7042 Federal Register / Vol

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

7042 Federal Register / Vol 7042 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2017 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE A. Purpose of the Final Rule certified organic operations and to B. Summary of Provisions provide for more effective Agricultural Marketing Service C. Costs and Benefits administration of the National Organic II. General Information Program (NOP) by AMS. One purpose of 7 CFR Part 205 A. Does this Action Apply to Me? III. Background the Organic Foods Production Act of [Document Number AMS–NOP–15–0012; IV. Comments Received 1990 (OFPA) (7 U.S.C. 6501–6522) is to NOP–15–06FR] A. Regulatory Authority of the Final Rule assure consumers that organically B. Regulatory Clarity of the Final Rule produced products meet a consistent RIN 0581–AD44 C. Consumer Education and Outreach and uniform standard (7 U.S.C. 6501). D. International Trade Agreements National Organic Program (NOP); E. Meat and Poultry Imports B. Summary of Provisions Organic Livestock and Poultry V. Related Documents. Specifically, this final rule: Practices VI. Definitions (§ 205.2) A. Description of Regulations 1. Clarifies how producers and AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, B. Discussion of Comments Received handlers participating in the NOP must USDA. VII. Livestock Health Care Practices treat livestock and poultry to ensure ACTION: Final rule. (§ 205.238) their wellbeing. A. Description of Regulations 2. Clarifies when and how certain SUMMARY: The United States Department B. Discussion of Comments Received physical alterations may be performed of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural VIII. Mammalian Living Conditions on organic livestock and poultry in Marketing Service (AMS) is amending (§ 205.39) order to minimize stress. Additionally, A. Description of Regulations the organic livestock and poultry some forms of physical alterations are production requirements by adding new B. Discussion of Comments Received IX. Avian Living Conditions (§ 205.241) prohibited. provisions for livestock handling and A. Description of Regulations 3. Sets maximum indoor and outdoor transport for slaughter and avian living B. Discussion of Comments Received stocking densities for organic chickens, conditions; and expanding and X. Transport (§ 205.242(a)) which vary depending on the type of clarifying existing requirements A. Description of the Final Rule production and stage of life. covering livestock care and production B. Discussion of Comments Received 4. Defines outdoor space and requires XI. Slaughter (§ 205.242(b) and (c)) practices and mammalian living that outdoor spaces for organic poultry conditions. A. Description of Regulations B. Discussion of Comments Received include soil and vegetation. DATES: Effective Date: This rule becomes XII. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563— 5. Adds new requirements for effective March 20, 2017. Executive Summary transporting organic livestock and Implementation Dates: This rule will XIII. Retrospective Analysis poultry to sale or slaughter. be fully implemented March 20, 2018. XIV. Executive Order 12988 6. Clarifies the application of USDA There are two exceptions: XV. Executive Order 13175 Food Safety and Inspection Service (1) Organic egg operations that are XVI. Paperwork Reduction Act (FSIS) requirements regarding the certified before March 20, 2020 need to A. Summary B. Discussion of Comments Received handling of livestock and poultry in implement the outdoor access XVII. Civil Rights Impact Analysis connection with slaughter to certified requirements by March 21, 2022. organic livestock and poultry Organic egg operations that become List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 205 establishments and provides for the certified after March 20, 2020 need to I. Executive Summary enforcement of USDA organic comply with the outdoor access regulations based on FSIS inspection requirements in order to obtain A. Purpose of the Final Rule findings. certification. This final rule creates greater 7. AMS has only established indoor (2) Organic broiler operations must consistency in organic livestock and space requirements for chickens in this fully implement the indoor space poultry practice standards. Based on final rule. AMS may propose space requirements by March 20, 2020. recommendations from the Office of requirements for other avian species in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Inspector General and the National the future. Other avian species must Lewis, Ph.D., Director of Standards Organic Standards Board, AMS meet all other indoor requirements Division, Telephone: (202) 720–3252; determined that the current USDA including exit doors, ammonia levels, Fax: (202) 260–9151. organic regulations (7 CFR part 205) and lighting. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: covering livestock care and production C. Costs and Benefits practices and living conditions needed Table of Contents additional specificity and clarity to AMS estimates the following costs I. Executive Summary better ensure consistent compliance by and benefits for this final rule. Benefits, Transfers, Assumed conditions Affected population Costs, millions a millions millions All producers remain in organic market; Or- Organic layer and organic broiler production $28.7–$31.0 $16.3–$49.5 N/A ganic layer and broiler populations con- at full implementation of rule, i.e., 2022 for tinue historical growth rates after rule. layers; 2020 for broilers. 