### pursuant to point of article 7 the commission shall finance the actions concerning the collection or purchase of data needed to implement and monitor the cap , including satellite data , geo - spatial data and meteorological data , the creation of a spatial data infrastructure and a website , the carrying out of specific studies on climatic conditions , remote sensing used to assist in the monitoring of agricultural land use change and soil health and the updating of agri - meteorological and econometric models . where necessary , those actions shall be carried out in collaboration with eea , jrc , national laboratories and bodies or with the involvement of the private sector . ### pursuant to point of article 7 the commission shall finance the actions concerning the collection or purchase of data needed to implement and monitor the cap and its effects , both inside and outside of the union , including satellite data , geo - spatial data and meteorological data , the creation of a spatial data infrastructure and a website , the carrying out of specific studies on climatic conditions , remote sensing used to assist in the monitoring of agricultural land use change and soil health and the updating of agri - meteorological and econometric data and models . where necessary , those actions shall be carried out in collaboration with eea , jrc , national laboratories and bodies or with the involvement of civil society and the private sector . this shall include sharing access and contributing to international initiatives and data sources including unfccc as well as climate and environmental data , or data and / or information that contributes to transparency of world markets or tracking achievement of sdgs .


### in accordance with the architecture and the key characteristics of the new cap delivery model the eligibility of payments made by member states for union financing should no longer depend on the legality and regularity of payments to individual beneficiaries . instead , as regards types of interventions referred to in regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] , member states’ payments should be eligible if they are matched by corresponding output and in compliance with the applicable basic union requirements . ### in accordance with the architecture and the key characteristics of the new cap delivery model the eligibility of payments made by member states for union financing should no longer depend on the legality and regularity of payments to individual beneficiaries . instead , as regards types of interventions referred to in regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] , member states’ payments should be eligible if they are matched by corresponding output and in compliance with the applicable basic union requirements . it is necessary to underline that the new cap delivery model should not remove the need to check legality and regularity of expenditure .


### contribute to transparency of world markets ; ### contribute to transparency of world markets , including ensuring policy coherence for development ;


### studies on the cap and evaluations of measures financed by the funds , including improvement of evaluation methods and exchange of information on practices under the cap , as well as studies carried out with the european investment bank ; ### studies on the cap and evaluations of measures financed by the funds , including improvement of evaluation methods and exchange of information on practices under the cap , including consultations with local , regional , national , and international stakeholders , academic experts , ngos , as well as studies carried out with the european investment bank ;


### in the case of non - compliance due to negligence , the percentage of reduction shall be as a general rule 3% of the total amount of the payments referred to in paragraph 1 of this article . ### in the case of non - compliance due to negligence that is not minor , the percentage of reduction shall be proportional to the negative impacts on the environment , public health , workers rights or animal welfare , but as a minimum 7% of the total amount of the payments referred to in paragraph 1 of this article .


### in case of intentional non - compliance , the percentage shall be higher than the one applied in case of reoccurrence pursuant to paragraph 3 and may go as far as total exclusion from payments and may apply for one or more calendar years . ### in case of intentional non - compliance that is not minor , the percentage shall be at least 50% of the total amount of the payments referred to in paragraph 1 of this article and may go as far as total exclusion from payments and may apply for one or more calendar years . it shall be proportional to the negative impacts on the environment , public health , workers rights or animal welfare .


### member states shall set up a control system to ensure that beneficiaries of the aid referred to in article 11 of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] and in chapter iv of regulation no 228 / 2013 and in chapter iv of regulation no 229 / 2013 respectively , comply with the obligations referred to in section 2 of chapter 1 of title iii of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] . ### member states shall set up a control system to ensure that all beneficiaries of the aid referred to in article 11 of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] and in chapter iv of regulation no 228 / 2013 and in chapter iv of regulation no 229 / 2013 respectively , comply with the obligations referred to in section 2 of chapter 1 of title iii of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] . there should be no exemptions to this provision , although member states may continue to use weighting factors , applied to the whole population of cap beneficiaries , to adjust the control sample to target farms , providing assurance of sound financial expenditure of eu funds while avoiding unnecessary controls of least risky farms .


### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal related issues . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have a level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality controls and penalties should be introduced at union level . ### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in ensuring that payments achieve a high degree of sustainability , e . g . on the use of pesticides and ensuring a level playing field for farmers within and between member states , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal welfare . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have that level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality , and controls and penalties related to non - compliance should be introduced at union level .


### contribution to measures relating to the dissemination of information , raising awareness , promoting cooperation and exchanging experiences at union level , and taken in the context of rural development interventions , including the networking of the parties concerned ; ### contribution to measures relating to the dissemination of information , raising awareness , promoting cooperation and exchanging experiences at local , regional , national , eu and international level , and taken in the context of rural development interventions , including the networking of the parties concerned ;


### the cap ' s compliance - driven delivery model should be adjusted to ensure a greater focus on results and performance . accordingly the union should set the basic policy objectives , types of intervention and basic union requirements while greater responsibility and accountability for meeting those objectives should be borne by the member states . as a consequence , there is a need to ensure greater subsidiarity in order to take better account of the local conditions and needs . accordingly , under the new delivery model , member states should be responsible for tailoring their cap interventions in line with basic union requirements in order to maximize their contribution to union cap objectives and to establish and design the compliance and control framework for beneficiaries . ### the cap ' s compliance - driven delivery model should be adjusted to ensure a greater focus on sustainable agriculture . accordingly the union should set the basic policy objectives , types of intervention and basic union requirements , including as regards policy coherence for development , while greater responsibility and accountability for meeting those objectives should be borne by the member states . as a consequence , there is a need to ensure greater subsidiarity in order to take better account of the local conditions and needs . accordingly , under the new delivery model , member states should be responsible for tailoring their cap interventions in line with their specific needs and basic union requirements in order to maximize their contribution to union cap objectives and to establish and design the compliance and control framework for beneficiaries .


### having regard to the international structure of agricultural trade and in the interest of the proper functioning of the internal market , it is necessary to organise cooperation among the member states . it is also necessary to set up a centralised documentation system at union level concerning undertakings established in third countries and which receive or make payments . ### having regard to the international structure of agricultural trade and in the interest of the proper functioning of the internal market and respect for the eu’s policy coherence for development obligations , it is necessary to organise cooperation among the member states and between member states and third countries . it is also necessary to set up a centralised documentation system at union level concerning undertakings established in third countries and which receive or make payments . such a system should also contribute to the identification of incoherencies between the implementation of the cap and the objectives of the external policies of the union . it would contribute to monitoring achievement of the cap objectives as outlined in the strategic plans regulation [ . . . / . . . ] , by allowing evaluation of the impact of the aforementioned undertakings in third countries on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the union’s development objectives , as provided for in article 208 tfeu .


