USDA Seeking Dismissal of OTA Lawsuit

The Department of Agriculture wants a federal district court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the department’s delay of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule. USDA claims it's challenger, the Organic Trade Association, "lacks standing because it pleads no facts" in showing the delay has resulted in the suffering of its members because of the USDA action, according to the Hagstrom Report. In response to the request, the Organic Trade Association says it believes USDA seeks the dismissal "to avoid explaining to America's organic producers and consumers why it is blocking necessary rule clarifications and the strengthening of organic production practices." The Organic Trade Association calls the delays of the final rule by USDA "unlawful," and says the group "won't accept unending delay and thin explanations,” adding “we expect a federal judge won’t either.”