Copa-Cogeca: Organic Framework Proposal Progress, But Key Gaps Remain

Copa-Cogeca, the European organisation representing farmers' and agricultural co-operatives' interests, has welcomed the European Commission's targeted proposal to amend parts of the EU organic framework. The proposal aims to address regulatory clarification, fit-for-future adjustments, and improved workability while preserving the integrity of the organic system. Copa-Cogeca acknowledged that the proposal reflects recent discussions and introduces only a limited number of targeted changes, focusing on practical challenges faced by organic farmers and agri-cooperatives.

Despite this progress, Copa-Cogeca has expressed regret that many of its recommendations were not taken up at the level of the basic act. The organisation highlighted key gaps that remain, particularly in areas such as broiler strain harmonisation and clearer rules for pig outdoor access. Copa-Cogeca argued that these issues could be resolved directly through changes to the basic act, but the proposal failed to address them.

The organisation emphasised the need for balanced reforms across livestock and plant production. It pointed out that organic crop and livestock production are inherently interdependent, and that improvements in one area should not come at the expense of others. Copa-Cogeca called for needed reforms in other organic animal husbandry sectors, particularly pigs and ruminants, as well as in plant production.

In addition to these concerns, Copa-Cogeca urged a credible roadmap for trade equivalence extensions. While it acknowledged the necessity of extending equivalence deadlines to ensure stability during the transition, the organisation warned against a ten-year extension. Instead, it suggested that such an extension should be paired with a clear and credible roadmap for renegotiating agreements in a timely manner.

Copa-Cogeca also criticised the proposal for missing the opportunity to level the playing field for organic broiler production by moving towards greater harmonisation of slow-growing strains. The organisation highlighted that the current lack of measures in this area creates an uneven competitive landscape for organic farmers.

Furthermore, Copa-Cogeca drew attention to the ongoing interpretation issue that limits partial coverage of outdoor areas for pigs. This, it argued, runs counter to health and welfare recommendations for these animals. The organisation stressed that the targeted scope of the reopening should not prevent needed reforms in other areas of organic animal husbandry.

In conclusion, while Copa-Cogeca welcomed the European Commission's proposal to amend the EU organic framework, it warned that key gaps remain and urged for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by organic farmers. The organisation emphasised the need for balanced reforms across all sectors of organic production and called for a clear roadmap to ensure the sustainable development of the organic sector in the European Union.