October 31, 2013

EU approves further transition period on organic aquaculture

Prior to the full application of EU rules, the European Commission has approved a new implementing regulation granting further period of adaptation for aquaculture farmers regarding the use of the word "organic" at national level.

A period of almost three years was set for older farms to make a full transition to the new EU rules when EU protection rules on the use of the wording "organic" were introduced in August 2009.

Following a request for a further transition period, the Commission has now decided to grant an extension of 18 months. During this period, farmers which produce under nationally approved rules rather than under EU rules will not be permitted to use the EU logo for organic products.

This will allow consumers to distinguish between those who do and those who do not apply the EU rules in the period up to January 1, 2015, as of which full EU rules will apply.