§6509 Animal Production Practices and Materials

Summary

Livestock sold or labeled as organic must be raised following these rules. Breeder animals can be bought from anywhere unless they are in the last third of pregnancy. Animals must eat organic feed that meets the rules. Farms may not feed plastic pellets for roughage, refeed manure, or use feed formulas with urea. Farms may not use growth promoters or hormones to make animals grow, including antibiotics and synthetic trace elements used for that purpose. For health care, farms must not use low-dose antibiotics for growth, must not routinely give synthetic internal parasite drugs, and must not give medicines (except vaccines) unless an animal is sick. The National Organic Standards Board will recommend more livestock care standards to the Secretary. Poultry, except day-old chicks, must be raised under these rules before and while their meat or eggs are sold or labeled organic. Dairy animals must follow the rules for at least the 12-month period before their milk or milk products are sold or labeled organic. If a dairy farm’s land is in its third year of organic management, its crops and forage can be fed to the animals during that 12-month period. Producers must keep detailed, verifiable records so each animal or flock can be traced to the farm. Records must show amounts and sources of all medicines given and all feeds and supplements bought and used. The Secretary must hold public hearings and create detailed regulations with notice and public comment to guide these standards.