January 10, 2012

EU: Part-organic pullets permitted in organic production

The extended derogation to permit the use of part-organic pullets in organic production has been approved by the EU Commission. 

This derogation allows pullets, which adhere to organic feed and veterinary regulation (part-organic pullets), to become full organic from 18 weeks of age.

Ruth Mason, Food Chain Advisor for the National Farmers Union (NFU) states that the derogation has been extended to give the Commission time to develop harmonised organic production rules for young poultry animals, an area where viewpoints on technical requirements have varied widely between parties concerned.