50% of organic layer production in year 6 Organic layer and organic broiler production $11.7–$12.0 $4.5–$13.8 $79.5–$86.3 (2022), moves to the cage-free market. Or- at full implementation of rule, i.e., 2022 for ganic layer and broiler populations con- layers; 2020 for broilers. tinue historical growth rates after rule. VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:24 Jan 19, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19JAR4.SGM 19JAR4 asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 7043 Assumed conditions Affected population Costs, Benefits, Transfers, millions a millions millions 50% of current organic layer production Current organic layer production; organic $8.2 $4.1–$12.4 $45.6–$49.5 moves to the cage-free market in year 6 broiler production at full implementation of (2022). There are no new entrants after rule in 2020. publication of this rule that cannot comply. Other impacts: Estimated paperwork burden: $3.9 million a All values in the costs, benefits and transfer columns of this table are annualized and discounted at 3% and 7% rates. II. General Information outdoor areas, while other operations received from producers, producer provide minimal outdoor space or use associations, handlers, certifying agents, A. Does this action apply to me? screened and covered enclosures consumers and consumer groups, You may be affected by this action if commonly called ‘‘porches’’ to meet animal welfare organizations, you are engaged in the meat, egg, outdoor access requirements. In a 2010 veterinarians, state government poultry, dairy, or animal fiber audit, the USDA Office of Inspector agencies, foreign government agencies, industries. Affected entities may General identified inconsistencies in and trade associations or organizations. include, but are not limited to: how accredited certifying agents (or AMS analysis and response to • Individuals or business entities that ‘‘certifiers’’) consider porches under comments is described in the following are considering organic certification for outdoor access while implementing preamble sections of the final rule. a new or existing livestock farm or certification of organic poultry A. Regulatory Authority of the Final slaughter facility. operations. AMS initially responded to Rule • Existing livestock farms and this audit finding by publishing draft slaughter facilities that are currently guidance on outdoor access for organic (Comment) Several comments argued certified organic under the USDA poultry. However, after receiving public that USDA does not have sufficient organic regulations. comment on the draft guidance, AMS regulatory authority under OFPA to • Certifying agents accredited by determined that rulemaking was publish final rules for livestock living USDA to certify organic livestock necessary to reduce the variation in conditions and animal welfare as operations and organic livestock outdoor access practices for organic described in the proposed rule. They handling operations. poultry; therefore, AMS did not finalize argued that the livestock section of This listing is not intended to be the draft guidance. To assist with this OFPA only provides authority to exhaustive, but identifies key entities rulemaking, the NOSB developed a prepare regulations regarding feeds and likely to be affected by this action. Other series of recommendations to further animal health care issues. types of entities could also be affected. clarify organic livestock and poultry (Response) AMS affirms that USDA To determine whether you or your care and production practices, transport, has the authority to conduct this business may be affected by this action, slaughter, and living conditions, rulemaking; this action falls within our you should carefully examine the including outdoor access for poultry. purview to implement the Organic regulatory text. If you have questions The NOSB deliberations on these Foods Production Act. AMS is issuing regarding the applicability of this action recommendations revealed that there is these regulations to strengthen the to a particular entity, consult the person considerable support for these USDA organic
Recommended publications
  • Broiler Chickens
    The Life of: Broiler Chickens Chickens reared for meat are called broilers or broiler chickens. They originate from the jungle fowl of the Indian Subcontinent. The broiler industry has grown due to consumer demand for affordable poultry meat. Breeding for production traits and improved nutrition have been used to increase the weight of the breast muscle. Commercial broiler chickens are bred to be very fast growing in order to gain weight quickly. In their natural environment, chickens spend much of their time foraging for food. This means that they are highly motivated to perform species specific behaviours that are typical for chickens (natural behaviours), such as foraging, pecking, scratching and feather maintenance behaviours like preening and dust-bathing. Trees are used for perching at night to avoid predators. The life of chickens destined for meat production consists of two distinct phases. They are born in a hatchery and moved to a grow-out farm at 1 day-old. They remain here until they are heavy enough to be slaughtered. This document gives an overview of a typical broiler chicken’s life. The Hatchery The parent birds (breeder birds - see section at the end) used to produce meat chickens have their eggs removed and placed in an incubator. In the incubator, the eggs are kept under optimum atmosphere conditions and highly regulated temperatures. At 21 days, the chicks are ready to hatch, using their egg tooth to break out of their shell (in a natural situation, the mother would help with this). Chicks are precocial, meaning that immediately after hatching they are relatively mature and can walk around.
