§6509 Animal Production Practices and Materials

Summary

Animals sold or labeled as organic must be raised under the organic rules in this chapter. Breeder animals can come from any source as long as they are not in the last third of gestation. Farmers must feed animals organic feed that meets the chapter’s rules and must not use plastic pellets for roughage, refeed manure, or use feed with urea. They may not use growth promoters or hormones to make animals grow, including antibiotics or synthetic trace elements used for that purpose. Farmers also must not use low-dose antibiotics, routinely give synthetic internal parasite drugs, or give medicine (other than vaccines) unless the animal is sick. The National Organic Standards Board will suggest more care rules. All poultry except day old poultry 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 organic milk is sold, but crops and forage from land in the farm’s organic plan that is in its third year may be fed during that year. Farmers must keep clear records so each animal or flock can be traced back to the farm, including amounts and sources of medicines and all feeds bought and used. The Secretary must hold public hearings and write detailed regulations with public comment to explain how to apply these standards.