Proposal could put organic focus on conventional farms

Conventional farmers bordering organic farmers could be forced to ensure that their use of plant protection products does not impact on their organic farming neighbours under a new proposal at EU level.

A draft EU report on “certain production, labelling and certification rules” applicable in the organic sector could see an onus placed on conventional farmers bordering an organic farm to ensure that their use of chemicals not permitted in organics does not impact their neighbours.

Amendments submitted to the proposed update by midlands north west MEP Ciarán Mullooly look to include “precautionary behaviour and actions” from “surrounding non-organic farmers” to safeguard organic farmers’ compliance with the relevant regulations”.

According to the report: “The amendment aims to address the disproportionate burden resulting from the current organic regulation, as organic farmers are required to take extra measures to prevent contamination but have no control over the behaviour of neighbouring farmers who may use substances that are prohibited in organic production. The burden should be fairly distributed.”

Investigations into farms suspected of not complying with organic rules due to the detection of substances not permitted on organic farms should also examine that non-organic farmers bordering the organic farm under investigation, one amendment states.

The scope of the assessment of non-organic neighbouring farms in this case would be to ensure that they “have taken proportionate and appropriate precautionary measures to avoid the contamination of organic production”.

Grazing

A further amendment proposes that whenever conditions do not allow for grazing “adequate alternatives may be provided through the use of innovative livestock housing systems”.

This is provided that the “indoor and outdoor areas exceed the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas laid down” in the regulation.

The justification for this amendment is that some farmers “cannot fulfil all requirements such as direct access to grazing areas”.

“These farms should still be able to partake in organic production, subject to clearly defined standards,” ?MEPs said.?