Farm Group Applauds Proposed “Origin of Livestock” Rule

WASHINGTON, DC – A policy that allows a one-time transition of dairy cows from conventional to organic production has been inconsistently enforced, putting farmers who play by the rules at a competitive disadvantage and undermining the integrity of the organic label. That’s the assessment of the National Farmers Union (NFU). However, the group explains, a proposed rule would level the playing field by more clearly defining current regulations. The Origin of Livestock proposed rule, which was originally published in 2015 but has not yet been finalized, would allow organic dairy farms to transition conventional replacement animals into organic production only once, prohibiting the continuous transition that some farms have incorrectly practiced. In comments submitted this week, NFU voiced support for the rule and urged its immediate finalization and implementation.