### the provision of information financed pursuant to point of article 7 shall aim , in particular , to help explain , implement and develop the cap and to raise public awareness of its content and objectives to reinstate consumer confidence following crises through information campaigns , to inform farmers and other parties active in rural areas and to promote the european model of agriculture , as well as to help citizens understand it . ### information financed pursuant to point of article 7 shall aim in particular to help explain , implement and develop the cap and to raise public awareness of its content and its objectives , including climate change mitigation , environmental protection , animal welfare , maintaining social structures in rural areas , as well as its global dimension , while assuming responsibility for the cap’s impact , in particular , on developing countries and to inform citizens , following crises , through impartial and objective information campaigns , to inform farmers and other parties active in rural areas , and to promote a sustainable union model of agriculture , as well as to help citizens understand it .


### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal related issues . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have a level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality controls and penalties should be introduced at union level . ### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in ensuring that payments achieve a high degree of sustainability and ensuring a level playing field for farmers within and between member states , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal welfare . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have this level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality , and controls and penalties related to non - compliance should be introduced at union level .


### member states may retain 20 % of the amounts resulting from the application of the reductions and exclusions referred to in article 86 . ### member states may retain 100% of the amounts resulting from the application of the reductions and exclusions referred to in article 86 and spend it on the farm advisory system to ensure beneficiaries in general are informed and empowered to abide by the eu level conditionalites set out in articles 11 and 12 of the strategic plans regulation [ . . . . / . . . . ] section 2 of chapter i of title iii .


### having regard to the international structure of agricultural trade and in the interest of the proper functioning of the internal market , it is necessary to organise cooperation among the member states . it is also necessary to set up a centralised documentation system at union level concerning undertakings established in third countries and which receive or make payments . ### having regard to the international structure of agricultural trade and in the interest of the proper functioning of the internal market and respect for the pcd obligations , it is necessary to organise cooperation among the member states and between the member states and third countries . it is also necessary to set up a centralised documentation system at union level concerning undertakings established in third countries and which receive or make payments . such a system should contribute to the identification of incoherencies between the implementation of the cap and the objectives of the external policies of the union . the documentation system should highlight the contribution or impact of the aforementioned undertakings in third countries to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development . such documentation should also underline the cap contribution , especially having regard to its external dimension , to the union’s development objectives as provided for in article 208 of the treaty .


### ensure agri - economic and agri - environmental - climate monitoring of agricultural land use and agricultural land use change , including agro - forestry , and monitoring of the condition of crops so as to enable estimates to be made , in particular as regards yields and agricultural production and agricultural impacts associated with exceptional circumstances ; ### ensure agri - economic and agri - environmental - climate monitoring of agricultural land use and agricultural land use change , including agro - forestry , and monitoring of the condition of soil and crops so as to enable estimates to be made , in particular as regards yields and agricultural production and agricultural impacts associated with exceptional circumstances and to assess resilience of agricultural systems against climate change , as well as to assess progress on implementing agricultural practices helping to reach climate goals and targets established by the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the paris climate agreements ;


### the certification body shall have the necessary technical expertise . it shall be operationally independent from the paying agency and the coordinating body concerned as well as from the authority which has accredited that agency and the bodies responsible for the implementation and the monitoring of the cap . ### the certification body shall have the necessary technical expertise , not solely from a financial management aspect but also related to achieving the intended aims of the interventions and payments rewarding public goods . all data and information used to enable the certifying bodies to give assurance that the objectives and targets of the cap are indeed being reached , as well as the assumptions made , shall be made available transparently and shall be evidence based and verifiable by third parties . it shall be operationally independent from the paying agency and the coordinating body concerned as well as from the authority which has accredited that agency and the bodies responsible for the implementation and the monitoring of the cap .


### member states shall send the commission a list of undertakings established in a third country for which payment of the amount in question has or should have been made or received in that member state . ### member states shall send the commission a list of undertakings established in a third country for which payment of the amount in question has or should have been made or received in that member state . where necessary , the commission shall invite experts from third countries , including developing countries , in order to obtain an assessment of the external impacts of cap implementation at member state level .


### establish the control sample for the checks referred to in point to be carried out each year on the basis of a risk analysis and shall include a random component and shall provide the control sample to cover at least 1% of beneficiaries receiving the aid provided for in section 2 of chapter 1 of title iii of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] . ### establish the control sample for the checks referred to in point to be carried out each year on the basis of a risk analysis and shall include a random component and shall provide the control sample to cover at least 5% of beneficiaries receiving the aid provided for in section 2 of chapter 1 of title iii of regulation … / … [ cap strategic plan regulation ] .


### “the objective will be implemented by the making available of : — updated headline target indicators for europe 2020 on the commission website ; — statistics to support the monitoring of the implementation of europe 2020 flagship initiatives ; — additional indicators as an input for the ex - ante and ex - post evaluations of the economic , social and environmental policies of the union ; and — employment indicators distinguishing between part - time and full - time employment , as well as indicators on unemployment that take into account people in activation policies such as training . ” ### in objective 1 . 1 . 1 , the second paragraph is replaced by the following : “the objective will be implemented by : — the making available of updated headline target indicators for the europe 2020 strategy on the eurostat website ; — the inclusion , in connection with new statistical products , of the 17 goals and 169 targets under the united nations’ sustainable development goals strategy ; — the making available of additional indicators as an input for the ex - ante and ex - post evaluations of the economic , social and environmental policies of the union as part of the europe 2020 strategy in terms of growth , high - quality employment , poverty reduction and social exclusion ; — the making available of employment indicators distinguishing between part - time and full - time employment , as well as indicators on unemployment that take into account people in activation policies such as training . ”


### — the availability and extension of harmonised housing price statistics for all member states . ### — the availability and extension of harmonised housing price statistics for all member states taking into account housing difficulties and housing deprivation .


### “the objective will be implemented by the making available of : — updated headline target indicators for europe 2020 on the commission website ; — statistics to support the monitoring of the implementation of europe 2020 flagship initiatives ; — additional indicators as an input for the ex - ante and ex - post evaluations of the economic , social and environmental policies of the union ; and — employment indicators distinguishing between part - time and full - time employment , as well as indicators on unemployment that take into account people in activation policies such as training . ” ### in objective 1 . 1 . 1 , the second paragraph is replaced by the following : “ “the objective will be implemented by : — the making available of updated headline target indicators for the europe 2020 strategy on the eurostat website ; — statistics to support the monitoring of the implementation of europe 2020 flagship initiatives — the making available of additional indicators as an input for the ex - ante and ex - post evaluations of the economic , social and environmental policies of the union as part of the europe 2020 strategy in terms of growth , high - quality employment , poverty reduction and social exclusion ; — the making available of employment indicators distinguishing between part - time and full - time employment or other working time arrangements , as well as indicators on unemployment that take into account people in activation policies such as training . — the inclusion , in connection with new statistical products , of the 17 goals and 169 targets under the united nations’ sustainable development goals strategy . ” ; ”


### 2 . 4 . animals and animal products may be considered organic at the end of the conversion period if there is simultaneous conversion of the complete production unit , including livestock , pasturage or any land used for animal feed . ### 2 . 4 . the total combined conversion period for both existing animals and their offspring , pasturage and / or any land used for animal feed , may be reduced to 24 months if the animals are mainly fed with products from the production unit in conversion .


