Although the organic industry generally has expressed support for USDA’s move in tightening the animal handling standards, there have been some concerns from certain sectors (such as poultry) that these new rules go too far. Animal Welfare for Organic Production Last week USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued a new 181-page proposed rule for animal handling standards for organic animal welfare. It is intended to bring widespread production practices in line with consumers’ expectations regarding organic production, prevent erosion “of consumer confidence in the organic label more broadly” and stop “unfair competition among producers.” The focuses of the rule are:
Animal health and well-being: minimizing stress and pain in...
What You Need to Know Today: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...
