After decades of pressure from Cornucopia and its colleagues in organics, USDA is moving forward with the long-overdue final rule on Origin of Livestock.
The final rule underscores a key value of authentic organic dairy: the cost and care necessary to raise organic calves on farms. Unbeknownst to many consumers, “organic” factory dairies have been purchasing and “converting” animals raised on antibiotics and pesticide-sprayed, GMO feed.
“We have all spent years advocating to the National Organic Program and talking to Congress members, pressing USDA to stop this conveyor belt of conventional animals entering ‘organic’ mega-dairies,” says Cornucopia Policy Director Kestrel Burcham, JD. “We are cautiously optimistic that this rule will get the job done.”
Cornucopia will share more details on the proposed Origin of Livestock Rule in the coming weeks.
While we pause to recognize this win, we continue our push for fair rules and USDA enforcement.
Authentic organic dairy production provides benefits for soil, human, and environmental health. You can support these options by choosing local organic dairy or using our Organic Dairy Scorecard.