### by 31 december 2021 , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the availability of organic plant reproductive material and animals for breeding purposes . ### by 31 december 2018 , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the availability of organic plant reproductive material , feed , leguminous crops , animals for breeding purposes , and aquaculture juveniles on the union market , identifying potential gaps and the reasons for those gaps and outlining a plan and possible measures for closing those gaps , including support measures designed to stimulate the market . that report shall be based on a study including data collection and analysis in member states . 2 . in relation to organic plant reproductive material , the study referred to in paragraph 1 shall also evaluate , for each relevant sub - market , the diversity of available material and the operators providing them , the actual demand for such material and the demand forecast for the next five years . for the purposes of the study , a sub - market shall mean the tuple of a crop and a region , the region in question not being larger than a member state . a member state shall be divided into as many regions as may be necessary in terms of different growing conditions based on climate , soil types , altitude or land use characteristics resulting in demand for plant reproductive material that differs from one region to another , with a view to comparing the regional markets in a fair and non - discriminatory manner . where the study establishes that , for some sub - markets , the supply - demand ratio is below 80% , the commission shall set out in its report a development plan which shall include appropriate and effective measures aimed at providing support to operators who have committed to developing organic plant reproductive material . such measures may include support for necessary investment by private operators in production facilities , quality control measures , distribution systems and pre - marketing research and development , marketing support through websites run by the commission and member states , or associations of organic farmers or organic control bodies , participatory capital for small and medium - sized enterprises dedicated to offering organic plant reproductive material , and project grants for the breeding of new varieties suitable for organic agriculture .


### ‘ control authority’ means control authority for organic production and labelling of organic products as defined in point 39 of article 2 of regulation no xxx / xxxx [ official controls regulation ] ; ### ' control authority ' means a public administrative organisation of a member state to which the competent authority has delegated , in whole or in part , its competence for inspection and certification in the field of organic production and labelling in accordance with the provisions set out in this regulation . it also includes , where appropriate , the corresponding authority of a third country or the corresponding authority operating in a third country ;


### in order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in the event of catastrophic circumstances and subject to the principles laid down in chapter ii , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 providing for the criteria to qualify such situations as catastrophic and laying down specific rules on how to deal with them , on monitoring and on reporting requirements . ### derogations from the production rules laid down in this chapter shall be subject to the principles laid down in chapter ii . 2 . derogations as referred to in paragraph 1 shall be kept to a minimum and , where appropriate , limited in time , and may only be provided for in the following cases : where they are necessary in order to ensure that organic production can be initiated or maintained on holdings confronted with climatic , geographical or structural constraints ; where they are necessary in order to ensure access to feed , seed and vegetative propagating material , live animals and other farm inputs , where such inputs are not available on the market in organic form ; where they are necessary in order to ensure access to ingredients of agricultural origin , where such ingredients are not available on the market in organic form ; where they are necessary in order to solve specific problems related to the management of organic livestock ; where they are necessary with regard to the use of specific products and substances in the processing referred to in point of article 19 in order to ensure production of well - established food products in organic form ; where temporary measures are necessary in order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in the case of catastrophic circumstances . 3 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 laying down the criteria according to which situations may be qualified as situations requiringexceptional production rules and rules on how to deal with them , as well as rules on monitoring and on reporting requirements .


### at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ; ### at least 40 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or , where this is not feasible , shall be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ;


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts authorising or withdrawing the authorisation of products and substances that may be used in organic production in general and products and substances that may be used in the production of processed organic food in particular , and establishing the procedures to be followed for the authorisation and the lists of those products and substances and , where appropriate , their description , compositional requirements and conditions for use . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 37 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 authorising or withdrawing the authorisation of products and substances that may be used in organic production in general and products and substances that may be used in the production of processed organic food in particular , and establishing the procedures to be followed for the authorisation and the lists of those products and substances and , where appropriate , their description , compositional requirements and conditions for use .


### ‘ conversion’ means the transition from non - organic to organic production within a given period of time ; ### ' conversion ' means the transition from non - organic to organic production within a given period of time during which the provisions relating to organic production have been applied ;


### the conversion period shall start at the earliest when the farmer or the operator producing seaweed or aquaculture animals has notified his activity to the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation . ### the conversion period shall start at the earliest when the farmer or the operator producing algae or aquaculture animals has subjected his holding to the control system and notified his activity to the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation .


### a recognised third country referred to in the second indent of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purpose of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measure provided for in article 40 . ### a recognised third country as referred to in point of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purposes of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measures provided for in article 40 of this regulation .


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 90 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ; ### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or , where this is not feasible , shall be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ;


### in order to ensure fair competition among operators , the traceability of the imported products intended to be placed on the market within the union as organic or the transparency of the recognition and supervision procedure for control authorities and control bodies within the context of import of compliant organic products , and in order to ensure the management of the list of third countries recognised for the purpose of equivalence under regulation no 834 / 2007 , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of the documents intended for customs authorities in third countries , in particular an organic export certificate , in electronic form wherever possible , the documents necessary for the purposes of import , also in electronic form wherever possible , the criteria for recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies in the context of import of compliant organic products , and in respect of the information to be sent by third countries recognised under that regulation necessary for the supervision of their recognition and the exercise of that supervision by the commission , including on - the - spot examination . ### in order to ensure the traceability of the imported products intended to be placed on the market within the union as organic or the transparency of the recognition and supervision procedure for control authorities and control bodies within the context of import of compliant organic products , and in order to ensure the management of the list of third countries recognised for the purpose of equivalence under regulation no 834 / 2007 , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of the documents necessary for the purposes of import , also in electronic form wherever possible , in respect of fulfilment of the criteria for recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies in the context of import of compliant organic products , in respect of the information to be sent by third countries recognised under that regulation which is necessary for the supervision of their recognition , in respect of laying - down the provisions for the exercise of that supervision by the commission , including on - the - spot examination , in respect of the procedure to be followed for the recognition of the control authorities and control bodies , including the content of the technical dossier to be submitted , as well as a withdrawal of the recognition , and in respect of the controls and other actions to be performed by control authorities and control bodies recognised by the commission . where serious or repeated infringements of the rules of inspection and certification are detected , recognition of the control bodies concerned should be immediately withdrawn , in the third countries concerned as well as throughout the union market for national accreditation bodies established in the union .


