Yesterday, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament adopted its report on the targeted revision of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production. IFOAM Organics Europe congratulates Rapporteur Camilla Laureti and welcomes the adoption of the report by MEPs, as it allows this legislative process to move forward rapidly, but urges policymakers from all EU institutions to keep the content focused and preserve the fundamental principles of organic production.
“At a time when the organic sector urgently needs legal certainty, it is encouraging to see the European Parliament acknowledge the need for a swift conclusion of this revision”, said Dora Drexler, president of IFOAM Organics Europe. “However, while we appreciate the efforts made during the negotiations, we are concerned with some aspects of the compromise package agreed by MEPs, as it includes provisions that could weaken some core organic principles”.
According to IFOAM Organics Europe, several key concerns consistently raised by the organic sector remain insufficiently addressed. They relate to the introduction of derogations, in particular the possibility to use non-organic chicks older than three days, and the introduction of “innovative livestock housing systems” as an alternative to permanent access to pasture for ruminants. The organic movement is also concerned by the creation of new control requirements, including for online sales, and additional labelling obligations that would impose disproportionate administrative and compliance burdens on organic operators. Furthermore, the inclusion of a review clause could lead to regular revisions of the Organic Regulation, creating unnecessary uncertainty and instability for the sector.
“While some improvements have been achieved during the parliamentary discussions, several important issues remain unresolved, and certain provisions risk watering down the strict rules governing organic standards and weakening the fundamental principles which organic farming is built on.”
Eduardo Cuoco, Director of IFOAM Organics Europe
“IFOAM Organics Europe therefore welcomes the opportunity for further discussions during the next stages of the legislative process and urges all political groups to approach the forthcoming trilogue negotiations with the clear objective of preserving the targeted nature of this revision. The original Commission proposal was designed to address a limited number of urgent and technical issues, and this focus should be maintained throughout the remainder of the negotiations. In particular, we encourage the European Parliament to refrain from pursuing changes that do not respond to the practical needs of the organic sector or that risk undermining essential organic principles”.
IFOAM Organics Europe remains committed to working constructively with all EU institutions to ensure that the final text delivers legal certainty while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of organic production. The priority of co-legislators should remain the swift adoption of a balanced, targeted and workable text that provides certainty and stability for operators across the organic value chain.
- Further information www.organicseurope.bio
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