GAO Gives USDA Approval to Ditch Organic Livestock Rule

The Government Accountability Office says the Department of Agriculture complied with rulemaking procedures during its withdrawal of The Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule. The office reviewed the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s process to withdraw the rule after many groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, filed lawsuits claiming USDA did not follow proper rulemaking procedures.

The lawsuits allege USDA repeatedly delayed the rule, which effectively repealed it, and did so without public comment, according to meat industry publication Meatingplace. The final rule was first published on January 19th, 2017, the last day of the Obama administration. The rule would have increased federal regulations regarding housing, care and transportation of livestock and poultry for certified organic producers.

USDA chose to withdraw the rule because the agency says it “exceeds the department’s statutory authority.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com