USDA this week extended the comment period for the agency’s proposed rule regarding revised organic livestock and poultry production standards. The extension comes following a request by the House and Senate Agriculture Committee’s last month.
The lawmakers say their constituents were concerned about possible unintended consequences like reduced access to organic products, substantially increased organic food costs for consumers, increased exposure to disease and mortality for organic poultry, according to The Hill.
The rule, first proposed in April, clarifies how organic producers and handlers must treat livestock and poultry throughout the animals’ lives, including when they are transported and slaughtered. The comment period will be extended 30 days to July 13th, 2016.