    [Show full text]
  • Chicken's Digestive System
    Poultry Leader Guide EM082E Level 2 4-H Poultry Leader Notebook Level II Identifying Poultry Feed Ingredients ........................................................3 How to Read Feed Tags ............................................................................7 Boney Birds ............................................................................................ 11 Chicken’s Digestive System ...................................................................17 Poultry Disease Prevention .....................................................................25 Poultry Parasites and Diseases ...............................................................27 Cracking Up—What’s in an Egg? ..........................................................31 Making and Using an Egg Candler ........................................................35 Constructing a Small Incubator ..............................................................39 Determining the Sex of Poultry ..............................................................45 Maternal Bonding and Imprinting (Follow the Leader) .........................49 Preventing Cannibalism ..........................................................................51 The Peck Order .......................................................................................55 Economics of Broiler Production ............................................................59 Poultry Furniture .....................................................................................65 Types of Poultry Housing .......................................................................69
    [Show full text]
  • The Truth Behind the Labels: Farm Animal Welfare Standards and Labeling Practices a Farm Sanctuary Report Table of Contents
    The Truth Behind the Labels: Farm Animal Welfare Standards and Labeling Practices A Farm Sanctuary Report TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 7 3. Assessing Animal Welfare ............................................................................................................................ 9 4. Assessing Standards Programs ................................................................................................................. 11 5. Product Labeling and Marketing Claims .................................................................................................... 13 6. Industry Quality Assurance Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 21 7. Third-Party Certification Standards ............................................................................................................ 36 8. Assessment of Welfare Standards Programs ............................................................................................. 44 9. Findings ...................................................................................................................................................... 50 10. Appendices ................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • National Chicken Council's Broiler Breeder Welfare Guidelines
    NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL ANIMAL WELFARE GUIDELINES AND AUDIT CHECKLIST FOR BROILER BREEDERS Approved by NCC Board of Directors June 2017 NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL 1152 15TH Street NW Suite 430 Washington DC 20005 phone (202) 296-2622 Contents NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines NCC Animal Welfare Audit Checklist Guidance for Conducting Audits Under NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines Standard Contract for Audits Under NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines Appendix NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL ANIMAL WELFARE GUIDELINES The National Chicken Council (NCC) is the national trade association representing vertically integrated broiler producer-processors. NCC recommends the following guidelines to its members to assure the humane treatment of animals and to promote the production of quality products. Preface An animal is considered to be in a good state of welfare “…if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress” (OIE). Animals’ physical needs are relatively easily discussed, described, and studied, but their mental states and needs can be more difficult to characterize. We recognize that this is an ongoing discussion and evolving science. With that in mind, the NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines are updated regularly to include new science-based parameters. The NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines have been developed to evaluate the current commercial strains of broiler breeder chickens by auditing how these birds are raised, housed, managed and transported to slaughter at the end of their production cycle. It is important to note that such standards may not be appropriate for other types of poultry as management practices may differ.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyrighted Material
