Source: Susan Kelly, MEATINGPLACE, 8/24/18


A federal district court in northern California has ruled that a lawsuit challenging USDA’s withdrawal of organic animal welfare regulations can proceed.

The Center for Food Safety is suing USDA after the agency withdrew the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule that would have increased federal regulation of animal housing, healthcare, transportation and slaughter practices for certified organic producers and handlers. Existing organic livestock and poultry regulations remain in place.

"We are very gratified that the court agrees we can challenge the unlawful withdrawal of these hard-won animal care protections in organic production," George Kimbrell, legal director for the Center for Food Safety, said in a press release.

The regulation was finalized by the Obama administration in early 2017. USDA, under President Donald Trump, withdrew the final rule after the agency said it identified policy and legal issues. In April, the Government Accountability Office determined that USDA had complied with rulemaking procedures in its decision.

The rule established minimum spacing requirements for animals on organic farms and specified the quality of outdoor space that must be provided.

The California district court held that the withdrawal of the rule injures the organization's members because it undermines the organic label for consumers.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.