### the observance of high health , environmental and animal welfare standards in the production of organic products is intrinsic to the high quality of those products . as underlined in the communication from the commission to the european parliament and to the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on agricultural product quality policy11 , organic production forms part of the union ' s agricultural product quality schemes together with geographical indications , traditional specialties guaranteed and products of the outermost regions of the union , as laid down in regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council12 and regulation no 228 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council13 , respectively . in this sense , organic production pursues the same objectives within the common agricultural policy which are inherent to all the agricultural product quality schemes of the union . __________________ 11 com 234 final . 12 regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs . 13 regulation no 228 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 march 2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the union and repealing council regulation no 247 / 2006 . ### the observance of high health , environmental and animal welfare standards in the production of organic products is intrinsic to the high quality of those products . as underlined in the communication from the commission to the european parliament and to the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on agricultural product quality policy11 , organic production forms part of the union ' s agricultural product quality schemes together with geographical indications , traditional specialties guaranteed and products of the outermost regions of the union , as laid down in regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council12 and regulation no 228 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council13 , respectively . in this sense , organic production plays a leading role in establishing more sustainable farming and food systems , and to that end , it pursues objectives within the common agricultural policy which are inherent to all the agricultural product quality schemes of the union . __________________ 11 com 234 final . 12 regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs . 13 regulation no 228 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 march 2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the union and repealing council regulation no 247 / 2006 .


### mutilations which lead to stress , harm , disease or suffering of animals should be prohibited . ### all mutilations which lead to stress , harm , disease or suffering of animals should be prohibited . attaching elastic bands to the tails of sheep and tail - docking may be authorised by the competent authority for reasons of safety or animal and human health or if they are intended to improve the health , welfare or hygiene of the livestock . dehorning of young mammals should be approved only if adequate anaesthesia and analgesia are applied .


### each member state shall ensure that a computerised database is established for listing the varieties and heterogeneous material , according to regulation no xx / xxx for which plant reproductive material obtained by the organic production method is available on its territory . ### each member state shall ensure that a computerised database is established for listing the varieties , including open pollinated varieties and ' heterogeneous material ' such as landraces , varieties with no intrinsic value for commercial exploitation or selections thereof , meaning plant reproductive material that does not belong to a variety and is not a mixture of varieties protected by a plant breeders right or patent , for which plant reproductive material obtained by the organic production method is available on its territory . the minimum requirements as regards the uniformity , distinctness and stability of a variety , and , where applicable , its value for cultivation and use , set out in the following provisions : article 3 and of council directive 66 / 401 / eec1a ; article 3 of council directive 66 / 402 / eec1b ; article 3 of council directive 68 / 193 / eec1c ; article 4 and of council directive 2002 / 53 / ec1d ; article 3 of council directive 2002 / 54 / ec1e ; article 3 of council directive 2002 / 55 / ec1f ; article 3 of council directive 2002 / 56 / ec1g ; article 3 and of council directive 2002 / 57 / ec1h ; article 9 and of council directive 2008 / 72 / ec1i ; articles 3 and 7of council directive 2008 / 90 / ec 1j shall not apply for plant reproductive material for use in organic agriculture . ________________ 1a council directive 66 / 401 / eec of 14 june 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seed . 1b council directive 66 / 402 / eec of 14 june 1966 on the marketing of cereal seed . 1c council directive 68 / 193 / eec of 9 april 1968 on the marketing of material for the vegetative propagation of the vine . 1d council directive 2002 / 53 / ec of 13 june 2002 on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species . 1e council directive 2002 / 54 / ec of 13 june 2002 on the marketing of beet seed . 1f council directive 2002 / 55 / ec of 13 june 2002 on the marketing of vegetable seed . 1g council directive 2002 / 56 / ec of 13 june 2002 on the marketing of seed potatoes . 1h council directive 2002 / 57 / ec of 13 june 2002 on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants . 1i council directive 2008 / 72 / ec of 15 july 2008 on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material , other than seed . 1j council directive 2008 / 90 / ec of 29 september 2008 on the marketing of fruit propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production .


