Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)
What is the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Rule?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a final rule aimed at fortifying organic livestock and poultry production standards. This rule introduces new provisions for livestock handling and transport, slaughter, and avian (poultry) living conditions. Additionally, it expands and clarifies existing requirements related to livestock care, production practices, and non-avian living conditions.
Implementation Date- The OLPS final rule was published on November 2, 2023 with the following implementation dates:
All organic operations must comply with the requirements of this rule by January 2, 2025 except:
- (1) Currently certified organic layer operations and layer operations that are certified before January 2, 2025, must comply with the §§ 205.241(c)(2), (c)(4), and (c)(5), concerning outdoor stocking density requirements and soil and vegetation requirements, by January 2, 2029.
- (2) Currently certified organic broiler operations and broiler operations that are certified before January 2, 2025, must comply with §§ 205.241(b)(10), (c)(2), and (c)(6), concerning indoor and outdoor stocking density requirements and soil and vegetation requirements, by January 2, 2029.
- (3) Currently certified organic poultry operations and poultry operations that are certified before January 2, 2025 must comply with § 205.241(b)(4), concerning poultry house exit area requirements, by January 2, 2029.
Based on the above dates this means that organic layer (including pullets) operations must comply with the indoor space requirements (e.g. stocking densities) by January 2, 2025.
Also, an important clarification to note: if a poultry operation (e.g. layer or broiler) is certified prior to January 2, 2025 but then surrenders after that date and reapplies, that operation must be in compliance with all the delayed requirements with the implementation date of January 2, 2029, immediately.
Timeline
To keep you well informed and prepared for these changes, we have established a timeline of key activities:
- Conduct a self-assessment to determine compliance on your operation: We will send a self-assessment worksheet to all PCO-certified operations that will be impacted by this final rule, enabling you to assess the potential impact of the OLPS rule on your operation.
- Check your email for Training Opportunities: Look out for our announcement about upcoming training opportunities. These events will offer an opportunity for you to engage directly with us, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have.
- Participate in training opportunities:
- We are committed to ensuring that you are well-prepared for the changes brought by the OLPS rule. Therefore, we will provide various training opportunities to help you navigate the new requirements effectively.
- Complete revised Organic System Plan (OSP) forms: We will be sending revised OSP forms to both applicants and existing clients. These updated forms will align with the requirements of the OLPS rule.
- Submit revised OSPs to PCO.
