The NFU along with key industry stakeholders met the Organic Unit at the Commission to discuss its concerns on organic feed and pullets.
These exceptional rules are due to end on the 31st December 2014 and have been the cause of great concern to organic pig and poultry producers in the UK and across Europe, whereby production could be unviable for many farmers if these rules are not to be continued.
As a result of member and industry concern the NFU organised a visit to meet the Organic Unit at the European Commission on 25th June to raise our concerns and lobby for an extension to the existing exceptional rules. In attendance at the meeting were key stakeholders, Organic Farmers & Growers, Soil Association, Organic Food Federation and various NFU members and business representatives.
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The meeting was very positive with the Commission officials taking on board our concerns and the associated impacts to the organic sector should the rules not be continued post year end 2014. It was stated clearly to the Commission that a collaborative approach needs to be taken between industry and government to research, develop and share knowledge to help achieve 100% organic feed for monogastric animals.
Our understanding from the meeting is there shall be a proposal tabled from the Commission at the next Standing Committee on Organic Farming (SCOF) meeting on the aforementioned exceptional rules. The SCOF is represented by ministries in each of the Member States, in the UK's case this is Defra, who are well aware of our concerns. We remain confident that the proposals shall be in accordance with our lobbying position for an extension.
We await confirmation from the July SCOF meeting to see whether or not this proposal has been tabled and passed. When we receive news of this, we shall provide a member update.