Organic feed and pullets win derogation extension

An EU derogation that allows the inclusion of 5% non-organic material in organic poultry feed has been extended beyond its original expiry date of 31 December this year.

The derogation allowing organic farmers to source pullets reared in non-organic systems, if no alternative is available in the local market has also been extended to the end of 2017. The birds must then be kept as organic from point of lay.

The two extensions were made at a meeting of the standing committee on organic farming on 9 July in Brussels.

In April, the EU Commission proposed new standards for all organic produce that are set to come into force in 2017. It was also planned to do away with the two so-called “exceptional rules” on poultry feed and pullets.

Tom Lander, food chain adviser for the NFU, said the union had worked with a wide range of stakeholders to secure an extension.

“Our members and other key stakeholders have expressed concern for some time over the proposal to end these exceptions at the end of 2014.

“This decision now gives a level of certainty for the sector for the next three years and we can continue to work with a clear focus on the new organic regulatory proposals we have before us.”

In particular, opponents to the rule change had argued that insisting on 100% organic feed would challenge bird nutrition and increase nitrogen excretion.

For pullets, they were also concerned over plans to give them outside access from 12 weeks onwards, which would increases disease risk and disrupt the lighting regimes that help hens into lay.

See also: UK’s organic market grows to £1.79bn

But Hi Peak Organic Feeds managing director Ian Procter expressed disappointment at the extension, pointing to the fact that the firm had sold 100% organic for “more than five years”.

“Our view is that supply of sufficient organic raw materials to meet the 100% ruling will materialise only when proper market demand exists; further delaying the ruling distorts market forces and hinders progress towards such demand being achieved,” he said. Even a 2.5% inclusion rate would have been a better compromise.

“The common cause of the organic sector must now be to work together for supply and demand equilibrium by the 2017 deadline.”