USDA issued its final rules on access to pastures for organic livestock operations today.
Specifically, animals must have graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year. They also must obtain at least 30% of their dry matter from pasture.
The final rule becomes effective June 17, 2010, but operations which are already certified organic have one year to implement the provisions. Operations that obtain organic certification after the effective date will be expected to demonstrate full compliance immediately upon certification.
