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New EU rules for the organic sector, set to improve standards and create clarity for consumers and producers, have been signed off by the European Parliament first vice president of the European Parliament Mairéad McGuinness has announced.
This marks the end of a four-year negotiation period. Crucially, the new standards, which are due to come into force on 1 January 2021, will improve both the quality of organic food and meet the needs of the organic market, for which integrity is paramount,” she said.
The rules address shortcomings and outstanding issues in the existing legislation, such as defining what food and feed items are covered by EU organic rules, she said.
International trade
“They also cover international trade in organic products and define how organic products should be labelled while also providing technical details of organic animal and plant production and controls.
“Once produced to the standards required by the regulation, products such as beeswax, wool and salt can obtain the organic label,” she said.
The new rules allow for the use of mixed farms, to encourage conversion.
“Farmers will be able to produce both conventional and organic produce on the one holding, on condition that the two farming activities are clearly and effectively separated.
“This provision is intended to ease the transition for farmers interested in setting up organic farms,” she added.
Organic regulations have been in place in Ireland since 1991. They were amended in 2007 and the new rules mark a major change.
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