In the June 8, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service ("AMS") extended the comment period from June 13, 2016, to July 13, 2016, for a proposed rule published on April 13, 2016, on organic livestock and poultry practices. The proposed rule would amend the organic livestock and poultry production requirements to add new provisions for livestock handling, transport for slaughter, and avian living conditions. The proposed rule also aims to expand and clarify existing requirements covering livestock health care practices and mammalian living conditions. The amendments seek to improve upon the current standards by setting separate standards for mammalian and avian livestock living conditions to better reflect the needs and behaviors of the different species and related consumer expectations. Comments are due July 13, 2016.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.