In progress – This section of the Final Questions and Answers complies with Canadian Organic Standards 2026 #
To consult the QAs complying with the 2020 COS, click here.
The clauses referred to in the Final Questions and Answers are those of CAN/CGSB-32.310, General Principles and Management Standards, unless otherwise specified.
COR – Canada Organic Regime
CB – Certification Body
GE – genetically engineered
COS – Canadian Organic Standards
CAN/CGSB-32.311 – Permitted Substances Lists
6.1 General #
Outdoor pastures and outdoor areas #
What is the difference between outdoor pastures and outdoor areas? (458.1)
“Outdoor pastures” provide vegetation and nutrition to animals and are required during the grazing season (see Clause 6.1.3 a)) for the purpose of feeding livestock. ”Outdoor areas” may or may not contain vegetation. Outdoor areas are used to accommodate livestock health and allow for natural behaviours throughout the year when the animals are not on pasture (see Clause 6.7.1 a)).
Poultry peepers/blinders #
Are poultry peepers/blinders, with or without attachment pins allowed to prevent cannibalism? (350)
Poultry peepers / blinders are permitted only without pins and only when all other management methods have been tried and have failed. As required per Clause 6.1.6 documentation must be maintained to demonstrate strategies are in place for the reduction of peeper/blinder use.
6.2 Origin of livestock #
Breeding stock – Alternating organic and non-organic management #
Please clarify the meaning of Clause 6.2.1.3. Does it allow that animals could be given conventional feed repeatedly until the last trimester of pregnancy, and still give birth to offspring compliant with the Standard (i.e., have offspring that are considered organic)? (87)
No, this practice would not be permitted. 6.2.1.3 applies only to the transition of whole herds or individual animals used as new breeding stock (whether from within the operation or from another operation). For animals already under organic management, the feeding of non-organic feed at any time during gestation would render the mother and offspring non-compliant (i.e., non-organic). Livestock (including breeding animals) cannot be rotated in and out of organic production. Refer to Clause 6.2.1.2.
Conventional heifers converted to organic operation #
Is it permitted for an organic operation to purchase conventional heifers to convert to organic over the 12-month transition period, and then sell as an organic animal? (555.1)
No. Clause 6.2.1.4 requires that ruminant producers produce sufficient replacement stock within the operation. When suitable breeding stock cannot be produced on the operation in sufficient numbers, less than 50% can be purchased off-farm. These purchased replacements must be organic except when the conditions in 6.2.1.3 are met, including commercial availability. Therefore, any transitioned breeding stock is for use only on the operation.
Non-organic animals in organic operations #
Can non-organic animals that have been incorporated into the organic system become acceptable a) for breeding? b) for slaughter? (48) (529)
a) Yes. Breeding animals transferred from conventional to organic management may be used as breeding stock in organic production according to the terms specified in the standard (see Clauses 6.2.1.2, 6.2.1.3 and 6.3.1), but cannot be cloned animals or be the descendants of cloned animals (Clause 1.4) and must be managed organically in accordance with the standard including being fed organic feed (Clause 6.7.6).
b) No. Meat from a non-organic animal will never be considered organic even if the animal has been integrated into the organic system and permitted to be used as organic breeding stock (see Clause 6.2.1.2 a)).
Definition of dairy animal #
What is the definition of a “dairy animal” under the standard? (24.2)
A dairy animal is any animal in a herd that produces milk for human consumption.
Sexed semen #
Can sexed semen be used in organic production? (40)
Yes, the use of mechanically separated sexed semen is permitted (refer to Clause 6.2.1.1 a)).
Embryo transfer #
Is embryo transfer allowed? (Embryo transfer is the collection of eggs from one female and subsequent implantation of the eggs in another animal to complete gestation)? (240)
No. The standard prohibits embryo transfer techniques as per Clause 6.2.1.1 b).
Can an animal which is the product of an embryo transfer be brought into organic production? (214)
Yes, however the meat shall never be organic but may be used for breeding or dairy production (Clause 6.2.1.2 a)), subject to the transition requirements of Clause 6.3
Fertilized eggs #
Can birds hatched from eggs treated with antibiotics be certified organic? (271)
No. Clause 6.2.2.4 states “no medication other than vaccines shall be used to treat fertilized eggs or day-old poultry”.
Health care for poultry #
Does Clause 6.2.2.4 mean that day-old birds and/or fertilized eggs can ONLY be given vaccines (i.e., no other medication), while birds that are two day old or older can be given vaccines and/or other medications, if required? (339)
Yes. Fertilized eggs and one day-old birds may only be given vaccines, no other medications. Vaccines and certain other medications can be used on older birds as specified in Clauses 6.6.10, 6.6.11 and 6.6.12 .
