Organic products: MEPs back measures to support EU production 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• Importers must meet equivalent standards and additional requirements to use the EU organic logo  
• Simplified requirements for small operators 
• New conditions for livestock housing 

The new measures seek to protect EU organic food production from unfair external competition and increase consumer trust.

On Tuesday, the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee adopted by 37 votes in favour, 4 against and 8 abstentions, its position on the proposed update of EU rules on the production, labelling, certification, and trade of organic products.

Labelling requirements for products from non-EU countries

According to the adopted text, the EU organic production logo can be used for the labelling, presentation, and advertising of products imported from third countries, only if they meet equivalent standards and comply with additional specific production and control requirements. 

These rules aim to improve consumer confidence in organic food and ensure fair competition between EU and non-EU operators.

Exemptions for small operators selling unpackaged organic products

Small operators selling unpackaged organic products directly to consumers are currently exempted from the organic certification requirements if they meet certain criteria based on turnover, sales volume, and certification costs.

Recent price increases have pushed several of these producers above the turnover threshold, resulting in many losing their entitlement to this exemption. MEPs agreed to increase the yearly turnover from €20,000 to €25,000, and the sales volume from 5,000 kg to 10,000 kg annually, to extend the coverage of the exemption.

New conditions for livestock housing

Rules on poultry houses built for fattening poultry and for daytime open air access will be modified to cut administrative and logistical costs.

Quote

Rapporteur Camilla Laureti (S&D, IT) said: “My goal is to provide the sector with a stable regulatory framework that simplifies certain rules where possible, without overturning them after just a few years of implementation. It is a framework that maintains the quality and therefore the reputation of the sector, in Europe and globally, while respecting consumers.”

Next steps

The committee also adopted by 40 votes in favour, eight against and one abstention the decision to enter into negotiations with the EU Council on the final shape of the legislation. The text will be put for a plenary vote as soon as possible. The EU co-legislators will try to reach an agreement before the end of 2026, as the current rules for organic food imports expire on 31 December 2026.

Background

Following a Court of Justice’s judgment of 4 October 2024, which stated that imported products recognised under equivalence arrangements cannot use the EU organic logo, the Commission has proposed adjustments to improve clarity for consumers and prevent trade disruptions.

A Eurobarometer survey carried out in 2024 found that the EU organic production logo is the most widely recognised food label among Europeans. The logo helps consumers identify organic products and producers market them across the EU.