One result of the USDA’s proposed livestock-welfare rule for organic farmers would be the eventual end of confinement-style egg production, because it says poultry must be given access to outdoor yards. A powerhouse group of 13 senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the leaders of the Agriculture Committee says the rule could affect egg prices at the grocery store and drive up costs for producers.
“We strongly encourage the Department of Agriculture to conduct a more thorough economic analysis of the cost to producers and impact to organic markets and consumers before moving forward with any additional action on this regulation,” the senators said in a letter to the USDA. It was the second time that farm-state lawmakers have questioned the agency’s thinking in writing the rule.
The Cornucopia Institute, an advocacy group for sustainable and organic agriculture, says up to 90 percent of organic eggs are produced in confinement barns now. The USDA proposal, released in early April, says poultry barns and yards “must be designed to promote and encourage all birds to go outside on a daily basis.” Producers would be given up to five years to comply with rules on outdoor space for poultry.
The poultry provisions have been the most controversial; some producers have large-scale confinement farms and would face large expenses in remodeling their operations.
Requirements to allow poultry outdoor access every day seems contrary, the senators said, to USDA advice on how to avoid the bird flu, which is to keep flocks indoors and away from wild birds.
To read the senators’ letter to USDA, click here.