Proposals for new regulation on organic farming published by EC
"Consumer and producer concerns are the heart of the proposal," said the EC, which was hoping that revisions would maintain consumer confidence by strengthening rules on production in line with their concerns, as well as reinforcing and improving the control system.
It said revisions were also needed to maintain producers’ confidence in the system by applying the same production rules across the EU, guaranteeing fair competition.
In addition, the proposal sought to remove obstacles to develop organic farming in the EU, including red tape and unclear legislation.
The sector has quadrupled in size over the past 10 years, and the rules needed to be updated and adjusted so it could develop and respond to future challenges, the EC said.
Dacian Cioloş, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said: "The future of the organic sector in the EU depends on the quality and integrity of the products sold under the European organic logo.
"The Commission is looking for more and better organic farming in the EU, by consolidating consumer confidence in organic products and removing obstacles to the development of organic agriculture. This package is good for consumers and good for farmers. Consumers will have better guarantees on organic food made and sold in the EU and farmers, producers and retailers will have access to a larger market, both within and outside the EU."
To help organic farmers, producers and retailers adjust to the proposed policy changes, the EC has also approved an Action Plan, which aims to keep farmers better informed on rural development and EU farm policy initiatives.
The proposal will be submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council of Ministers, with the new rules expected to be in place in 2017.
