Organic dairy groups seek producer input on detailed national grazing proposal

The Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA), working with other organic dairy groups, this week issued a comprehensive response to proposed new detailed regulations on the “access to pasture” requirement and other items. Producers are invited to add comments in an open conference call December 17, and to submit formal comments to the National Organic Standards Board.
 
Key points are to request that:

• The minimum 30 percent DMI (dry matter intake) from pasture, be averaged over the full grazing season—not the growing season—to take into account the reality of the grazing seasons in different areas. This season must be no less than 120 days in length.
• The requirement for ruminants to be managed on pasture year round be changed to only during the grazing season, to take into account different farming conditions.

 
The response also asks that proposed language on origin of livestock (determining how young animals are managed) be excluded from this rule and be treated separately at a later time. Recommendations, letter to producers and official comment instructions: NODPA website