§6509 Animal production practices and materials

Summary

Livestock that will be sold or labeled as organic must be raised under the rules in this chapter. Breeder animals can be bought from anywhere as long as they are not in the last third of pregnancy. To be certified organic, animals must eat organic feed and cannot be given roughage made of plastic, feed made by refeeding manure, or feed formulas that contain urea. Producers may not use growth promoters or hormones to boost size or production, including antibiotics or synthetic trace minerals used for that purpose. They also must not give low-dose antibiotics, use synthetic internal parasite drugs routinely, or give medicines (other than vaccines) unless the animal is sick. The National Organic Standards Board will suggest more care standards. All poultry except day-old chicks must be raised under these rules before and while their meat or eggs are sold as organic. Dairy animals must follow the rules for at least the 12-month period before milk or milk products are sold as organic, though a dairy farm in its third year of organic management may feed crops and forage from land in its organic plan during that year. Producers must keep clear records so each animal or flock can be traced to the farm, including all medicines given and all feeds bought and used. The Secretary must hold public hearings and write detailed regulations with public notice and comment.