### the authorisation of the use of chemically synthesised products or substances shall be strictly limited to cases where the use of external inputs referred to in article 4 would contribute to unacceptable environmental impacts . ### the authorisation of products and substances not covered by point of article 4 shall be strictly limited to cases where the use of external inputs referred to in point of article 4 would contribute to unacceptable impacts to the environment , animal or human health or product quality .


### the commission should consider the situation of the availability of organic plant reproductive material and animals for breeding purposes and present a report to this end to the european parliament and the council in 2021 . ### in order to ensure that organic plant reproductive material , feed , and animals raised for breeding purposes are available on the market in sufficient quantities , and before submitting any proposals for the phasing - out of exceptions , the commission should carry out a study based on data collection and on analysis of the situation in the member states . on the basis of that study , the commission should by the end of 2018 present a report to the european parliament and the council identifying the reasons for the insufficient development and lack of organic plant reproductive material , feed and animals for organic breeding and outlining a plan for closing these gaps and possible measures , including support measures to stimulate the market for those products .


### suckling animals shall be fed in preference on maternal milk for a minimum period ; ### suckling animals shall be fed on maternal milk in preference to natural milk , for a minimum period ;


### this regulation shall apply to agricultural products listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union and to some other products listed in annex i to this regulation , insofar as those agricultural products and those other products are intended to be produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the market , imported or exported as organic . ### this regulation shall apply to the following products originating from agriculture , including aquaculture , where such products are , or are intended to be , produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the union market , or imported into or exported from the union as organic : live or unprocessed agricultural products , including seed and other plant reproductive material ; processed agricultural products for food ; feed ; algae and aquaculture animals ; wine ; yeast ; mushrooms ; collected wild plants and parts thereof , and to other products listed in annex i to this regulation , insofar as those agricultural products and those other products are intended to be produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the market , imported or exported .


### this regulation establishes the principles of organic production and lays down the rules concerning organic production and the use of indications referring thereto in labelling and advertising . ### this regulation establishes the principles of organic production and the control and certification thereof , and lays down the rules concerning organic production , processing , distribution , controls , and the use of indications referring to organic production in labelling and advertising . it shall provide the basis for the sustainable development of organic production and its positive effects on the environment and public health , while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market and fair competition , thereby helping farmers to achieve a fair income , ensuring consumer confidence and protecting consumer interests .


### ‘ group of operators ' means a group in which each operator is a farmer who has a holding of up to 5 hectares of utilised agricultural area and who may , in addition to producing food or feed , be engaged in processing of food or feed ; ### ' group of small operators ' means a group in which the annual turnover of each operator in respect of his agricultural production unit does not exceed eur 25 000 , and in which the operators concerned may , in addition to producing food or feed , be engaged in processing , preparation or marketing of food or feed and their production units are close to each other geographically ;


### 4 . 3 . 2 . for organic agricultural holdings , up to 20 % on average of the feed formula of rations may comprise in - conversion feed , namely feed from the second year of conversion . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , when the in - conversion feed come from the holding itself , this percentage may be increased to 100 . ### 4 . 3 . 2 . up to 20 % of the total average amount of feedingstuffs fed to livestock may originate from the grazing or harvesting of permanent pastures , perennial forage parcels or protein crops , sown under organic management on lands in their first year of conversion , provided that they are part of the holding itself and have not been part of an organic production unit of that holding in the last five years . when both in - conversion feedingstuffs and feedingstuffs from parcels in their first year of conversion are being used , the total combined percentage of such feedingstuffs shall not exceed the maximum percentages fixed in point 1 . 4 . 3 . 1 .


### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals should be required to manage their environmental performance according to a harmonised system . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27 involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing the criteria to which the environmental management system is to correspond . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises . ### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing algae or aquaculture animals should be required to improve their environmental performance in accordance with a harmonised framework . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of supplementing certain criteria of the environmental management framework . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises .


### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . organic agricultural holdings should undergo the same conversion period in all member states , irrespective of whether they have previously adhered to agri - environmental measures supported by union funds . however , no conversion period is necessary in the case of fallow land . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing and amending the specific conversion rules . ### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . however , no conversion period should be necessary in the case of fallow land or where there is evidence that only substances authorised for organic production have been used on the land concerned for at least the time period required for conversion and provided that other necessary requirements are fulfiled . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing the specific conversion rules .


### 4 . 2 . use of plant reproductive material not obtained from organic production ### 4 . 2 . use of seed or vegetative propagating material not obtained from organic production seed or vegetative propagating material not obtained from organic production may be used only in accordance with article 40 if such products come from a production unit in conversion to organic production or where such material is justified for use in research and development , for tests in small - scale field trials or for genetic resources conservation purposes agreed by the competent control body .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules amending or supplementing the specific production rules for processed food and feed as regards the procedures to be followed , preventive measures to be taken , the composition of processed food and feed , cleaning measures , the placing on the market of processed products including their labelling and identification , separation of organic products , agricultural ingredients and feed materials from non - organic products , agricultural ingredients and feed materials , the list of non - organic agricultural ingredients which may exceptionally be used in the production of organic processed products , calculation of the percentage of agricultural ingredients , and the techniques used in food or feed processing . ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the specific production rules for processed feed as regards preventive and precautionary measures to be taken and the techniques used in feed processing , and in respect of the specific production rules for processed food as regards preventive and precautionary measures to be taken , the composition and conditions of use of products and substances allowed for use in processed food , the list of non - organic agricultural ingredients which may exceptionally be used in the production of organic processed products , calculation of the percentage of agricultural ingredients , and the techniques used in food processing .


### at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ; ### at least 40 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or , where this is not feasible , shall be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ;


### in order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in the event of catastrophic circumstances and subject to the principles laid down in chapter ii , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 providing for the criteria to qualify such situations as catastrophic and laying down specific rules on how to deal with them , on monitoring and on reporting requirements . ### derogations from the production rules laid down in this chapter shall be subject to the principles laid down in chapter ii . 2 . derogations as referred to in paragraph 1 shall be kept to a minimum and , where appropriate , limited in time , and may only be provided for in the following cases : where they are necessary in order to ensure that organic production can be initiated or maintained on holdings confronted with climatic , geographical or structural constraints ; where they are necessary in order to ensure access to feed , seed and vegetative propagating material , live animals and other farm inputs , where such inputs are not available on the market in organic form ; where they are necessary in order to ensure access to ingredients of agricultural origin , where such ingredients are not available on the market in organic form ; where they are necessary in order to solve specific problems related to the management of organic livestock ; where they are necessary with regard to the use of specific products and substances in the processing referred to in point of article 19 in order to ensure production of well - established food products in organic form ; where temporary measures are necessary in order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in the case of catastrophic circumstances . 3 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 laying down the criteria according to which situations may be qualified as situations requiringexceptional production rules and rules on how to deal with them , as well as rules on monitoring and on reporting requirements .