    Index growth and development, 28–34 Numerics physical examination, 96–97 30-30 isolation rule, 58 Animal Poison Control Center, 158 2004 USDA backyard chicken study, 11 antibiotics deciding when to use, 228 for E. coli, 168 • A • for fowl pox, 174 for infectious coryza, 169 abdomens, 98–99, 119, 125, 143, 219–220 leg and foot issues, 121 accidents link between drugs and food- decreasing egg production, 139 producing animals, 226 fl ock-mate persecution or for mycoplasmosis, 169–170 cannibalism, 151–154 for respiratory illness, 106 housing and environmental dangers, antibodies, 27–28 161–164 antiseptics, 254–256 nutritional disorders, 154–156 APPPA (American Pastured Poultry poisoning, 156–161 Producers Association), 84 predators, 147–151 ascites, 201, 220 skinny chickens, 136 aspergillosis, 198 stunted growth, 134 aspirin, 121, 307 sudden death, 141 Association of Avian Veterinarians, 211 vitamin and mineral defi ciencies, Auburn University Department of 155–156 Poultry Science, 18 adult birds, 58, 143–144, 240 avian encephalomyelitis (AE), advice, from experts, 17, 209–214 131–132, 172 AE (avian encephalomyelitis), avian infl uenza (AI), 103, 119, 131–132, 172 172–173, 280 AI (avian infl uenza), 103, 119, avian intestinal spirochetosis (AIS), 172–173, 280 166–167 air sacs, 22–23 avian leukosis virus (ALV), 177 AIS (avian intestinal spirochetosis), avian TB (tuberculosis), 53, 166–167, 281 166–167 avian veterinarians, 210–211 albendazole, 309 alcohols, 306 aldehydes, 306 • B • all-in, all-out systems, 59 ALV (avian leukosis virus), 177
    [Show full text]
  • Guide for Organic Livestock Producers
    Guide for Organic Livestock Producers By Linda Coffey and Section 1: Overview of organic certif ication and production Ann H. Baier, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Agriculture Specialists CHAPTER 1 November 2012 INTRODUCTION his guide is an overview of the process of becoming certified organic. It is designed to explain the USDA organic regulations as they apply to livestock producers. If Contents you are also producing crops, you will need the “Guide for Organic Producers” to Section 1 Tunderstand the regulations pertaining to the land and to crop production. In addition to Overview of Organic explaining the regulations, both guides give examples of the practices that are allowed Certification and Production Chapters 1-6 ............................................1 for organic production. The first four chapters of the crops guide are essentially the same as the first four of this Section 2 guide; they give an introduction to the National Organic Program (NOP), the organic- Pastures and Hay Crops Chapters 7-14 .......................................24 certification process, the Organic System Plan (OSP), and much more. You can find the crops guide and many other helpful publications at www.attra.ncat.org. If you have already Section 3 read the crops guide or if you already are familiar with the certification process, proceed to Livestock Chapter 5, “Overview of Organic Livestock Systems” in this guide. Chapters 15-25 .....................................44 There are four sections in this guide: Section 4 • Section 1. Overview of organic certification and production Handling of Organic Feed and Livestock Products • Section 2. Pastures and hay crops Chapters 26-30 ....................................75 • Section 3. Livestock Appendix 1 • Section 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Mutilations in Poultry in European Poultry Production Systems Vol
    Mutilations in poultry in European poultry production systems Vol. 42 (1), April 2007, Page 35 Mutilations in poultry in European poultry production systems Thea Fiks - van Niekerk and Ingrid de Jong Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, NL [email protected] Introduction Mutilations of animals, like beak trimming, have been subject of discussion for many years. Opponents point out the lack of respect for animal integrity and the stress and pain it causes to the animal. Although supporters argue that omitting mutilations can lead to harmful pecking behaviour causing pain and stress as well, there is a growing societal plea for adapting husbandry systems according to the behavioural needs of animals instead of mutilate animals to fit them into current husbandry practices. Better management can contribute to reducing the propensity of feather pecking in laying hens, for example, and increasing knowledge on this issue results in more success for farmers that keep non-mutilated poultry. It is often questioned, however, whether intensive poultry production systems will ever be able to do without mutilations. Many studies have been conducted aiming at finding alternatives for mutilations, but the final solution is still lacking. Some countries have put a ban on specific mutilations. Farmers in these countries have found ways to deal with this, but the discussion on the actual improvement of welfare of birds continuous in those countries as well as discussions on the applicability of those solutions in other countries. Besides finding alternatives for mutilations, research focused on refining the mutilating technology thus minimizing its adverse effects on the animals.
