Organic Overhaul: USDA Proposes CO2 for Crops and New Livestock Pain Relief
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The USDA wants to update organic farming rules to help farmers grow crops and raise animals better. They’re proposing to allow carbon dioxide for crops, a new pain medicine for animals, and easier rules for poultry feed. These changes could save time and money for organic producers if approved, with public comments open until May 22, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Allow CO2 Use in Organic Crops
USDA proposes allowing synthetic carbon dioxide for organic crop production to adjust irrigation water pH and to enrich greenhouse atmospheres. The proposal would add carbon dioxide to 7 CFR 205.601(a) and 205.601(j), and the NOSB recommended allowing synthetic carbon dioxide when sourced as a byproduct for indoor atmospheric uses.
Renew Sodium Nitrate Use Limit
USDA proposes to renew sodium nitrate on the National List as a natural fertilizer allowed for limited use in organic crop production. If finalized, sodium nitrate could supply up to 20 percent of a crop's total nitrogen requirement and the listing would be reinstated for 5 years from the final rule's effective date.
Allow Meloxicam for Organic Livestock
USDA proposes adding meloxicam (an NSAID) to 7 CFR 205.603(a) as an allowed synthetic for organic livestock pain treatment. The proposal would require that the organic withdrawal period be twice the withdrawal period a licensed veterinarian determines for FDA compliance (for example, a 5-day vet-determined withdrawal would become a 10-day organic withdrawal).
Easier Methionine Rules for Poultry
USDA proposes removing current restrictions on methionine in organic poultry feed so producers would no longer need to track the amount of methionine fed to each poultry flock. The change is intended to give organic poultry producers additional flexibility and reduce recordkeeping burdens.
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