Raising pullets for layer organic operations #
May non-organic operations raise pullets for organic layer operations with an affidavit claiming the pullets are raised under continuous organic management from the second day of life? (428)
No. Pullets must be organic.
Transitioning of dairy calves #
Can a dairy calf which is part of an organic operation be fed conventional milk, then transitioned back to organic status? (259)
No. Clause 6.2.1.2 states that livestock shall be continuously managed organically from birth or their transition date. Dairy animals shall only enter organic management once, either at birth or when transitioned into organic management. Therefore, an organic calf entering organic management at birth can no longer be retransitioned if fed non-organic milk.
Breeding sows – Synchronized estrus #
If a producer purchases non-organic non-gestating sows for breeding, brings them into a new operation site, uses hormones to trigger and synchronize estrus, and keeps these females under continuous organic management from the beginning of the last third of their gestation period, would the piglets born from these sows on this site be considered “organic”? (195)
No. The piglets would not be considered organic. Although the standard allows for the introduction of non-organic breeding stock into an organic operation, it requires that, from the moment of introduction, the operator complies with all the rules for organic livestock husbandry. The use of hormones to trigger estrus is specifically prohibited by Clause 6.2.1.1 c).
Cloning #
Is the use of cloned animals allowed? (148)
No. The origin or lineage of animals needs to be known to ensure that no cloned animals are used, nor the descendants of cloned animals (Clause 1.4 d)).
6.3 Transition of livestock production units to organic production #
Pasture – Poultry #
Does Clause 6.3.3 apply to pasture used for poultry? In other words, can the raising of pullets be timed to coincide with the transition of land rather than waiting until the pasture is CO to start a new flock? In this case, if pullets hatched when the range was only partway through the transition, when these birds become layers, are they allowed to forage on the land for the last twelve months of transition? (99)
Under revision.
Transition – Outdoor runs #
Does the requirement for a 36-month transition of land for crop production apply to the outdoor runs required to permit poultry access to the outdoors? (225)
Yes. All outdoor runs/pasture must have completed the necessary 36-month transition period and been granted organic status before being accessed by organic poultry as per Clause 6.13.1 b)1).
Offspring born under transition #
Can livestock offspring be considered organic for meat, if they were born on a production unit in transition, prior to the end of the final 12 months of transition, as long as the dam has been under organic management for the last third of gestation (6.2.3.3 b), including eating pasture and feed produced within the operation, which is considered organic when consumed by the transitioning herd or flock on the same production unit in T3 , as per Clause 6.3.4? (409)
Under review.
Transitional feed #
When a beef cow herd is being transitioned to organic, does Clause 6.3.4 give permission to use transitional feed that is produced on the farm to feed gestating animals whose offspring will be eligible for sale as organic? (179)
Yes, feed produced in the final 12 months (T3) of the 36 month transition period may be fed to a transitioning beef cow herd. However, the offspring must be born after the completion of the final 12-month transition period to be considered organic as per Clause 6.3.1.
Can the use of feed from transitional land allowed in Clause 6.3.4 be allowed after the transition of the livestock is complete? (257)
Yes. As of COS 2026, feed and forage that is produced on the operation in the final 12 months of the land transitional period may be consumed by livestock in the same production unit up to 36 months following the completion of the transition.
Non-organic feed when transitioning entire dairy herds #
Is GE feed permitted in the 20% non-organic feed allowance for first time transitioning entire dairy herds (Clause 6.3.3)? (407)
Yes. GE feed may be used in the 20% non-organic feed allowance when initially transitioning an entire dairy herd. This information shall be documented allowing complete traceability and accountability.
Offspring of breeding stock treated with antibiotics #
Is it permitted to give antibiotics to breeding stock (excluding poultry) such as sows, to treat a medical problem without affecting the organic status of the offspring? (565)
Yes. If the breeding stock is treated with antibiotics before the last third of gestation, the organic status of the offspring shall not be impacted per Clause 6.6.10 c). If given antibiotics during the last third of gestation, the offspring shall lose organic status. Treatment cannot be withheld from any breeding stock with a medical problem to preserve the organic status of the offspring (Clause 6.6.6).
Parallel production in livestock production #
Is parallel production in livestock prohibited? If not, under what circumstances might it be allowed? (283)
Within the same “production unit” as defined in Clause 3, parallel livestock production is prohibited per the definition of Parallel production (Clause 3), which includes livestock. See also Clause 6.7.6, which stipulates that all animals in a production unit must be managed organically, whether or not all the animals have organic status, and that the non-organic animals must be clearly identified.
