Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 9/13/17


The Organic Trade Association has filed a lawsuit demanding that USDA officials “keep up with the industry and the consumer in setting organic standards,” the group said in a statement.

The suit alleges that USDA violated the Organic Foods Production Act and illegally delayed the effective date of the final livestock standards that were developed by the industry in accordance with processes established by Congress. USDA also is accused of abusing its discretion by ignoring an “overwhelming” public record established in support of the organic standards.

The group contends that the Trump administration’s regulatory freeze order issued to federal agencies on Jan. 20 should not apply to organic standards because they are voluntary and are only required of farms and businesses that opt in to be certified organic. The final rule was released on Jan. 19 and published on the last official day of the Obama administration, the group noted.

The association said groups harmed by USDA's inaction include organic livestock farmers, organic certification agencies, organic retailers and consumers. The lawsuit asks the court to reverse USDA’s decision to delay the rule, making it effective immediately, and eliminate options proposed to further delay, rewrite or permanently shelve the rule. 

The group represents more than 9,500 organic businesses across 50 U.S. states.

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