Consumer Federation of America (CFA) has submitted comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing Service’s proposed rule to amend animal welfare standards under the National Organic Program. CFA supports USDA’s adoption of animal welfare standards recommended by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), and in particular, those defining “outdoor access” for poultry. CFA urges USDA to eliminate a proposed five-year grace period that would apply to many large organic egg producers that do not currently provide poultry with access to the outdoors.

Recognized as the most regulated and trustworthy food label, consumers depend on the organic label to meet strict standards of quality, safety, and animal welfare. But in the face of great demand, some producers are falling short. Despite existing rules that require year-round access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise, fresh air, and clean water, about half of America’s 12 million organic laying hens never go outside. Instead, some large-scale producers are passing off roofed porches as “outdoor access.” The proposed regulation prohibits that practice, but only for new facilities. For existing facilities, a five year grace period would apply.

Waiting five years to penalize non-compliant producers erodes consumer confidence and undermines the high standards of the organic label. CFA recommends that the outdoor access provisions for poultry go into effect one year from publication of the final rule, the same compliance period as the other standards, and it asks USDA to act expeditiously to finalize and implement the NOSB’s recommendations.