Overview

Public influence and participation is a critical part in advocating for a sustainable food system that serves people and planet. We’ve seen firsthand how public support for smart policies that protect our environment, create economic opportunities for farmers and make our food production more sustainable makes a difference.

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May 17, 2017:
Tell the USDA to Not Block Animal Welfare in Organic

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We need your help.

If you support rigorous organic livestock and poultry standards, please take a moment to submit comment to USDA in support of immediate implementation of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule.

The comment period is open on Regulations.gov until June 9, 2017.

Background:
The OLPP final rule, also known as the “animal welfare rule,” would update the organic livestock and poultry production standards to add new requirements for livestock and poultry healthcare, living conditions, transport, and slaughter. In January 2017, after 14 years of work by the organic industry, and following an extensive and robust public comment period with input from all segments of organic stakeholders, the rule was finalized. However, the new administration delayed implementation of the final rule until May 19; then yesterday, the USDA announced a second potential delay of OLPP until November 14, opening an additional public comment period to determine if they should even pursue implementation.

Share your voice:
Ultimately, it is the voices of farmers, farm business owners and consumers that provide the most impactful feedback to the USDA. Your expression of support for the importance of animal welfare, organic integrity and consumer confidence makes a difference.

Please help us tell USDA that we need the OLPP final rule now–submit your comments in support of OLPP at Regulations.gov by June 9, or mail them to:

Paul Lewis Ph.D., Director, Standards Division
National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP
1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 2642-So.
Ag Stop 0268 Washington, DC 20250-0268

View Oregon Tilth’s public comment here.

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