The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is delaying implementation of a controversial new rule on animal welfare standards for organic livestock and poultry. The delay is due to President Trump’s order to delay implementation by 60 days any new regulations that haven’t gone into effect yet so they can be reviewed. Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report says opponents of the new rule see it as a sign that it may not be put into effect. “We’re pleased to see the Trump Administration re-examine this last-minute, misguided rule,” said Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agribusiness Association, which represents many ag organizations in the state that are against the rule. Byrum added that he’s confident that on further review, science will prevail over the political demands of special interest groups. However, the Organic Trade Association issued a statement saying, “the rule has received strong support throughout the organic chain and we urge the U.S.D.A. to allow the new effective date of May 19 stand as published.” It was originally supposed to go into effect on March 20.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.