Defra extends key organic poultry derogations, but uncertainty remains
While two key derogations for the organic poultry sector have been extended into 2027, the NFU continues to press for the long-term clarity needed for business planning.
Two key derogations for the organic poultry sector have been extended until at least July 2027.
While the NFU welcomed the continuation of these important measures, the short-term extension provides limited certainty for organic poultry producers planning for the future.
What has been extended?
The two exceptional production rules (derogations), which had been due to expire in Great Britain on 31 December 2026, allow:
- The use of a maximum of 5% non-organic protein feed in pig diets (for pigs under 35kg) and poultry diets (for birds under 30 weeks of age).
- The use of non-organically reared pullets up to 18 weeks of age in organic egg production.
Defra has confirmed that both derogations will be extended beyond 31 December 2026 until at least July 2027. The NFU will continue to engage with Defra and provide members with further updates once a definitive end date has been confirmed.
NFU is pressing for:
- Greater clarity and longer-term certainty for organic poultry producers.
- Appropriate transition periods in the event of dynamic alignment.
Link to UK-EU organic regulation alignment
The July 2027 timeline is understood to align with the government’s ambition to dynamically align UK organic regulations with EU organic legislation.
The future of the 5% non-organic protein feed derogation under the new EU rules is currently under review, and an extension is expected.
However, the derogation permitting the use of non-organically reared pullets up to 18 weeks of age in organic egg production is not currently included within EU organic legislation, under which pullets must be organically reared from three days of age. As a result, uncertainty remains over the long-term future of this derogation.
The date for regulatory alignment has not yet been formally confirmed and is dependent on ongoing UK-EU discussions.
Uncertainty also remains around the timetable for implementation. As a result, despite these extensions, producers still lack the longer-term clarity needed for business planning.
NFU continues to press for certainty
Throughout negotiations, the NFU has consistently highlighted these derogations as critical for the viability of the organic poultry sector.
In particular, the continuation of the pullet derogation remains a key priority. There are currently no fully organic commercial pullet-rearing systems operating at the scale required to supply the UK organic egg sector. Without this derogation, organic egg producers would face significant challenges in sourcing replacement birds.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of these derogations continues to create difficulties for producers, particularly organic egg businesses that often need to plan placements and pullet orders up to two years in advance.
The feed derogation is currently under review within the EU, with an extension looking increasingly likely. This would be welcomed by the sector, given the continued challenges in sourcing sufficient organic protein feed for poultry production.
The NFU remains actively engaged with Defra and other stakeholders as discussions continue. We are pressing for greater clarity, longer-term certainty, and, in the event of dynamic alignment, appropriate implementation periods to allow organic egg and poultry producers sufficient time to adapt.
We will continue to keep members informed as negotiations progress.
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