Yesterday 13 organizations representing food safety, organic consumers, and animal welfare joined the ASPCA in asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve care standards for animals raised under the USDA’s National Organic Program (any animal used to produce products sold with the “USDA Organic” seal).

The Organic Program’s current animal welfare rules are far too lax. A 2014 survey [PDF] commissioned by the ASPCA found big gaps between consumer expectations and USDA requirements when it comes to things like space and outdoor access for the animals it calls organic. The ASPCA has sought better welfare for USDA Organic animals for years, and we now have a unique opportunity:  The USDA will be revisiting its rules this year!

With this joint letter to the Secretary of Agriculture [PDF] we’ve made clear that the organic label needs to start meeting its obligations to both animals and consumers. The USDA’s National Organic Program has an obligation to ensure strong animal welfare.

We will continue working on this issue in the coming months and will let you know how you can help with this important effort!