Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 7/18/19

At a House Ag hearing on Wednesday, Ibach told lawmakers the department will release an origin of organic livestock rule later this year — but he didn't specify if it will be a proposed rule or final one. That prompted some members to pounce on Ibach, chastising USDA for delays in issuing guidance to livestock producers about how to transition to organic, our Liz Crampton reports. (Pros can read a transcript of the hearing.)

The organic industry has been frustrated with USDA for scrapping an Obama administration proposal. That rule would have closed a loophole allowing a one-time transition of a conventionally raised cow or entire herd into the National Organic Program if the animal or herd was treated under organic standards for a year. Producers say that practice undercuts those who follow organic rules from calf to cow.

"The continued allowance of this practice is disrupting the marketplace, putting certifiers, farmers and buyers potentially at odds and risking the overall integrity of the seal," the Organic Trade Association wrote to Ibach in February.
In response to lawmakers' concerns, Ibach said USDA will work to quickly draft a new rule.

The House steps in: The House's fiscal 2020 Agriculture appropriations bill includes language that would direct USDA to issue a final rule, based on the scrapped one, no later than 180 days after the law is signed. No word yet on whether that provision will be in the Senate measure.