AFBF has submitted comments to the Agriculture Department in support of the agency’s proposal to withdraw its final rule for Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices. The rule allows for animal welfare standards and metrics to become part of the organic label. AFBF opposes this because the original intent of the Organic Food Production Act did not include standards on animal welfare. The rule also contradicts recommendations for biosecurity, would create environmental compliance issues and does not follow recommended protocols for food safety.  The anticipated economic burden of compliance is large enough to force many organic livestock producers out of organic production or out of business entirely.