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The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee adopted its position on the proposed update of EU rules on the production, labelling, certification, and trade of organic products.
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.
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.
Rules on poultry houses built for fattening poultry and for daytime open air access will be modified to cut administrative and logistical costs.
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.
July 14, 2026/ European Parliament/ European Union.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu
