On Tuesday 16 December, in addition to a legislative proposal (see EUROPE 13775/24), the European Commission presented a roadmap setting out new actions to review elements of the legal framework for organic farming (secondary legislation) in 2026 and 2027.
Plans include authorising the marketing of hydrolates (floral waters) as organic products, defining criteria for cleaning and disinfection products for plants, animals and aquaculture, and updating the list of biocides used in these sectors.
The proposed actions should also facilitate the activities of organic farmers by re-examining certain requirements, such as stocking density and outdoor areas for poultry, as well as outdoor area requirements for pigs.
In addition, the planned actions should reduce the administrative burden by eliminating the requirement for prior authorisation by the competent authorities for the use of vitamins and provitamins of non-organic origin in animal feed.
The Commission will also strengthen its control and audit system in order to further consolidate the integrity of the EU organic certification system. It will also continue its efforts to facilitate listing procedures of low-risk substances and basic substances, in line with developments in the rules on pesticides.
To support the sector’s development and competitiveness, the Commission will re-examine existing explanatory documents on organic production, in particular regarding the conversion of livestock, exceptional conditions for access to pasture, the content of product category G (other processed agricultural products intended for human consumption) and the relevant CN codes. On the question of organic ingredients naturally rich in micronutrients, the Commission will consider appropriate measures based on the outcome of proceedings currently before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The Commission will also publish a report on the availability of organic protein feed and on the authorisation to use non-organic protein feed for piglets and young poultry. Another report will look at the availability and use of organic and in-conversion plant reproductive material (PRM) and the use of derogations for conventional PRM. On this basis, the Commission will consider actions to promote the availability and use of organic and in-conversion PRM.
Details: https://aeur.eu/f/k2g (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)