An exception exists when there is more than one livestock production unit in a split operation and complete separation is ensured. This would require separate records, barns, separate feed and input storage areas, separate runs, and separate pasture, etc.
6.4 Livestock feed #
Buffers – Livestock feed #
Can livestock feed harvested from the buffer zones around organic cropland be fed to livestock in transition to organic? (149)
That depends on the stage of transition. As per Clause 5.2.2 c), feed harvested from the buffer zones is non-organic. During the first 9 months of transition (of twelve months), transitional breeding stock feed may be 20% non-organic, as per Clause 6.3.3 a)1). During the final 3 months of transition (of twelve months), non-organic feed from buffer zones or elsewhere is not permitted as per Clause 6.3.2 a).
Treatment of stored feed #
Can stored livestock feed (Clause 6.4) be treated with substances listed in Table 4.2 (Column 2) or Table 5.2? of CAN/CGSB-32.311? (330)
As per CAN/CGSB-32.311, substances listed in Table 5.2 can be applied to, or combined with, stored livestock feed (Clause 6.4). Substances listed in Tables 8.2 and 8.3 of CAN/CGSB-32.311 may be used if their substance listing annotation does not prohibit direct contact with organic products. Substances in Table 4.2 (Column 2) of CAN/CGSB-32.311 can only be used during crop production and not post-harvest.
Emergency feed #
Can the allowance of non-organic feed in catastrophic circumstances (Clauses 6.4.8 and 6.4.8.1) be expanded to include commercial or logistical challenges outside the operator’s control? (e.g., a shipment is held up by border inspection) (156)
No. The examples of farm-scale catastrophic events cited in Clause 6.4.8.1 (fire, flood, extraordinary weather conditions) do not extend to commercial or logistical problems.
Is the operator required to obtain pre-approval for use of non-organic feed during a catastrophic event? (89.1)
No, the operator does not need preapproval. However, the operator should notify their CB and explain the situation as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of the operator to adequately and successfully demonstrate to the CB that Clause 6.4.8 is applicable and that the operator has met the instructions laid out in Clause 6.4.8.1 (See Note to 6.4.8.1)
Can you give some guidelines around the use of the 10-day maximum in 6.4.8.1)? (89.2)
Ten consecutive days from any catastrophic event is the maximum permitted to provide a diet made up completely of non-organic feed, given the intent of Clause 6.4.8.1 which was to allow the operator time to source organic feed. Optionally, Clause 6.4.8.1 allows “up to 30% non-organic feed for up to 30 consecutive days.” This helps operators who can source some organic feed but not all that is needed, allowing a longer period of partial organic feed until a complete organic ration can be provided.
Bypass fat #
If the conditions outlined in Clause 6.4.8 which allow for temporary use of non-organic feed are met, would this allowance also extend to the use of non-organic bypass fat? (95)
No, this is not permitted because the feed energy could be sufficiently provided by non-organic grains, silage or haylage after the catastrophic event. The allowance to use non-organic feeds is intended to allow the operator to maintain the health of animals following a farm catastrophe.
Milk for replacement kids #
Can non-organic reconstituted milk be given to the replacement kids in an organic goat dairy herd if the 12-month transition for the kids is respected? (394)
No. Livestock shall be continuously managed organically from birth or their transition date as per Clause 6.2.1.2. The exception per Clause 6.2.2.2 only applies to herds and animals in transition to organic production. Clause 6.4.4 f) provides specific requirements for lambs and kids which only permit organic milk (fresh whole or reconstituted). Clause 6.4.8 only permits non-organic feed or forage in the case of a catastrophic event or a regional shortage
Silage inoculant additives – Colour #
If a silage inoculant contains synthetic colouring agents, does that mean that it is prohibited for use in organic livestock feed production? (94)
Yes. Only colouring agents from biological sources, such as dehydrated beets, can be used in livestock feed or forage as described in Table 5.2 of CAN/CGSB-32.311.
40% grain ration in early lactation #
Clause 6.4.4 j) allows for increased grain feeding during uncommonly cold conditions or when forage quality is compromised to ensure that nutritional requirements of ruminants are met. Can dairy cows be fed more than 40% grain in early lactation when their energy requirements are highest? (295)
No, dairy cows cannot be fed more than 40% grain to meet their nutritional needs in early lactation. The allowance for feeding more grain in Clause 6.4.4 j) is only for exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the operator.
