On Monday 11 May, the Council of the European Union adopted a mandate to negotiate with the European Parliament on simplifying the rules on organic farming (see EUROPE 13866/8).
This text, which provides a framework for production, labelling, certification and trade with third countries, aims to simplify the rules for operators, boost consumer confidence and harmonise the conditions of competition between European and imported products.
Imports and equivalence. Until now, products imported from third countries recognised as equivalent (such as Canada, Japan or South Korea) could access the European market, but without bearing the EU organic logo or terms referring to ‘organic’ production. This restriction put importers at a competitive disadvantage.
To remedy this situation, the text authorises the use of the European organic logo for products imported under the equivalence regime, provided that they meet the additional requirements listed in a new Annex VII (respect for living soil, animal welfare, processing with minimal artificial inputs).
In addition, the term ‘organic’ could be used for products imported under equivalence, enabling third-party operators to communicate clearly about the organic status of their products.
A transitional period of 12 months would be allowed to use up stocks labelled before the reform comes into force, thus avoiding commercial disruptions.
The EU Council also deleted the Commission’s proposal to authorise the EU organic label on products containing up to 5% of ingredients from third countries that do not meet the additional criteria.
Recognition of third countries under the old regulation was due to end on 31 December this year. The mandate proposes to extend this recognition until 31 December 2036, to allow time to finalise negotiations with eleven third countries on international agreements. This extension is designed to avoid supply disruptions for products such as coffee, cocoa and exotic fruit.
The mandate proposes specific adjustments for broiler chickens, Peking ducks and quail to better reflect their distinct production cycles. In addition, outdoor access for poultry will no longer be compulsory as soon as possible, but only when the birds are sufficiently feathered to regulate their body temperature.
In view of the structural shortage of ‘organic’ proteins (such as soya or peas) for animal feed, it is proposed to temporarily authorise the use of ‘non-organic’ proteins in pig and poultry feed until 31 December 2036. This authorisation will be subject to strict conditions.
Cattle and horses. These animals must spend at least 3/4 of their lives ‘organically’ to be considered as such. This rule, considered too complex to apply and a source of administrative difficulties, will be abolished.
Aquaculture. For aquaculture farms, the mandate provides for the possibility of using ‘non-organic’ juveniles if 2/3 of the production cycle is managed organically. For farms outside the EU, this authorisation will be granted if ‘organic’ juveniles are not available locally or in the EU.
Small operators. Small retailers (direct sales in physical shops) can currently be exempted from certification if they sell less than 10,000 kg/year or have a turnover of less than €40,000 per year, provided they do not produce or process their products themselves. The mandate extends this exemption to web shops run by the same operators.
To see the EU Council’s position: https://aeur.eu/f/lvd (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)