### ' genetically modified organism ' means a genetically modified organism as defined in point of article 2 of directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council43 which is not obtained through the techniques of genetic modifications listed in annex i . b to that directive , hereinafter referred to as ‘ gmo ' ; __________________ 43 directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 march 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing council directive 90 / 220 / eec . ### ' genetically modified organism ' means a genetically modified organism as defined in directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council43 , hereinafter referred to as ‘ gmo ' ; __________________ 43 directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 march 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing council directive 90 / 220 / eec .


### operators producing seaweed and aquaculture animals shall in particular comply with the specific production rules set out in part iii of annex ii . ### operators producing algae and aquaculture animals shall in particular comply with the production rules set out in part iii of annex ii .


### ‘ equivalence’ means meeting the same objectives and principles by applying rules which ensure the same level of assurance of conformity ; ‘ processing aid’ means processing aid as defined in point of article 3 of regulation no 1333 / 2008 ; ### ' equivalent ' , when describing different systems or measures , means that they meet the same objectives and principles by applying rules which ensure the same level of assurance of conformity ;


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 90 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ; ### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or , where this is not feasible , shall be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ;


### for the purposes of this regulation , a product shall be regarded as bearing terms referring to organic production where , in the labelling , advertising material or commercial documents , such a product , its ingredients or feed materials are described in terms suggesting to the purchaser that the product , its ingredients or feed materials have been obtained in accordance with this regulation . in particular , the terms listed in annex iv , their derivatives or diminutives , such as ' bio ' and ' eco ' , alone or combined , may be used throughout the union and in any language listed in that annex for the labelling and advertising of products which comply with this regulation . ### for the purposes of this regulation , a product shall be regarded as bearing terms referring to organic production where , in the labelling , advertising material or commercial documents , such a product , its ingredients or feed materials are described in terms suggesting to the purchaser that the product , its ingredients or feed materials have been obtained in accordance with this regulation . in particular , the terms listed in annex iv or their equivalents in other languages that , while not being official languages of the union , their status is officially recognised by the constitution of a member state ; their derivatives or diminutives , such as ' bio ' and ' eco ' , alone or combined , may be used throughout the union [ and in any language listed in that annex ] for the labelling and advertising of products referred to in article 2 which comply with this regulation .


### research projects have demonstrated that consumer confidence is crucial in the market for organic food . in the long run , rules that are not trustworthy can jeopardise public confidence and lead to market failure . therefore the sustainable development of organic production in the union should be based on sound production rules which are harmonised at union level . in addition , those production rules should meet operators ' and consumers ' expectations regarding the quality of organic products and the compliance with the principles and rules laid down in this regulation . ### research projects have demonstrated that consumer confidence is crucial in the market for organic food . in the long run , rules that are not trustworthy , and insufficient implementation of existing rules and controls at union level , can jeopardise public confidence and lead to market failure . therefore , the sustainable development of organic production in the union should be based on sound production rules and harmonised implementation at national and union levels . past experience has revealed major deficiencies in controls at union level . it is therefore important to improve data collection , communication , monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the applicable rules in all member states and at union level . for this purpose , a eu organic agency should be established .


### as food additives , food enzymes and processing aids ; ### as food additives , food enzymes , processing aids , flavours , preparations of micro - organisms , minerals , trace elements , vitamins , amino acids and micro - nutrients ;


### organic operators other than micro - enterprises , farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals , shall put in place an environmental management system with a view to improving their environmental performance . ### organic operators other than micro - enterprises , farmers , beekeepers , retailers , mass catering operators and operators producing algae or aquaculture animals shall put in place methods for identifying and measuring the direct environmental aspects of the operation which are based on an annual target set for the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of the operation , including a documentation and reporting system . such requirements shall be part of the organic certification process .


### principles of organic production ### objectives and principles of organic production


### this regulation shall apply to agricultural products listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union and to some other products listed in annex i to this regulation , insofar as those agricultural products and those other products are intended to be produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the market , imported or exported as organic . ### this regulation shall apply to the following products originating from agriculture , including aquaculture and beekeeping , where such products are , or are intended to be , produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the union market , or imported into or exported from the union as organic : live or unprocessed agricultural products , including seed and other plant reproductive material ; processed agricultural products for food ; feed ; algae and aquaculture animals ; wine ; yeast ; mushrooms ; collected wild plants and parts thereof , and to other products listed in annex i to this regulation , insofar as those agricultural products and other products are intended to be produced , prepared , distributed , placed on the market , imported or exported .


### 3 . 1 . organic livestock shall be born and raised on organic agriculturalholdings . ### 3 . 1 . organic livestock shall be born or hatched and raised on organic agricultural holdings . where the conditions laid down in article 11 apply , and with prior authorisation of the competent authority , the following conditions shall apply : when a flock is constituted for the first time , renewed or reconstituted , and organically reared poultry are not available in sufficient numbers , non - organically reared poultry may be brought into an organic poultry production unit , provided that the pullets for the production of eggs and poultry for meat production are less than three days old ; parent production should be established within five years after revised poultry standards have entered into force . member states shall draw up a plan to fulfil the above mentioned obligation within one year after the revised poultry standards have entered into force .


### livestock should be fed on feed materials produced in accordance with the rules of organic production , and preferably coming from the own holding , taking their physiological needs into account . in addition , in order to provide for the basic nutritional requirements of livestock , certain minerals , trace elements and vitamins may need to be used under well - defined conditions . ### livestock should be fed on feed materials produced in accordance with the rules of organic production , and preferably coming from the own holding , taking their physiological needs into account in terms of both quality and quantity . it should be possible for part of the ration to contain feed from holdings which are in the process of converting to organic farming . in addition , in order to provide for the basic nutritional requirements of livestock , certain minerals , trace elements and vitamins may need to be used under well - defined conditions . however , given the fact that vegetable proteins are currently not available on the market in sufficient quantities and are needed in order to ensure animal health in organic production , the commission should take the necessary steps to support the production of proteins in organic form .


