Commission shelves organic poultry feed proposals

The British National Farmers Union (NFU) has welcomed the news that the EU is delaying a decision on its controversial plans to introduce stringent changes to feed regulations in organic poultry production from 1 January, and urged producers to carry on as normal.

 

The European Commission is committed to ending the derogation for non-organic poultry feed and implement a 100% organic diet.

 

It also wants to force producers to grow a large proportion of feed on their own holding or region, amounting to 40% of feed for monogastric animals and 70% of herbivore feed ingredients.

 

These changes were due to take effect on 1 January, however, the EU has delayed the introduction to an unspecified ‘later date’.

 

The NFU has lobbied vigorously against the changes, maintaining they would have a seriously detrimental effect on the organic poultry industry.

 

It has previously said that uncertainties over the EU directives post-2013 was leaving producers on a knife edge.

 

Martin Humphrey, NFU poultry board member and organic feed compounder, said: “While we await confirmation on the proposed text for the legislation, it looks clear that the EU will not implement 100% organic diets and will allow producers to continue with the current 95% diets for a limited amount of time.’

 

“With 95% diets, producers are able to ensure that the bird’s nutrition is satisfied and that their welfare is not compromised, whereas with 100% diets, bird welfare is challenged."

 

“We now need to turn our attention towards guiding the EU towards implementing a sustainable course for organic poultry, which pragmatically addresses bird-feeding requirements.”