Non-organic soya gains temporary derogation for organic feed use

Defra has granted temporary derogations for feed businesses to replace organic soya expeller (a high-protein feed ingredient) with regular soya expeller in organic feed mixes to cope with major supply disruption.

Organic soya expeller is typically shipped to the UK from China via the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but shipping routes have had to be adjusted because of conflict in the Middle East.

This has meant there are some temporary shortages of the product it in the UK.

Feed mills can now apply to Defra for a derogation to use conventional soya expeller in their feeds while there is limited supply of organic product available – although it will still have to be non-genetically modified.

See also: Farmers fear new assurance standards for hens will raise costs

Supplies of organic soya are expected to be back at normal levels in the UK by the end of January as new shipments arrive.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), Soil Association, Organic Farmers and Growers and Irish Organic Association have lobbied government departments to provide this temporary solution.

Poultry businesses are likely to be some of the most affected by the shortages, and the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has written to its members to warn that contracts of supply are not currently always being met.

The BEIC has recommended that its members contact suppliers and liaise with certification bodies.