Percentage of organic ingredients for feed #
May livestock be fed organic food waste containing 95% or more organic ingredients? What about food waste stemming from products only containing 70-95% organic ingredients? (372)
The annotation to “Food waste” in CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.2 permits the use of “organic food for human consumption or by-products from organic food production”. This means that livestock may be fed organic food waste (≥ 95% organic content) certified in accordance with Clause 9.2.1. Food products containing 70-95% organic ingredients and compliant with Clause 9.2.2 can only be fed to livestock according to the derogation in Clause 6.4.8.
6.5 Transport and handling #
Feed – livestock transportation #
Is organic feed required during transport and handling of livestock (Clause 6.5.9)? (512)
Yes. When feed is necessary, it shall be organic per Clause 6.4.
6.6 Livestock health care #
Hormone treatments #
Is the use of therapeutic hormonal treatment, for example prostaglandins to treat metritis, allowed in dairy animals? If so, what are the restrictions and withdrawal times? (78.1)
Therapeutic use of hormones such as prostaglandin which is not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311 is permitted when listed treatments are unlikely to be effective, and preventive measures have failed. A 14-day withdrawal period must be observed. If the prostaglandin is used in such a manner, as per Clause 6.6.3, the animal is not eligible for use as organic meat, but this event is not counted as one of the dairy animal “treatments” referred to in Clauses 6.6.10 c), e), or f). That “two-treatment” restriction only applies to treatments of antibiotics and parasiticides.
For all treatments not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311, a minimum withdrawal period of 14 days must be observed; see Clause 6.6.10 d).
Can oxytocin be used to treat postpartum complications? If so what are the withdrawal rules? (78.6)
Yes. Clause 6.6.3 specifies that hormones are acceptable when the use is therapeutic, not preventive. For oxytocin, the animal does not lose status as organic meat. The withdrawal time is double what is stated on the label or 14 days, whichever is longer. See Table 5.3 Oxytocin in CAN/CGSB-32.311 and Clause 6.6.10 d) in CAN/CGSB-32.310.
Medical treatments – Dairy animals #
Do two separate incidents of treatment with antibiotics and parasiticides administered in combination count as one treatment, two treatments, or four? (135)
Clauses 6.6.10 f) 4) and 6.6.11 h) mean that the maximum allowable is a total of two treatments per year, including each incident of a combined treatment. For example, when a combination of two drugs is supplied at the same time, it counts as two treatments. Therefore two separate incidents of a combination dose would count as a total of four treatments.
However, Clause 6.6.10 e) states that an animal treated for the same disease for three consecutive years must be removed from the herd (within 9 months of the last treatment). So, if an antibiotic was used one year and parasiticides in two subsequent years, the animal could stay within the herd, but not if, for example, a dairy cow received antibiotics for mastitis three years in a row.
In the case of antibiotic use in dairy cows, if the operator provides test results to show that there is no residue in the milk, can the compulsory 30 day withdrawal period be shortened? (125)
No. Clause 6.6.10 f) 2) states that the minimum withdrawal period is 30 days after the use of any antibiotics, even topical applications in milking cows. No exceptions are specified.
However, as specified in Clause 6.4.4 e), organic calves can be given the milk after a withholding period of twice the label requirement or 14 days, whichever is longer.
#
Raising requirements for organic calves #
Due to disease, such as coccidiosis, or other animal health or welfare issues, can calves born on an organic dairy farm be raised under conventional conditions (e.g., using conventional milk replacer and/or medicated starter) and then transitioned to organic to join the milking herd? (575)
No. Organic milk shall be the product of lactating ruminants under continuous organic management per Clause 6.2.2.2. According to Clause 6.7.6, “All livestock in a production unit shall be managed organically”. However, Clauses 6.4.4 b), 6.6.2, 6.6.5, 6.6.10 and 6.6.11 detail standards for disease and parasite management in organic operations, including care of calves and the use of veterinary substances. As per Clauses 6.6.10 c) and f), the use of treatments not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.3, to prevent or control the spread of contagious disease, would require written instructions from a veterinarian, including an action plan for prevention (Clauses 6.1.6 & 6.6.11 b). Animals may need to be removed from the herd when treated for the same disease for three consecutive years (Clause 6.6.10 e)) or lose organic status and undergo a 12-month transition period when treated more than twice per year (Clause 6.6.10 f) 4)). Treatment cannot be withheld to preserve the organic status of an animal (Clause 6.6.6).
Medical treatments (parasiticides) – Slaughter animals #
Please clarify the meaning of the standard regarding the use of parasiticides and the loss of organic status or withdrawal periods for meat and milk. (78.2, 24.1)
Parasiticides not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311 may be used on slaughter animals only if:
• preventative measures have failed (Clause 6.6.11);
• fecal or tissue samples confirm the correct diagnosis (Clause 6.6.11 a);
• the operator provides a written action plan, with a timeline, describing how they will amend their parasite control plan to avoid similar situations in the future (Clause 6.6.11 b);
• the group of animals or entire production unit has not been treated two years in a row for the same problem (Clause 6.6.11 e),
• the operator has obtained written instructions from a veterinarian that specify the product and method of parasite control and the operator has developed a plan to avoid the development of parasite resistance to the parasiticides (Clause 6.6.11 c);
• the required withdrawal times is twice the label requirement or 14 days whichever is longer (Clause 6.6.11 d);
• there can only be one treatment for slaughter animals under a year old and a maximum of two treatments in the life of the animal (Clause 6.6.11 g);
• for dairy animals, no more than a total of two treatments a year of antibiotics and parasiticides in any combination are permitted (Clause 6.6.11 h). However, dairy cull animals that receive more than two treatments of parasiticides in their lifespan or any antibiotics in their lifespan cannot be considered organic in terms of meat.
Note that gestating animals may be given parasiticides during gestation (Clause 6.6.11 f).
Parasiticide treatment after 12 months #
How many parasiticide treatments may be given to meat animals older than 12 months? (406)
A meat animal can receive one parasiticide treatment within its first year. A total of two parasiticide treatments are permitted within a meat animal’s lifespan (see Clause 6.6.11 g).
Veterinary treatment – Withdrawal period #
In the case of using a treatment not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311, where no withdrawal time is indicated on the label, must organic operators still observe a withdrawal? (78.4)
Clause 6.6.11 d) states that when veterinary drugs not listed on CAN/CGSB-32.311 are used, a withdrawal period of 14 days or twice the label withdrawal shall be observed. If there is no withdrawal time listed on the label of a pharmaceutical veterinary drug, the 14 day withdrawal period must still be observed.
Off-label veterinarian prescription #
What is the withdrawal period of a livestock health care product if prescribed by a veterinarian for a condition not indicated on the label or prescribed ‘off-label’? (520) 6 December, 2021
That will depend. If the substance in the health care product is not listed in Table 5.3 of CAN/CGSB-32.311, the prescription becomes the ‘de facto’ label and the withholding period specified on the prescription is therefore doubled or extended to 14 days, whichever is longer (Clause 6.6.10 d)). If the substance is listed in Table 5.3 of CAN/CGSB-32.311, such as anti-inflammatories, there is no withholding period unless specified in the annotation or the veterinarian prescription.
Spray bandage #
Is a spray bandage (which is sprayed on wounds, replacing traditional bandages) allowed? (292)
A spray bandage, containing ingredients not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311, would fall into the category of “prescribed veterinary drugs” (Clause 6.6.10 c). It could be used if the products permitted by the Standard “are ineffective in combatting illness or injury”. The withdrawal period specified in Clause 6.6.10 d) applies, as well as the special provision for poultry and breeding stock in Clause 6.6.12.
Anesthetics containing hormones #
If an animal is administered a local anesthetic that contains a hormone, is it considered as a ‘’hormonal treatment’’ per Clause 6.6.3 (521)
No. If a local anesthetic contains a non-steroidal hormone (i.e. epinephrine) as an ingredient, the use of this local anesthetic is not considered a hormonal treatment. Meat from the treated animal would not lose organic status as a result of this use.
Physical alterations – Dehorning paste #
Is de-horning paste allowed? (29)
No, as per Clause 6.6.4.6, caustic paste disbudding is prohibited even under veterinary supervision.
GE vaccines for poultry #
Can GE vaccines or vaccines grown on GE substrate be used in poultry if the conditions for the use of veterinary drugs (Clause 6.6.10) are met? (298)
Vaccines are categorized in the standard as ‘veterinary biologics’ not ‘veterinary drugs’. As per CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.3 Vaccines, GE vaccines or vaccines grown on GE substrate can be used if non-GE vaccines are not commercially available or are ineffective
Immunological castration – Pigs #
Can immunological castration of pigs during the finishing phase be used to replace castration of young pigs? (218)
No. As per CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.3, vaccines may be used in prevention of diseases. Immunological castration involves vaccinating male pigs against gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
GE vaccines for pigs #
To prevent livestock losses to deadly diseases (e.g., CircoVirus in pigs), can a genetically engineered vaccine be used, if we consider that it is ‘necessary to prevent or treat livestock health problems when other treatments permitted by this standard are not available”? (436)
As per CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.3 Vaccines, a GE vaccine can be used if vaccines compliant to 5.1.2 are not commercially available or are ineffective.
