This website no longer supports Internet Explorer 11. Please use a more up-to-date browser such as Firefox, Chrome for better viewing and usability.
Organic WorldHome / NewsNews

Consultation for the review of the European policy on organic agriculture

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the review of the European policy on organic agriculture is running from January 15 to April 10, 2013. All citizens, organisations and public authorities who are concerned by a review of the European policy on organic agriculture are welcome to contribute to this consultation.

In this consultation, the European Commission is gathering views on how best to develop organic farming in the European Union. Key issues are:

  • simplifying the legal framework – while ensuring standards are not watered down
  • co-existence of GM crops with organic farming
  • better control systems and trade arrangements for organic products
  • impact of the new labelling rules (especially the now obligatory use of the European logo on all EU-produced organic products – has this given organic products more visibility?)

Other issues:

  • Action plan – in 2004, the Commission launched an Action Plan to develop organic farming in Europe, which gave further impetus to the sector. This consultation is also an opportunity to consult the public on areas where a new action plan might be needed.
  • Controls – for the sector to develop, it is essential to guarantee its integrity. Some recent cases of fraud suggest the need to reinforce controls and enforce the rules more tightly.
  • Imports – an import regime has been set up to regulate the growing international trade in organic products. Because of the fast pace of this market development, shortcomings have to be addressed to ensure the smooth functioning of our organic trade in the future.

More information

Do you want to add the website to the Home screen?
tap and then scroll down to the Add to Home Screen command.