### because of the local nature of mass catering operations , measures taken by member states and private schemes in this area are considered adequate to ensure the functioning of the single market . therefore , food prepared by mass caterers on their premises should not be subject to this regulation . equally , products of hunting and fishing of wild animals should not be covered by this regulation since the production process cannot be fully controlled . ### food prepared by mass caterers on their premises should be subject to this regulation . products of hunting and fishing of wild animals should not be covered by this regulation since the production process cannot be fully controlled .


### alternatives authorised in accordance with this article are not available ; ### alternative substances authorised in accordance with this article or technologies compliant with this regulation are not available ;


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic seaweed production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing the specific seaweed production rules as regards : ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic algae production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific algae production rules as regards :


### provision should be made to ensure that the movement of organic products that have been subject to a control in one member state and which comply with this regulation cannot be restricted in another member state . in order to ensure the proper functioning of the single market and trade between member states , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission to lay down rules relating to the free movement of organic products . ### provision should be made to ensure that the movement of organic products that have been subject to a control in one member state and which comply with this regulation cannot be restricted in another member state .


### practice land - related crop cultivation and livestock production or practice aquaculture which complies with the principle of sustainable exploitation of fisheries ; ### practice soil - bound crop cultivation and land - related livestock production or aquaculture which complies with the principle of sustainable fisheries . additionally , such practices shall be based on the following principles : – soil protection and cover against wind and water erosion ; – protection of the quality of water ; – crop rotation , save in the case of permanent crops ; – use of seeds and animals with a high degree of genetic diversity , resistance against diseases and longevity ;


### 4 . 1 . for the production of plants and plant products only organically produced plant reproductive material shall be used . to this end , the plant intended for plant reproductive material production and , where relevant , the mother plant shall have been produced in accordance with this regulation for at least one generation , or , in the case of perennial crops , for at least one generation during two growing seasons . ### 4 . 1 . for the production of plants and plant products only organically produced plant reproductive material shall be used . to this end , the plant intended for plant reproductive material production and , where relevant , the mother plant shall have been produced in accordance with this regulation for at least one generation , or , in the case of perennial crops , during two growing seasons . plant reproductive material coming from a production unit during the second year of conversion may be used for the production of organic plants and organic plant products .


### the conversion period shall start at the earliest when the farmer or the operator producing seaweed or aquaculture animals has notified his activity to the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation . ### the conversion period shall start at the earliest when the farmer or the operator producing algae or aquaculture animals has subjected his holding to the control system and notified his activity to the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation .


### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals should be required to manage their environmental performance according to a harmonised system . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27 involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing the criteria to which the environmental management system is to correspond . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises . ### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing algae or aquaculture animals should be required to improve their environmental performance in accordance with a harmonised framework . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of supplementing certain criteria of the environmental management framework . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises .


### a recognised third country referred to in the second indent of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purpose of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measure provided for in article 40 . ### a recognised third country as referred to in point of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purposes of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measures provided for in article 40 of this regulation .


### ‘ agricultural raw material’ means an agricultural product that has not been subjected to any operation of preservation or processing ; ### ‘ agricultural raw material’ means an agricultural product that has not been subjected to any operation of processing , preparation or preservation ;


### at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ; ### at least 40 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or , where this is not feasible , shall be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ;


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic aquaculture animals production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing the specific production rules for aquaculture animals as regards : ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic aquaculture animals production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific production rules for aquaculture animals , including for specific aquaculture species , as regards :


### only organic feed materials of animal origin as well as feed materials and feed additives authorised for use in organic production pursuant to article 19 may be used in the processing of organic feed and in the feeding of organic animals . ### only organic feed materials of plant and animal origin , feed materials of invertebrate origin and fermentative products from organic origin , as well as feed materials and feed additives authorised for use in organic production pursuant to article 19 may be used in the processing of organic feed and in the feeding of organic animals . non - organic protein feed may be used provided that : it is not available in organic form ; it is produced or prepared without chemical solvents ; and its use is limited to porcine and poultry species and to specific stages of development and specific protein compounds . this is an exception to the production rules relating to non - availability of organic farm input in accordance with point of article 17 . where farmers are unable to obtain protein feed exclusively from organic production for porcine and poultry species , the maximum percentage of non - organic protein feed authorised per period of 12 months for those species shall not exceed 5 % and shall be decreased in line with the availability of organic protein feed . non - organic spices , herbs and molasses may be used , provided that : they are not available in organic form ; they are produced or prepared without chemical solvents ; and their use is limited to 1 % of the feed ration of a given species , calculated annually as a percentage of the dry matter of feed from agricultural origin . this is an exeption to the production rules relating to non - availability of organic farm input in accordance with point of article 17 , where farmers are unable to obtain spices , herbs , and molasses exclusively from organic production . the percentage shall be decreased in line with the availability of organic spices , herbs and molasses ; products from sustainable fisheries may be used , provided that : they are produced or prepared without chemical solvents ; their use is restricted to non - herbivores ; and the use of fish protein hydrolysate is restricted solely to young animals ; this is an exeption to the production rules relating to non - availability of organic farm input in accordance with point of article 17 , where farmers are unable to obtain products from sustainable fisheries exclusively from organic production . the percentage shall be decreased in line with the availability of organic fisheries .


### disease prevention and veterinary treatment . ### disease prevention and veterinary treatments , as laid down in point 4 . 1 . 4 . of part iii of annex ii .


### furthermore , organic production is a system that contributes to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the cap , and promotes sustainable agricultural production . that is why , measures financially supporting organic production have been introduced under the cap , most recently under regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council14 , and in particular strengthened in the recent reform of the legal framework for rural development policy as established by regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 . __________________ 14 regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulation no 637 / 2008 and council regulation no 73 / 2009 . 15 regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing council regulation no 1698 / 2005 . ### furthermore , organic production is a system that contributes to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the cap , and promotes sustainable agricultural production . that is why , measures financially supporting organic production have been introduced under the cap , most recently under regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council14 , and in particular strengthened in the recent reform of the legal framework for rural development policy as established by regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 . this regulation should therefore refer to eligible measures within the national rural development programmes which shall contribute to the support of organic breeding and improved supply of organic seeds and animal feed . furthermore , there is an urgent need for reliable data on existing gaps of supply of organic seeds , feed and protein sources , and proposals should be put forward and action plans launched to cover those gaps so as to start phasing out existing derogations in respect of these matters . __________________ 14 regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulation no 637 / 2008 and council regulation no 73 / 2009 . 15 regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing council regulation no 1698 / 2005 .


