Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Second Proposed Rule

Docket Number: AMS-NOP-17-0031; NOP-15-06A

Comments Due: June 9, 2017

Summary

This proposed rule sets forth the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intention to pursue one of several actions on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule (FR)  published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017, by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). USDA is asking the public to comment on the possible actions USDA should take in regards to the disposition of the FR. The FR amends the organic livestock and poultry production requirements in the USDA organic regulations by adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter and avian living conditions; and expands and clarifies existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices and mammalian living conditions. The FR was originally set to take effect on March 20, 2017, and is now being extended to November 14, 2017.

Submit Comments

We invite you to submit comments on the proposed rule by any of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Mail:

Paul Lewis Ph.D., Director
Standards Division, National Organic Program
USDA-AMS-NOP
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2642-So., Ag Stop 0268
Washington, DC 20250-0268.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the docket number AMS-NOP-17-0031; NOP-15-06A, and/or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 0581-AD74 for this rulemaking. Your comments should clearly indicate whether or not you support an option presented in this proposed rule. You should clearly indicate the reason(s) for the stated position. All comments received and any relevant background documents will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov.

Document: For access to the document and to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted in response to this proposed rule will also be available for viewing in person at USDA-AMS, National Organic Program, Room 2642-South Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except official Federal holidays). Persons wanting to visit the USDA South Building to view comments received in response to this proposed rule are requested to make an appointment in advance by calling (202) 720-3252.

Contact

Paul Lewis, Ph.D., Director, Standards Division, Telephone: (202) 702-3252; Fax: (202) 720-7808

Supporting Documents