IFOAM Organics Europe welcomes the European Commission’s Roadmap and its recognition that organic farming delivers a wide range of socio-economic and environmental benefits, that it plays a key role in making rural areas more attractive and dynamic and that it represents a strategic asset for the EU’s resilience, strategic autonomy, and the future development of European agriculture.
While the Commission’s proposal to amend the basic act of the organic regulation (published on 16 December) remains rightfully targeted to a limited number of clearly identified issues, the Roadmap titled “Organic rulebook fit for the future – towards a more competitive sector with high standard” sets out the topics where adjustments should be made through secondary legislation as well as updated legal interpretations, guidelines and FAQs, in order to address concrete implementation challenges. Together with the Commission’s commitment to work on an updated EU Organic Action Plan, this package provides continuity and vision for the organic sector in a changing policy context.”
Eduardo Cuoco, director of IFOAM Organics Europe, said: “Defining the practicalities of organic food and farming in a way that fits the different territories and conditions of 27 Member States is a complex task. The organic movement welcomes Commissioner Hansen’s intention to better align the organic regulation with realities on the ground without reopening the principles or lowering the high standards of organic agriculture. This is about ensuring that clearly defined and regulated sustainable agronomic, processing and retail practices can be effectively implemented on the ground and taken up by even more farmers and operators.”
Jan Plagge, president of IFOAM Organics Europe, declared: “The organic sector welcomes the Commission’s balanced approach to further improve the organic regulation and to fix a few legal issues, and we call on the European Parliament and Member States to act swiftly so that the targeted revision of the organic regulation can be concluded in a few months, providing the stability and legal certainty needed by all organic operators. This Roadmap is equally important, as addressing implementation challenges primarily through secondary legislation and updated interpretations is the most effective way to ensure that the revision of the basic act remains focused, efficient and free from unnecessary delays. We also welcome the Commission’s commitment to systematically review existing interpretations, guidelines and FAQs, and its acknowledgment that the Roadmap is not exhaustive, leaving room for further adjustment shall these prove necessary. Looking ahead, it is also essential that organic farming continues to be recognised and supported as a priority under the future Multiannual Financial Framework, building on the achievements of the EU Organic Action Plan.”
- Further information available at www.organicseurope.bio
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