USA

The Organic Trade Association sues the USDA

Animal welfare

The Organic Trade Association has announced that it is suing the United States Department of Agriculture over the issue of the institution not putting into effect new organic livestock standards.

Posted on Sep 29 ,07:05

 

“We are standing up on behalf of the entire organic sector to protect organic integrity, advance animal welfare, and demand the government keeps up with the industry and the consumer in setting organic standards,” said Laura Batcha, Executive Director and CEO of the Organic Trade Association.

The suit alleges the U.S. Department of Agriculture violated the Organic Foods Production Act, and unlawfully delayed the effective date of the final livestock standards that were developed by industry and in accordance with the processes established by Congress, and with abusing the agency’s discretion by ignoring the overwhelming public record established in support of these organic standards. The trade association further contends that the Trump Administration’s Regulatory freeze order issued to federal agencies on Jan. 20, 2017, should not apply to organic standards because they are voluntary and are required only of those farms and businesses that opt-in to be certified organic.

Supporting the Organic Trade Association in the suit, as groups harmed by this protracted government inaction, are organizations representing organic livestock farmers, organic certification agencies, and organic retailers and consumers.

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