New labelling regulation for organic products
The European Commission has proposed a new regulation on organic production and the labelling of organic products. As stated in the Commission’s relevant communication, over the last 10 years, the size of the EU market for organic products has quadrupled and, consequently, the relevant rules must be revised so that the sector can continue its upward trajectory and address future challenges.
As reported by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the proposal focuses on three main objectives: maintaining consumer confidence, maintaining producer confidence, and making it easier for farmers to switch to organic production. The aim is to ensure that organic production remains true to its principles and objectives, so that it meets the public’s expectations regarding environmental protection and quality. In particular, the Commission’s proposal will
: – strengthen and harmonise the rules for both European and imported products by removing certain exemptions currently in force, with regard to production and controls; – controls will
be strengthened, as they will be carried out on the basis of risk analysis;
– small-scale farmers will be supported in their transition to organic farming, as they will be offered the opportunity to join a group certification scheme;-greater account
will be taken of the international dimension of trade in organic products, with the addition of new provisions on exports of organic products;
– legislation will be simplified to reduce administrative costs and improve transparency.
To help farmers, producers and retailers of organic products adapt to the proposed changes and meet future challenges, the Commission has also adopted an action plan for the future of organic production in Europe.
Under the plan, farmers will be provided with better information on rural development and EU agricultural policy initiatives to support organic production, strengthens the links between European research and innovation programmes, on the one hand, and organic production, on the other, and promotes the consumption of organic products, e.g. in schools or through public procurement.
Dacian Cioloș, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said today: ‘The future of the organic sector in the EU depends on the quality and integrity of products sold under the European organic logo. The Commission is committed to improving and expanding organic production in the EU, by strengthening consumer confidence in organic products and removing barriers to the development of organic farming. This package of measures is good for both consumers and producers. Consumers will have greater guarantees regarding organic products produced and sold in the EU and, at the same time, farmers, producers and retailers will have access to a larger market, both within and outside the EU.”
source: www.enikos.gr