Vaccines with preservatives #
Are livestock vaccines containing bacteriostatic or fungistatic preservatives permitted? (402)
Yes. These ingredients are considered formulants as listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311 Table 5.3.
6.7 Livestock living conditions #
Poultry housing – Sunlight #
Does housing for broilers require windows for sunlight to enter while the birds are confined? (82)
As per Clauses 6.7.1 a) and 6.13.12, natural light inside the barn is required but windows are not the only mean to satisfy the standard. For example, light permeable fabric is another option.
Level of natural light in poultry barns #
Can we have some guidance on how to evaluate the level of natural light in poultry barns? Clause 6.13.12 requires the ability to read a newspaper but this reference is subjective and variable depending on the person’s eyesight and the level of light outside. (316)
The enforceable norm for windows in poultry barns is stated in Clause 6.13.12: “The total window area shall be no less than 1% of the total ground-floor area…” If this condition is met, there is no need to evaluate light levels. However, if a poultry barn does not meet that minimum, Clause 6.13.12 also offers alternative means of demonstrating effective natural lighting: “unless it can be demonstrated that natural light levels are sufficient to read a document such as a newspaper anywhere in the barn.” In other words, a newspaper that can be read outdoors using natural light must also be legible inside the barn.
Test for detecting ammonia levels #
Can an operator use the “smell test” if they feel confident that they can detect high ammonia levels, or is testing required to verify that livestock housing ammonia levels do not exceed 25 ppm (Clause 6.7.1 f)? (592)
No. A “smell test” is not acceptable. Air quality shall be managed according to the relevant code of practice (Clause 2.4). Therefore the use of reliable testing tools to measure ammonia levels are necessary (e.g., meter, test strips).
Bedding for poultry #
Is an operator obligated to provide bedding for poultry (as in Clause 6.7.1g), or is it enough to allow litter to “build up” from poultry waste without adding anything? (426)
Yes, bedding must be provided for poultry. As stated in Clause 6.7.1 g), “appropriate resting and bedded areas that meet the needs of the animal [must be provided]. Indoor areas shall be large enough, solidly built, comfortable, clean and dry. Resting areas shall be covered with a thick layer of dry bedding that absorbs excrement.” Clause 6.13.10 states that “bedding material shall be provided as litter material and kept dry.”
Outdoor access – veterinarian recommendations #
Under Clause 6.7.2, can operators limit access to the outdoors to their entire herd / flock (such as goats, sheep, cattle, poultry) for the entire winter if the operator provides a letter from their veterinarian stating that access to the outdoors is detrimental to the health of the particular species of livestock? (354)
No. The standards already provide sufficient flexibility to address the health and welfare of organic livestock with specific guidance and exceptions with regard to outdoor exercise and access to pasture (Clauses 6.1.3, 6.11.1 and 6.13.1).
6.11 Additional requirements for cattle, sheep and goats #
Outdoor access – Finishing phase #
When herbivores are being confined in the final finishing phase (see Clause 6.11.1), and are not subject to pasture requirements, must the confinement facility be located on an organic enterprise? (116)
Yes. The areas used for finishing, including all buildings, facilities and outdoor access areas which are used by the organic livestock, must comply with the standard and be verified by the CB.
Note that even during the finishing phase, the animals “shall have access to an outdoor exercise area, weather permitting” as specified in Clause 6.11.1.
Access to exercise yards #
Must young herbivores be given access to exercise yards outside of the pasture grazing season (Clause 6.11.1)? (325)
Yes. Outside of the pasture grazing season, young herbivores must have access to exercise yards unless the operator can demonstrate that doing so would jeopardize their health and/or welfare (Clause 6.11.1 b). Dairy calves must have access to pasture by 9 months of age, as appropriate for the season (Clause 6.12.6).
6.12 Additional requirements for dairy cattle housing #
Indoor pens for dairy calves #
Can dairy calves be raised in indoor pens until such time as they are weaned? (317)
Yes. Additionally, the housing requirements for calves indicated in Clauses 6.12.4 and 6.12.5 must be met.
Tie stalls #
Are tie stalls prohibited? (92.1)
Tie stalls are permitted for specific exceptions as outlined in Clause 6.12.1. Tie stalls are currently prohibited in new construction and major renovations with all use of tie stalls prohibited in existing operations as of December 2030. Minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for tie stalls are outlined in Table 1. For dairy cows in tie stalls enrichment shall be provided during the exercise period if not provided in each stall (as per Clause 6.7.3).
