ORGANIC POULTRY PRODUCTION

ORGANIC POULTRY PRODUCTION

Codex Alimentarius Commission

Codex Alimentarius Commission “ a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem, health including bio-diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity”.

What is “organic”?

What is “organic”? “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.” (National (UK) Organic Standards Board, April 1995).

Why an organic standard?

Why an organic standard? “National (USA) standards for organic food production were designed to bring about a greater uniformity in the production, manufacture, and marketing of organic products. With a national standard, consumers across the country can go into any store and have full confidence that any food product labeled as “organic” meets a consistent standard, no matter where it was made.”

(Federal Register, March 13, 2000).

National organic standards Board (NOSB), USA

National organic standards Board (NOSB), USA The NOSB includes 3 environmentalist representatives, 4 organic farmers/ranchers, 3 consumer representatives, 1 organic retailer, 2 organic processors, 1 scientist, and 1 certifying agent.

Requirement for 100% Organic Feed

Requirement for 100% Organic Feed The producer of an organic livestock operation must provide livestock with a total feed ration comprised of agricultural products, including pasture and forage, that are organically produced and, if applicable, organically handled

The producer of an organic operation must not

The producer of an organic operation must not Use animal drugs, including hormones, to promote growth Provide feed supplements or additives in amounts above those needed for Use plastics Feed formulas containing urea or manure; Feed mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or poultry; or Use feed, feed additives, and feed supplements in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at its specific stage of life; adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at its specific stage of life;

Organic food

Organic food.

Organic pastured turkeys in a pasture cage.

Organic pastured turkeys in a pasture cage.

Another design for a mobile pasture cage.

Another design for a mobile pasture cage.

In Canada

In Canada No antibiotics or meat by-products are allowed in the feed Each bird is required to have two square feet of floor space. One can buy conventional chicks but they have to be raised organically from birth Eggs produced in this system would be known as ‘organic’ eggs.