Producers urged to feedback on organic derogations

Published on : 24 Mar 2025

Targeted Stakeholder Feedback exercise (2025) - Exceptional Rules (derogations)

The Defra GB organics regulatory review (that started in Autumn 2023) remains on pause however, Defra are using this as an opportunity to seek specific feedback from industry regarding two exceptional rules (derogations) that are due to expire 31 December 2025. In addition, importantly, action needs to be taken before these derogations are due to end in legislation.

The two derogations are:
• 5% non-organic protein feed for pigs and poultry &
• Non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks

5% non-organic protein feed for pigs and poultry
Current situation:
This derogation should only be used when it can be demonstrated that there is insufficient availability of organic protein feed.

Defra’s intention:
Defra’s intention is to maintain this derogation until 100% organic feed can be produced that meets the nutritional and health and welfare needs of pigs and poultry.

Earlier feedback received (as part of the GB regulatory review) suggests there is sufficient availability of organic protein feed to meet the nutritional and health and welfare needs of older pigs and poultry. However, organic protein feed may not be sufficiently available to meet the needs of young poultry and pigs.

Defra’s proposal:
Defra’s proposal is therefore to extend this derogation but limiting its scope to young poultry and pigs under 35kgs until new regulations are implemented.

Non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks
Current situation:
This derogation should only be used when organic pullets are not available.

Defra’s intention:
The intention is to introduce new pullet rearing standards and further detailed rules on poultry housing and husbandry, with appropriate transition periods (for structural changes), in the updated organic regulations.

Defra proposal:
Defra propose extending this derogation as it is currently captured in Article 42(b) of Assimilated Commission Regulation (EC) 889/2008 until new regulations are implemented.

BFREPA will be responding on behalf of its organic members. If you have any views that you would like us to include in our response please contact Gary Ford at BFREPA.

Deadline for comments 5pm Friday, 4th April send to gary.ford@bfrepa.co.uk