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As a USDA-accredited certifier since 2002, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) supports stronger animal welfare regulations but stresses the need for clarity, consistency, and practicality. With more than 660 certified farms and ranches in 35+ states, we see firsthand the challenges producers face and believe regulations must be enforceable at the farm level.
We welcome review of current organic animal welfare standards and recognize areas for improvement. However, changes should be developed with input from organic producers, veterinarians, animal scientists, and certifiers to ensure they are necessary, clear, and realistic. Complex or vague guidance creates confusion and weakens implementation.
For example, body condition scoring must account for species-specific differences (dairy vs. beef cattle, or sheep requiring palpation). Lameness evaluation requires observing animals in motion, while treatment decisions and humane culling are situational and difficult to verify through records alone. To be effective, any new requirements must use specific, auditable language that certifiers and producers can apply consistently across regions and species.
Oregon Tilth encourages continued collaborative discussion so that animal welfare improvements in organic farming are both meaningful and achievable.
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