The department says the rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the final rule will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products.

The main components of the rule include:

• Animals must graze pasture during a 120 day season of which 30 per cent must be dry matter;
• Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements; and,
• Livestock are exempt from the 30pc dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days.