The US organic meat industry has welcomed a US Department of Agriculture report that says livestock producers can source ample organic feed at acceptable prices.

The Organic Trade Association said the findings should put to rest concerns voiced by competitors in the standard food sector about the availability or cost of organic livestock feed needed by organic producers.

“The USDA report gives notice to those who have tried to use the availability of organic feed or its cost as vehicles for gutting the integrity of the organic standards,” said OTA’s Katherine DiMatteo, who calls the decision a victory for those “who want to preserve our nation’s stringent organic standards.”