Organic rule extension welcomed

THE decision to extend two derogations for organic pig and poultry for a further 12 months will provide muchneeded certainty for the industry, the NFU and NPA said after successful calls to the European Commission to extend the permissions.

Due to tight supplies of organic proteins, the extension allows farmers to continue feeding their pig and poultry up to 5% non-organic proteins.

The derogation also allows farmers to buy in pullets of up to 18 weeks old, where organicallyreared pullets are not available, provided that they have been managed under the organic feed and veterinary standard.

NFU deputy president Minette Batters said: “It is incredibly important for the organic pig and poultry industry that these derogations were extended, to provide certainty to producers.

“The NFU, along with industry, called for these derogations to be extended and it is fantastic news that the European Commission has listened to our concerns.”

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies added: “This is a great result for organic pig producers and one that will ensure organic production can continue for the time being.

“However, we will need to seek a more comprehensive and longer-term agreement shortly to avoid this situation reoccurring in 12 months’ time.”