Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 7/4/16

USDA has proposed new animal welfare standards for the National Organic Program that, if enacted, would be the first time such standards are codified in federal law.

The National Pork Producers Council said this would present serious challenges to livestock producers.

“There are a number of problems with the proposed new standards, including: animal production practices have nothing to do with the basic concept of 'organic’; the standards add complexity to the organic certification process, creating significant barriers to existing and new organic producers; and they could jeopardize animal and public health,” wrote Jeremy Davis, director of grassroots and LEADR for NPPC on the organization’s website.

Click here to read the full NPPC statement.

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