National Organic
Program (NOP)--Access to Pasture (Livestock); Proposed
Rule
Agricultural Marketing Service
Department of Agriculture
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 205
[Docket No. AMS-TM-06-0198; TM-05-14]
RIN 0581-AC57
National Organic
Program (NOP)--Access to Pasture (Livestock)
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed
rule.
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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would amend livestock and
related
provisions of the NOP. Comments
have been received from consumers,
producers, certifying agents, trade
associations, retailers, organic
associations, animal welfare
organizations, consumer groups, and
various industry groups seeking
greater detail on the role of pasture
in organic livestock production.
Also since implementation of the NOP
in 2002, the National Organic
Standards Board (NOSB) has made several
recommendations regarding the role
of pasture. As a result of comments,
complaints, and noncompliances,
we are proposing amendments to the
livestock provisions of the NOP.
This proposed rule provides greater
detail for selected provisions of
the existing livestock regulations,
especially as they relate to
pasture and ruminant animals. By
specifying in greater detail that
producers are to provide ruminants
with pasture, recognize pasture as
a crop, and incorporate pasture into
their organic system plan,
producers will have better records and tools
for managing pasture and
demonstrating compliance with the livestock
regulations. Certifying agents will
have better tools for measuring
compliance with the livestock
regulations. Consumers will have better
assurances that the organic label
is applied in ways that meet their
expectations that ruminant
livestock animals graze pastures during the
growing season. This proposed rule
would also clarify the replacement
animal provision for dairy animals.
DATES: Comments must be received by December 23, 2008.
Comments on the
information collection and recordkeeping
requirements contained in this
proposed rule must be received by
December 23, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may comment on this proposed
rule using
the following procedures:
Mail: Comments
may be submitted by mail to: Richard H.
Mathews, Chief, Standards Development and Review Branch,
National
Organic Program, Transportation and Marketing Programs,
USDA-AMS-TMP-
NOP,
Internet:
http://www.regulations.gov.
Written comments
on this proposed rule should be
identified with the docket number
AMS-TM-06-0198; TM-05-14.
[Federal Register: October 24, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 207)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 63583-63608]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24oc08-30]
Review complete document:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-25094.htm