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NFU, OTA weigh in on withdrawal of organic rule

Friday’s action by the USDA to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule is getting more reaction from the agricultural community.

National Farmers Union Senior Vice President of Public Policy Rob Larew calls the withdrawal disappointing for family farmers and consumers.  He says, “We have too much inconsistency in how organic certifiers apply animal welfare standards to farming and ranching operations.  This in turn endangers the organic label’s integrity and leads to consumer confusion.”

Larew says family farmers, ranchers and consumers would benefit from accurate and consistent food labeling.

Not everyone agrees.  The Organic Trade Association and the NFU supported the rule adopted late in President Obama’s administration.  The National Pork Producers Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association have been opposed to it.  The USDA decided the regulation exceeded their authority and would have been a negative economic impact on farmers.

The OTA has already sued to protect the rule, and amended their complaint in federal court Friday.