, eggs, poultry, and meat expect farmers to raise their animals in the healthiest conditions possible with real outdoor access,” said MOFGA Certification Services Director Chris Grigsby. “And farmers and ranchers who choose to follow organic standards expect a level playing field.”
The OLPP final rule has widespread support from the industry and a full spectrum of stakeholders. It is the result of more than a decade of work on the part of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and organic community. However, USDA dumped the rule without consulting the NOSB — the very group of farmers, processors, scientists, and public representatives designated by Congress to advise USDA on organic standards.
“These standards are critical to preserving trust in the organic label,” said Grigsby. “If consumers see that the standards for poultry and livestock products are not consistent across operations, confidence in the organic label will be diminished.”
MOFGA views USDA’s dismissal of animal welfare standards as part of a larger threat to organic farmers — lack of enforcement of existing standards at the federal level. The majority of organic livestock farmers already comply with practices specified in the OLPP. Yet, their adherence to the high standards puts them at a disadvantage with industrial-scale agriculture operations that take advantage of loopholes and deny meaningful outdoor access to animals.
Organic farming represents a bright spot on the future of Maine’s economy. MOFGA Certification Services grants its stamp of approval to 536 operations, representing roughly 93,000 acres of farmland. The organization has seen a 76% increase in the number of operations certified as organic in the past five years. MOFGA believes that organic farmers warrant greater respect and support from the federal agency charged with promoting agriculture.
“It’s staggering that USDA would ignore the overwhelming sentiments of farmers, retailers and consumers alike,” said Grigsby. “The decision threatens the integrity of the certified organic label, which represents not only the farmers’ hard work and dedication to strict production standards, but also an economic impact in the U.S. of nearly $50 billion.”
The struggle to secure meaningful animal welfare standards will continue in the courts and among certifying agencies as they develop best management practices. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has filed suit against USDA, claiming that Agency’s failure to implement the OLPP is in violation of the Organic Food Production Act. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has filed an amicus curiae brief in support of OTA’s suit. OTA reports that its case has widespread support and is gathering momentum.
–Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
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