Senators Ask USDA to Address Organic Livestock Rule Concern Before Publishing Rule
A group of bipartisan Senators has signed a letter to the Department of Agriculture requesting the agency address concerns with the proposed organic livestock and poultry rule before publishing the regulation. Led by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, a Republican from Kansas, 13 Senators in all signed the letter that says “the proposed rule raises significant concerns regarding the impact on current organic poultry and egg producers, as well as access and price for organic consumers.” Further, the group says “proposed changes to outdoor access standards could have a detrimental impact to both animal health and food safety.” Other Senators signing the letter include Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan. On May 26th, leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees sent a letter requesting an extended public comment period. USDA granted an additional 30 days on June 7th.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.