    [Show full text]
  • Canada's Animal Protection Laws
    The Health of Animals Act and Regulations: an example of how Canada has failed to protect farmed animals by Rachel Godley A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Laws Faculty of Law University of Alberta ©Rachel Godley, 2014 Abstract Farmed animal welfare is an increasingly pressing issue both in Canada and abroad. This thesis surveys the current laws Canada has in place to protect farmed animal welfare. It looks at the Health of Animals Act and regulations as an example of why laws that should protect farmed animals are failing to do so. Pervasive problems with animal welfare legislation are identified and explained, including issues with the fragmented legal framework, and the strength, scope, and interpretation of laws. ii Acknowledgement Thanks to my supervisor Peter Sankoff for his expert insight and ongoing feedback, to my family and friends who have supported me throughout this endeavor, and to the vegan and vegetarian community, who continually remind me of the importance of all our efforts in the fight for animal justice iii Contents CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1 1. OPENING ACT ................................................................................................................................................. 1 2. ROAD MAP ......................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Recovering the History of Cockfighting in Kentucky Joseph R
    The Kentucky Review Volume 13 | Number 3 Article 2 Winter 1997 Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Recovering the History of Cockfighting in Kentucky Joseph R. Jones University of Kentucky Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kentucky-review Part of the United States History Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Recommended Citation Jones, Joseph R. (1997) "Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Recovering the History of Cockfighting in Kentucky," The Kentucky Review: Vol. 13 : No. 3 , Article 2. Available at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kentucky-review/vol13/iss3/2 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University of Kentucky Libraries at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Kentucky Review by an authorized editor of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Recovering the History of Cockfighting in Kentucky Joseph R. Jones For Charles P. Roland, eminent historian and keen observer of Southern life, and the ideal traveling companion A popular encyclopedia of sports from the 1940s1 has a short, clear, and blandly neutral article on cockfighting that describes it as the oldest known sport in which humans use animals. Asians pitted male partridges and quails for centuries before fighting chickens emigrated from India to both East and West. It is a universal amusement (says the encyclopedia), was common in the eastern United States in the late eighteenth century, and has maintained its popularity in America "down through all the generations, despite efforts of authorities to stamp it out.
    [Show full text]
  • Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for the Care of Farm Animals
    Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for the Care of Farm Animals DRAFT January 20162017 Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development PO Box 30017 Lansing, MI 48909 (877) 632-1783 www.michigan.gov/mdard In the event of an agricultural pollution emergency such as a chemical/fertilizer spill, manure lagoon breach, etc., the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and/or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality should be contacted at the following emergency telephone numbers: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development: 800 405-0101 Michigan Department of Environmental Quality: 800 292-4706 If there is not an emergency, but you have questions on the Michigan Right to Farm Act or items concerning a farm operation, please contact the: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Right to Farm Program (RTF) P.O. Box 30017 Lansing, Michigan 48909 (517) 284-5619 (517) 335-3329 FAX (877) 632-1783 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERALLY ACCEPTED AGRICULTURAL AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE CARE OF FARM ANIMALS PREFACE……………………………………………………………………….iii OVERVIEW........................…….................................................................1 BEEF CATTLE and BISON....................................................................... 4 DAIRY ...................................................................................................... 10 VEAL ........................................................................................................ 17 SWINE ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • WOOD COUNTY 4-H POULTRY HANDBOOK an Educational Collection
    OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION WOOD COUNTY 4-H POULTRY HANDBOOK An Educational Collection Complied by Mandy Causey, Ross County Junior Fair Poultry Superintendent 2019 Wood.osu.edu CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity. 4H Pledge I Pledge My head to greater thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to better service, My health to better living, For my club, my community, my country, and my world. 4H Motto To Make the Best Better 2 INDEX Introduction and History .................................................. 4 Objectives ............................................................................. 7 Quality Assurance ................................................................ 8 Pillars of Character .............................................................. 13 Biosecurity ............................................................................ 17 Management ......................................................................... 18 Record Keeping .................................................................... 20 Medication ............................................................................ 20 Brooding and Housing ........................................................ 23 Hatching Eggs ....................................................................... 27 Sexing .................................................................................... 29 Feed .......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Position Paper, Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist
    NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL ANIMAL WELFARE GUIDELINES AND AUDIT CHECKLIST as of April 5, 2005 Approved by NCC Executive Committee January 27, 2005 Amendments approved by NCC Executive Committee April 5, 2005 NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL 1015 15TH Street NW Suite 930 Washington DC 20005 phone (202) 296-2622 fax (202) 293-4005 Contents • NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines (Reflecting changes through April 5, 2005) • NCC Animal Welfare Audit Checklist (Reflecting changes through April 5, 2005) • Guidance for Conducting Audits Under NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines • Standard Contract for Audits Under NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines • NCC Animal Welfare Scientific Advisory Committee (Members of this committee are available to conduct audits under the NCC program) NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL ANIMAL WELFARE GUIDELINES As of April 5, 2005 The National Chicken Council (NCC) is the association representing vertically integrated broiler producer-processors. NCC recommends the following guidelines to its members to assure the humane treatment of animals and to promote the production of quality products. Introduction Domestic animals are adaptable to a variety of conditions. Today’s chicken has been purposefully selected to thrive under modern management. We believe current good management practices that avoid destructive behavior, prevent disease, and promote good health and production, are consistent with the generally accepted criteria of humane treatment. The specific applications of these criteria are spelled out in the NCC Animal Welfare Audit Checklist, which
    [Show full text]