What the agreement changes

The European Commission welcomes today’s agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to amend certain production, labelling and certification rules, as well as rules on trade with non-EU countries, in the organic sector. The Commission says the revised rules are meant to help consumers make more informed choices about imported organic products and to simplify the framework for organic operators.

According to the Commission, the revised EU framework for organic production and labelling agreed by the co-legislators will allow imported organic products from non-EU countries with equivalent systems to use the EU organic logo, provided they meet additional EU production and control requirements. It will also extend the current recognition of 11 non-EU countries under the equivalence regime until 31 December 2036.

Highlights

  • The agreement covers production, labelling, certification and trade rules in the organic sector.
  • Imported organic products from non-EU countries with equivalent systems could use the EU organic logo if they meet additional EU requirements.
  • Recognition of 11 non-EU countries under the equivalence regime would be extended until 31 December 2036.
  • The Commission says the revised framework is intended to simplify rules for organic operators and support informed consumer choice.

What this means in practice

For organic operators, the changes are aimed at streamlining certification conditions for small retailers and for groups of operators and their members. The agreement also adapts some livestock and crop production rules, including rules on poultry, feed, conversion periods, veterinary treatments and the management of soil fertility in greenhouses.

The Commission says the changes will support investments, create employment opportunities in the organic sector, and further develop farming practices with high environmental standards. It also says extending equivalence recognition until 31 December 2036 is intended to avoid disruptions in organic imports and exports while trade agreements are negotiated.

What happens next

The political agreement is now subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Once approved, the Regulation will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Background

The Commission says organic farming is a key part of the Common Agricultural Policy, with organically farmed land representing 11% of EU agricultural land. It adds that the latest EU framework for organic production and labelling has been applicable since January 2022.