Is Clause 6.12.1 to be interpreted as a requirement to allow cows housed in tie stalls a period of exercise every day when possible (at least twice a week) or merely a recommendation to do so? (92.2)
Yes, Clause 6.12.1 is a requirement, not merely a recommendation to exercise animals for a period of one hour at least twice a week. It is preferred that animals have daily exercise periods. An exercise period is time when the animal is untied outside of routine handling procedures.
What if it is not possible to exercise dairy animals daily or at least twice a week? (92.3)
If the requirement to exercise animals kept in tie stalls (Clause 6.12.1) is not met, the operation would become non-compliant to the standard.
Ratio of cows to stalls #
Do the requirements under Clause 6.12.2 (ratio of cows to stalls shall not exceed 1:1) apply in a situation where dairy cows have access to the outdoors and an outdoor bedding pack year-round? (452)
Yes, where a group of animals is housed in a free stall system, the 1:1 animal to stall ratio is required, regardless of outdoor access. This ensures that during periods of weather-induced confinement, each animal can ruminate and rest.
6.13 Additional requirements for poultry #
Length of immunization program #
Is it permissible to
a) extend the vaccination schedule of a flock of pullets to 18 weeks even if the program does not need to be extended for any medical reason, simply to avoid the need to let the birds outdoors?
b) eliminate the need for an outdoor run by extending the immunization program to 18 weeks in cases where the program can be shorter than 18 weeks? (412)
The answer is no to both questions. As per Clause 6.13.1 b), : “Poultry shall be reared in open-range conditions and have free access to pasture, open-air runs, and other exercise areas, subject to weather and ground conditions”. Pullets may be kept indoors only until fully immunized (Clause 6.13.2 b)).
Note that the standard recommends that the pullet rearing facilities closely match the conditions of the layer barn.
Space requirements – Poultry #
Please clarify the outdoor space requirements for poultry. Can a flock be split so that use of the outdoor area is rotated between groups? If so, does the total area required diminish (i.e, is less space required outside)? (37)
While the standard allows for exceptions to the outdoor access requirements (Clauses 6.7.2 and 6.13.1 c)), the total area available for birds outdoors must allow for the entire flock to be outside at the same time without exceeding the densities set out in Table 5, for all poultry.
Does the outdoor space requirement for poultry described in Clause 6.13.13 refer to the total pasture area available for the year, or to the total area available at any given time? In other words, if an operator is rotating poultry between pastures, is each pasture required to meet the space requirements, or is it calculated from the total pasture that will be available throughout the year? (425)
The maximum indoor and outdoor densities as outlined in Table 5 refers to the total area available at any given time and does not include the pasture the flock cannot access.
Are the poultry densities in Table 5 per flock? Or averaged over a year? (415)
Table 5 specifies maximum densities at any given time.
Protection of birds on outdoor areas #
Under Clause 6.13.1, is there a requirement that the outdoor areas for poultry be fenced? (547)
There is no specific requirement that outdoor areas or pasture need to be fenced. However, the operator must be able to demonstrate that the flock is managed according to the COS at all times including Clauses 3 (‘production unit’) and 6.13.1 b)1 and d), by way of fencing or other effective barrier.
Floor space in multi-aviary systems #
Does a raised floor above the nests in a multi-level aviary count in the overall square footage, as well as for the perch length? (360)
Yes, as described in Clause 6.13.14, the calculation of total floor footage includes all useful floor levels including perches. See details on perches in Clause 6.13.5.
For multi-level aviary systems for layers (6.13.14):
If winter gardens are accessible all year round, are they counted as indoor space, or part of the outdoor run/space? (410.1)
A winter garden or enriched verandah does not count towards the indoor or outdoor space allowance. See Clause 6.13.3 b) 6) and note exceptions in Clause 6.13.3 e) 2).
Does space on ramps or ladders count towards usable floor space? (410.2)
No. Ramps and ladders are not floor space.
Do terraces under which manure collects and is not removed count towards useable floor space? (410.3)
No. As manure collection should take place in all spaces used by animals, areas (such as under terraces) where manure collects and is not cleaned out does not count as useable space.
Parallel livestock production #
Can organic meat birds be raised on the ground floor with access to the outdoors and non-organic birds raised on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the same barn? (393)
While the standards do not strictly prohibit this, using the same barn for organic and non-organic poultry production would be very difficult to achieve. For the ground floor of a barn to be considered a “separate production unit” (see Clause 3 ‘production unit”), complete separation would need to be ensured and documented. This would include having completely separate watering systems, air flows, pest control, biosecurity, effective equipment systems for dust control, feed and input delivery, storage, and preparation activities. Clear identification and separation of flocks would be required by breed and/or by stage of production.