### 1 . hydroponic production , which is a method of growing plants with their roots in a nutrient solution only or in an inert medium to which a nutrient solution is added , is prohibited . ### 1 . hydroponic production is prohibited .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules amending or supplementing the specific production rules for processed food and feed as regards the procedures to be followed , preventive measures to be taken , the composition of processed food and feed , cleaning measures , the placing on the market of processed products including their labelling and identification , separation of organic products , agricultural ingredients and feed materials from non - organic products , agricultural ingredients and feed materials , the list of non - organic agricultural ingredients which may exceptionally be used in the production of organic processed products , calculation of the percentage of agricultural ingredients , and the techniques used in food or feed processing . ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the specific production rules for processed feed as regards preventive and precautionary measures to be taken and the techniques used in feed processing , and in respect of the specific production rules for processed food as regards preventive and precautionary measures to be taken , the composition and conditions of use of products and substances allowed for use in processed food , the list of non - organic agricultural ingredients which may exceptionally be used in the production of organic processed products , calculation of the percentage of agricultural ingredients , and the techniques used in food processing .


### ‘ control body’ means a delegated body as defined in point 38 of article 2 of regulation no xxx / xxxx [ official controls regulation ] , as well as a body recognised by the commission or by a third country recognised by the commission to carry out controls in third countries for the import of organic products into the union ; ### ' control body ' means an independent private or public third party carrying out inspection and certification in the field of organic production in accordance with the provisions set out in this regulation . it also includes , where appropriate , the corresponding body of a third country or the corresponding body operating in a third country ;


### 5 . 2 . 5 . the withdrawal period between the last administration of an allopathic veterinary medicinal product to an animal under normal conditions of use , and the production of organically produced foodstuffs from such animals , is to be twice the withdrawal period as referred to in article 11 of directive 2001 / 82 / ec or , in a case in which this period is not specified , 48 hours . ### 5 . 2 . 5 . the withdrawal period between the last administration of a chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal product to an animal under normal conditions of use , and the production of organically produced foodstuffs from such animals , shall be twice the withdrawal period as referred to in article 9 of directive 2001 / 82 / ec and at least 48 hours .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic plant production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing the specific plant production rules as regards : ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic plant production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific plant production rules as regards :


### poultry shall either be reared until they reach a minimum age or else shall come from slow - growing poultry strains as defined by the competent authority . where slow - growing poultry strains are not used by the farmer the minimum age at slaughter shall be as follows : ### poultry shall come from slow - growing poultry strains as defined by the competent authority . where slow - growing poultry is not available , exceptions shall be authorised by competent authorities to use poultry reared until they reach a minimum age as defined by the competent authority . where slow - growing poultry strains are not used by the farmer , the minimum age at slaughter shall be as follows :


### organic operators other than micro - enterprises , farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals , shall put in place an environmental management system with a view to improving their environmental performance . ### organic operators other than micro - enterprises , farmers , beekeepers , retailers , mass catering operators and operators producing algae or aquaculture animals shall put in place methods for identifying and measuring the direct environmental aspects of the operation which are based on an annual target set for the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of the operation , including a documentation and reporting system . such requirements shall be part of the organic certification process .


### experience gained so far with the application of regulation no 834 / 2007 shows a need to clarify the products to which this regulation applies . primarily , it should cover agricultural products , including aquaculture products , listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union . moreover , it should cover processed agricultural products for use as food or feed because the placing on the market of such products as organic provides a major outlet for agricultural products and ensures visibility to the consumer of the organic nature of the agricultural products from which they are processed . likewise , this regulation should cover certain other products which are linked to agricultural products in a similarly close way as processed agricultural products because those other products either constitute a major outlet for agricultural products or form an integral part of the production process . finally , sea salt should be included in the scope of this regulation because it is produced by applying natural production techniques and its production contributes to the development of rural areas , and thus falls within the objectives of this regulation . for reasons of clarity , those other products , not listed in annex i to the treaty , should be listed in an annex to this regulation . ### experience gained so far with the application of regulation no 834 / 2007 shows a need to clarify the production processes and products to which this regulation applies . primarily , it should cover agricultural production methods and products , including aquaculture products , listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union . moreover , it should cover processed agricultural products for use as food or feed because the placing on the market of such products as organic provides a major outlet for agricultural products and ensures visibility to the consumer of the organic nature of the agricultural products from which they are processed . likewise , this regulation should cover certain other products which are linked to agricultural products in a similarly close way as processed agricultural products because those other products either constitute a major outlet for agricultural products or form an integral part of the production process . for reasons of clarity , those other products , not listed in annex i to the treaty , should be listed in an annex to this regulation .


### production of organic food from organic agricultural ingredients ; ### the production of organic food from organic agricultural ingredients , except where an ingredient is temporarily not available in an organic form . in such cases , exceptions shall be authorised by competent authorities subject to notification to the commission ;


### 2 . 2 . conversion periods specific to the type of animal production are set out in point 2 . ### 2 . 2 . in the case of non - simultaneous conversion of pasturage / land used for animal feed and animals , the periods specific to the type of animal production set out in point 2 shall be applied .


### because of the local nature of mass catering operations , measures taken by member states and private schemes in this area are considered adequate to ensure the functioning of the single market . therefore , food prepared by mass caterers on their premises should not be subject to this regulation . equally , products of hunting and fishing of wild animals should not be covered by this regulation since the production process cannot be fully controlled . ### food prepared by mass caterers on their premises should be subject to this regulation . products of hunting and fishing of wild animals should not be covered by this regulation since the production process cannot be fully controlled .


### in order to take account of any future need to have specific production rules for products other than those referred to in articles 10 to 15 , and in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic production of those additional other products and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing annex ii with regard to specific production rules for those products . ### where this regulation does not lay down detailed production rules for certain animal species , certain aquatic plants and certain micro algae , national rules or , in the absence thereof , private standards recognised by the member states shall apply pending the inclusion of detailed production rules in this regulation . such national rules or private standards shall be notified to the commission . the rules laid down in chapter iv in respect of labelling , and in chapter v in respect of controls and certification , shall apply accordingly .


### the commission should consider the situation of the availability of organic plant reproductive material and animals for breeding purposes and present a report to this end to the european parliament and the council in 2021 . ### in order to ensure that organic plant reproductive material , feed , and animals raised for breeding purposes are available on the market in sufficient quantities , and before submitting any proposals for the phasing - out of exceptions , the commission should carry out a study based on data collection and on analysis of the situation in the member states . on the basis of that study , the commission should by the end of 2018 present a report to the european parliament and the council identifying the reasons for the insufficient development and lack of organic plant reproductive material , feed and animals for organic breeding and outlining a plan for closing these gaps and possible measures , including support measures to stimulate the market for those products .


### a recognised third country referred to in the second indent of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purpose of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measure provided for in article 40 . ### a recognised third country as referred to in point of article 28 is a third country which has been recognised for the purposes of equivalence under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , including those recognised under the transitional measures provided for in article 40 of this regulation .


