NOP Converges with Other Organic Regulations on Animal Welfare

At its December meeting the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) passed several recommendations to amend the National Organic Program regulation, 7 CFR 205 to add animal welfare requirements in livestock production.  The requirements would be subject to the US rule making process, including public comment.  “Increasingly, consumers are demanding that livestock be treated with respect. This market trend has led to several different product labels with animal welfare certification,” stated the NOSB Livestock Committee in its introductory text to the proposal. “Ultimately, the Livestock Committee would like the organic seal to continue to be the gold standard, indicating the most nutritious food produced in the safest and most respectful manner.“  The recommended new language in the regulation can be characterized as mostly “outcome based.”

The topic was apparently contentious within the Livestock Committee as evidenced by a lengthy minority opinion accompanying its proposal to the full NOSB. The minority opinion argued for many more prescriptive requirements, and significantly stricter stocking rate requirements for poultry and swine.

The NOSB final recommendation includes requirements and guidelines for animal stocking rates, restrictions on physical alternations to animals, and outcome-based specifications for animal living conditions including housing and outdoor access.   A chart of specific space requirements for laying hens, pullets and broilers is included.  The Committee intends to specify other species-specific poultry space requirements in the future.   The NOSB also recommended new language on animal transport and slaughter, topics that the current regulation does not address.

Source: www.ams.usda.gov/nop