Organic layers confined indoors #
Is there a temperature difference between the inside of a poultry barn and the outside environment (for example, a 2-degree C differential) that will allow operators to keep poultry confined indoors? (368)
No. A slight temperature difference in and of itself is not sufficient justification to keep poultry confined indoors, because other factors, such as relative humidity, rainfall, wind velocity, presence of predators, etc., must also be considered (Clauses 6.7.2 and 6.13.1).
Is it permitted to raise organic layers confined indoors up to peak production based on 32.310 6.13.2 a) & b)? (427)
Yes. As per Clause 6.13.2 a), this is permitted if the operator can demonstrate that the layers are accessing the outdoors by the time of peak production. However, the rearing facility should closely match the conditions in the layer barn. As an exception, pullets may be kept indoors until they are fully immunized (Clause 6.13.2 b).
Confinement – Laying period #
Can hens be confined for part of each day during the laying period? (226)
Restricting outdoor access of laying hens, during day time hours, may only occur during onset of lay as per Clause 6.13.2 a) or for reasons outlined in Clause 6.7.2. Further restriction of outdoor access is not permitted.
Urgent confinement of organic poultry #
Can a regional authority make the decision that organic poultry must be confined (kept indoors) based on an imminent threat to the health of the birds, and would this be sufficient to establish the requirements needed for emergency confinement of all organic poultry in a given region, as per 6.13.1 c)? (440)
No. As per Clause 6.13.1 c), “in an emergency, when outdoor access results in an imminent threat to the health and welfare of poultry, access may be restricted.” Ultimately each operator must make the decision that an imminent threat to health and welfare exists, and document the reasons and the length of the confinement. A documented ‘High Risk’ alert from a regional poultry authority may be used as one of the documented reasons for emergency confinement, but the decision to confine must be made by each operation individually.
Encouraging birds to go outdoors #
How can operators encourage layers to use the range? Would management practices such as running electric wire in front of the openings to the outdoors (to prevent crowding along walls and in corners) or raising openings to the outdoors to above the eye level of hens standing on the floor (to prevent pests entering the barn) be compliant? (413)
Management practices or structural impediments such as those cited in the question would hinder movement of the birds and thus are prohibited. As per Clause 6.13.7, sufficient exits to ensure all birds have access to the outdoors is required as must conform to the requirements outlined in Clause 6.13.8. Potential measures for increasing the usage of pasture, outdoor range and outside exercise areas by meatbirds are listed under “Notes” in Clause 6.13.6 b) and would also apply to layers.
Popholes are mandatory #
When organic layers are pasture-raised throughout the grazing season can the flock be housed during the non-grazing season in barns without popholes or other means of accessing the outdoors? (478)
No. As per Clause 6.13.16, poultry raised on pasture during the grazing season and moved inside during the non-grazing season, the barn must still meet all of the requirements outlined in Clause 6.13. This includes Clause 6.13.7 which states “Poultry barns shall have sufficient exits (popholes) to ensure that all birds have ready access to the outdoors.” As per Clause 6.13.1 d), access to outdoors may only be restricted when outdoor access results in an imminent threat to the health and welfare of poultry. The exit requirements for poultry are outlined in Clauses 6.13.8 and 6.13.9.
Laying hens sold for organic meat #
In order for spent organic laying hens to be sold at the end of their laying-life for organic meat or organic processing, are they required to meet the requirements in 6.13.6 b) that barn-raised meat chickens have daily outdoor access by 25 days of age? (411)
Yes, in order for spent laying hens to be sold as organic meat they must also meet the requirements for organic meat chickens, including Clause 6.13.6 b). Maximum outdoor densities for layers are outlined in Table 5.
6.14 Additional requirements for rabbits #
Space requirements for rabbits #
Why are the space requirements for rabbits the same for all ages when other livestock in the standard has different space requirements for different ages? (458)
Due to the short period from kit to slaughter of rabbits, it is impractical to have an interim stocking rate requirement during this period. The minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for rabbits from weaning to slaughter remain the same. However, indoor space and mobile pens requirements for pregnant does and does and litters are slightly different as per Clause Table 6.
6.15 Additional requirements for pigs and farm-raised wild boar #
Transition of swine outdoor areas #
Does the 36 months transition requirement of vegetated land (Clause 5.1) apply to outdoor swine exercise areas? (546)
Yes. Any outdoor exercise area other than concrete (6.15.2 a) must comply with the requirement of 36 months free of prohibited substances (6.3.1 a)).