### ‘ group of operators ' means a group in which each operator is a farmer who has a holding of up to 5 hectares of utilised agricultural area and who may , in addition to producing food or feed , be engaged in processing of food or feed ; ### ' group of small operators ' means a group in which the annual turnover of each operator in respect of his agricultural production unit does not exceed eur 25 000 , and in which the operators concerned may , in addition to producing food or feed , be engaged in processing , preparation or marketing of food or feed and their production units are close to each other geographically ;


### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals should be required to manage their environmental performance according to a harmonised system . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27 involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing the criteria to which the environmental management system is to correspond . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises . ### as a matter of principle , the general production rules of this regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms and products produced from or by gmos . since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation , organic operators other than farmers and operators producing algae or aquaculture animals should be required to improve their environmental performance in accordance with a harmonised framework . with the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro - enterprises as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec27involved in organic production , it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement . in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of supplementing certain criteria of the environmental management framework . __________________ 27 commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises .


### in order to provide clarity for consumers and to ensure that the appropriate information is communicated to them , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of adapting the list of terms referring to organic production set out in this regulation , establishing the specific labelling and composition requirements applicable to feed and ingredients thereof , laying down further rules on labelling and the use of the indications , other than the organic production logo of the european union , set out in this regulation , and amending the organic production logo of the european union and the rules relating thereto . ### in order to provide clarity for consumers and to ensure that the appropriate information is communicated to them , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of adapting the list of terms referring to organic production set out in this regulation , laying down further rules on labelling and the use of the indications , other than the organic production logo of the european union , set out in this regulation , and amending the organic production logo of the european union and the rules relating thereto .


### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . organic agricultural holdings should undergo the same conversion period in all member states , irrespective of whether they have previously adhered to agri - environmental measures supported by union funds . however , no conversion period is necessary in the case of fallow land . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing and amending the specific conversion rules . ### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . however , no conversion period should be necessary in the case of fallow land or where there is evidence that only substances authorised for organic production have been used on the land concerned for at least the time period required for conversion and provided that other necessary requirements are fulfiled . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing the specific conversion rules .


### operators and groups of operators that have notified their activity in accordance with article 24 and comply with this regulation shall be entitled to be provided with an organic certificate . the organic certificate , issued in electronic form wherever possible , shall at least allow the identification of the operator or group of operators , the type or range of products covered by the certificate and its period of validity . ### operators and groups of operators that have notified their activity in accordance with article 24a and comply with this regulation shall be entitled to be provided with an organic certificate . the organic certificate , issued in electronic form wherever possible , shall at least allow the identification of the operator or group of operators , the type or range of products covered by the certificate and its period of validity .


### 7 . 6 . tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited , unless for individual animals for a limited period of time , and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons . competent authorities may authorise cattle in micro - enterprises to be tethered if it is not possible to keep the cattle in groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements , provided they have access to pastures during the grazing period , and at least twice a week access to open air areas when grazing is not possible . ### 7 . 6 . tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited , save for individual animals for a limited period of time , and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons . competent authorities may authorise cattle in small holdings to be tethered , provided they have access to pastures during the grazing period whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this , unless restrictions and obligations relating to the protection of human and animal health are imposed pursuant to union legislation , and at least twice a week access to open air areas when grazing is not possible .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic livestock production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing the specific livestock production rules as regards : ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic livestock production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific livestock production rules as regards :


### ' genetically modified organism ' means a genetically modified organism as defined in point of article 2 of directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council43 which is not obtained through the techniques of genetic modifications listed in annex i . b to that directive , hereinafter referred to as ‘ gmo ' ; __________________ 43 directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 march 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing council directive 90 / 220 / eec . ### ' genetically modified organism ' means a genetically modified organism as defined in directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council43 , hereinafter referred to as ‘ gmo ' ; __________________ 43 directive 2001 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 march 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing council directive 90 / 220 / eec .


### practice land - related crop cultivation and livestock production or practice aquaculture which complies with the principle of sustainable exploitation of fisheries ; ### practice soil - bound crop cultivation and land - related livestock production or aquaculture which complies with the principle of sustainable fisheries . additionally , such practices shall be based on the following principles : – soil protection and cover against wind and water erosion ; – protection of the quality of water ; – crop rotation , save in the case of permanent crops ; – use of seeds and animals with a high degree of genetic diversity , resistance against diseases and longevity ;


### regulation no 834 / 2007 provided for different exceptions from organic production rules . the experience gained from the application of those provisions has shown that such exceptions have a negative impact on organic production . in particular , it has been found that the very existence of such exceptions impedes the production of inputs in organic form and that the high level of animal welfare associated with organic production is not ensured . in addition , the management and control of exceptions entail considerable administrative burden , both for the national administrations and operators . finally , the existence of exceptions has created conditions for distortions in competition and has threatened to undermine consumer confidence . accordingly , the scope for allowing exceptions from organic production rules should be further restricted and limited to cases of catastrophic circumstances . ### regulation no 834 / 2007 provided for different exceptions from organic production rules . the experience gained from the application of those provisions has shown that such exceptions have not created sufficient stimulus to make such exceptions superfluous . in particular , it has been found that the very existence of such exceptions can impede an increase in supply of inputs in organic form and that the high level of animal welfare associated with organic production is not always ensured . in addition , the management and control of exceptions entail considerable administrative burden , both for the national administrations and operators . finally , the existence of exceptions has created conditions for distortions in competition and has threatened to undermine consumer confidence . accordingly , measures to stimulate the development of organic breeding and to close existing gaps in the organic market of inputs should be created through this regulation so that exceptions can be phased out as soon as possible .


### operators producing seaweed and aquaculture animals shall in particular comply with the specific production rules set out in part iii of annex ii . ### operators producing algae and aquaculture animals shall in particular comply with the production rules set out in part iii of annex ii .


### in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 providing the criteria to which the environmental management system referred to in point of paragraph 1 is to correspond . those criteria shall take into account the specificities of small and medium size enterprises . ### in order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 , based on the principles set out in chapter ii , laying down the criteria to which the requirements for environmental performance measures taken in organic operations referred to in point of paragraph 1 are to correspond . those criteria shall take into account the specificities of small and medium - sized enterprises .


### ' preventive measures ' means measures to be taken in order to ensure soil quality as well as prevention and control of pests and weeds , and to prevent contamination with products or substances that are not authorised under this regulation ; ### ' preventive and precautionary measures ' means measures to be taken in order to ensure organic production quality as well as preservation of biodiversity and to prevent contamination and commingling with products or substances that are not authorised under this regulation at all stages of production , preparation and distribution ;