Brussels, 29/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has proposed that the Council authorises the use of synthetic vitamins (A, D and E) in ruminant feed for a transition period ending on 31 December 2005 for organic farming. Essential amino acids not produced organically (such as eggs, egg products and brewers' yeast) may also be authorised. The proposal will be examined on Monday by the Special Agriculture Committee and aims to cover deficiencies noted by farmers under strict conditions given the reservations expressed by some Member States. Under the proposition, authorisations would be issued on a case by case basis by national authorities (and notified to the Commission) and farmers would only be given authorisation if they prove that the health and well-being of their animals could only be ensured by using synthetic vitamins (which must be identical to natural vitamins). At a discussion at the Council's regulation committee in July of a first draft of the Commission proposal, four Member States (Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK) voted against, and France and Belgium abstained for different and sometimes contradictory reasons.