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. These revised rules will help consumers make more informed choices about imported organic products. Today's agreement also introduces targeted changes to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators. These changes will support investments, create employment opportunities in the organic sector, and further develop farming practices with high environmental standards.
The revised EU framework for organic production and labelling agreed upon by the co-legislators will:
allow imported organic products coming from non-EU countries with equivalent systems to use the EU organic logo, provided they meet additional EU production and control requirements;
extend the current recognition of 11 non-EU countries under the equivalence regime until 31 December 2036, avoiding disruptions in organic imports and exports while trade agreements are negotiated;
adapt and streamline eligibility conditions on certification for small retailers and for groups of operators and their members;
adapt certain livestock and crop production rules, such as on poultry, feed, conversion period and veterinary treatments, as well as on the management of soil fertility in greenhouses.
The political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council is now subject to formal approval by the co-legislators. Once approved, this Regulation will enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Background
Organic farming is a key part of the Common Agricultural Policy, with organically farmed land representing 11% of EU agricultural land.
The EU sets out rules and regulations governing the production, distribution and marketing of organic products in the EU. The latest EU framework for organic production and labelling is applicable since January 2022. Following the Court of Justice's C-240/23 judgment, adjustments were needed to clarify labelling of equivalent third-country organic products. While existing rules already provided a sound basis for a reliable and growing organic sector in the Union, it was necessary to make targeted adjustments to certain production rules to create a simplified regulatory framework.
Building on the input collected during consultations with stakeholders, the Commission's proposal aimed to ensure informed consumer choice, enhanced consumer confidence, and fair competition in the organic market. Recognition of equivalent third-country systems would be extended until 31 December 2036, avoiding potential trade disruptions. The proposal also made targeted adjustments to production and certification rules, simplifying and improving the framework for organic operators.
