Slaughter facilities

Do I need to use a certified organic slaughter facility?

Yes. All operations, including slaughter facilities, that produce and handle livestock to be sold as organic must be certified. It’s important to plan for accessing a certified organic facility if choosing to raise organic livestock.

What happens if I use an uncertified slaughter facility?

Any certified organic animal processed at an uncertified facility immediately loses its organic status. It may not be sold as organic. However, it can still be sold as non-organic product.

Livestock can be sold “live on the hoof,” meaning that a buyer takes ownership of the live animal or portion of the live animal prior to slaughter.