### the use of pesticides , should be significantly restricted . preference should be given to the application of measures that prevent any damage by pests and weeds through techniques which do not involve the use of plant protection products such as crop rotation . presence of pests and weeds should be monitored to decide whether any intervention is economically and ecologically justified . the use of certain plant protection products should be allowed if such techniques do not provide adequate protection and only if those plant protection products have been authorised in accordance with regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council28 , after having been assessed to be compatible with objectives and principles of organic production , including with restrictive conditions of use , and consequently authorised in accordance with this regulation . __________________ 28 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec . ### the use of pesticides should be significantly restricted . preference should be given to the application of measures that prevent any damage by pests , weeds and diseases through techniques which do not involve the use of plant protection products such as crop rotation . presence of pests , weeds and diseases should be monitored to decide whether any intervention is economically and ecologically justified . the use of certain plant protection products should be allowed if such techniques do not provide adequate protection and only if those plant protection products have been authorised in accordance with regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council28 , after having been assessed to be compatible with objectives and principles of organic production , including with restrictive conditions of use , and consequently authorised in accordance with this regulation . __________________ 28 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### mass catering operations carried out by a mass caterer as defined in point of article 2 of regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council35 shall not be subject to this regulation . __________________ 35 regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers , amending regulations no 1924 / 2006 and no 1925 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council , and repealing commission directive 87 / 250 / eec , council directive 90 / 496 / eec , commission directive 1999 / 10 / ec , directive 2000 / 13 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , commission directives 2002 / 67 / ec and 2008 / 5 / ec and commission regulation no 608 / 2004 . ### mass catering operations carried out by a mass caterer as defined in point of article 2 of regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council35 shall be subject to this regulation . __________________ 35 regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers , amending regulations no 1924 / 2006 and no 1925 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council , and repealing commission directive 87 / 250 / eec , council directive 90 / 496 / eec , commission directive 1999 / 10 / ec , directive 2000 / 13 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , commission directives 2002 / 67 / ec and 2008 / 5 / ec and commission regulation no 608 / 2004 .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission as regards the technical details for the establishment of the database for the listing of the varieties for which plant reproductive material obtained by the organic production method is available , as regards the authorisation or the withdrawal of the authorisation of the products and substances that may be used in organic production in general and in the production of processed organic food in particular , including the procedures to be followed for the authorisation and the lists of those products and substances and , where appropriate , their description , compositional requirement and conditions for use , as regards the specific and practical modalities regarding the presentation , composition and size of the indications referring to the code numbers of control authorities and control bodies and of the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed , the assignment of code numbers to control authorities and control bodies and the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed , as regards the details and specifications regarding the content , form and way of notification of the notifications by operators and groups of operators of their activity to the competent authorities and the form of publication of the fees that may be collected for the controls , as regards the exchange of information between groups of operators and competent authorities , control authorities and control bodies and between member states and the commission , as regards the recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies which are competent to carry out controls in third countries and the establishment of the list of those control authorities and control bodies and rules to ensure the application of measures in relation to cases of non - compliance , or suspicion thereof , affecting the integrity of imported organic products , as regards the establishment of a list of third countries recognised under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 and the amendment of that list as well as rules to ensure the application of measures in relation to cases of non - compliance , or suspicion thereof , affecting the integrity of organic products imported from those countries , as regards the system to be used to transmit the information necessary for the implementation and monitoring of this regulation , and as regards the establishment of the list of control authorities and control bodies recognised under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 and the amendment of that list . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council34 . __________________ 34 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission as regards the technical details for the establishment of the database for the listing of the varieties for which seed and vegetative propagating material obtained by the organic production method is available , as regards the specific and practical modalities regarding the presentation , composition and size of the indications referring to the code numbers of control authorities and control bodies and of the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed , the assignment of code numbers to control authorities and control bodies and the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed , as regards the details and specifications regarding the content , form and way of notification of the notifications by operators and groups of operators of their activity to the competent authorities and the form of publication of the fees that may be collected for the controls , as regards the recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies which are competent to carry out controls in third countries , following receipt of the assessment by the eu organic agency of the technical dossier , and the establishment of the list of those control authorities and control bodies , as regards the establishment of a list of third countries recognised under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 , as regards the establishment of the list of control authorities and control bodies recognised under article 33 of regulation no 834 / 2007 and the amendment of that list . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council34 . __________________ 34 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of commission ' s exercise of implementing powers .


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as mentioned 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 mentioned 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 ;


### organic certification ### organic controls and certification


### ‘ 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 ;


### 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 organic yeast as regards the processing and the substrates used in its production . ### 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 organic yeast as regards the processing and the substrates used in its production .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the rules laid down in this article or supplementing and amending the rules set out in annex ii as regards conversion . ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the rules laid down in this article or supplementing the rules set out in annex ii as regards conversion .


### 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 ;


### ‘ ionising radiation’ means ionising radiation as defined in article 1 of council directive 96 / 29 / euratom47 . __________________ 47 council directive 96 / 29 / euratom of 13 may 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation . ### ‘ ionising radiation’ means ionising radiation as defined in article 1 of council directive 96 / 29 / euratom47 and as regulated by directive 1999 / 2 / ec47 a ; __________________ 47 council directive 96 / 29 / euratom of 13 may 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation ; 47 a directive 1999 / 2 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 22 february 1999 on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation


### in order to ensure the integrity of organic production 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 rules on collection , packaging , transport and storage of organic products . ### in order to ensure the integrity of organic production 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 rules on collection , packaging , transport and storage of organic products .


### 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 .


### for the purposes of paragraph 1 , with regard to gmos or products produced from or by gmos for food and feed , operators may rely on the labels of a product or any other accompanying document , affixed or provided pursuant to directive 2001 / 18 / ec , regulation no 1829 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council48 or regulation no 1830 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council49 . __________________ 48 regulation 1829 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on genetically modified food and feed . 49 regulation 1830 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending directive 2001 / 18 / ec . ### for the purposes of the prohibition referred to in paragraph 1 , with regard to gmos or products produced from or by gmos for food and feed , operators shall rely on the labels of a product or any other accompanying document , affixed or provided pursuant to directive 2001 / 18 / ec , regulation no 1829 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council48 or regulation no 1830 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council49 . __________________ 48 regulation 1829 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on genetically modified food and feed . 49 regulation 1830 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending directive 2001 / 18 / ec .


### organic production is based on the general principle of restriction of the use of external inputs . farmers are required to take measures to prevent the risk of contamination by non - authorised products or substances . despite such measures , there may be instances where farmers are prevented from marketing their agricultural products as organic due to the unintentional presence of non - authorised products or substances . it is therefore appropriate to provide for the possibility whereby member states may , in accordance with article 42 of the treaty , be authorised by the commission to grant national payments to compensate for the losses incurred in such instances . member states may also use the instruments of the common agricultural policy to cover totally or partially such losses . ### member states should ensure that losses which organic farmers incur due to unintended contaminations are adequately covered . where the origin of contamination can be traced , member states are to apply the polluter - pays principle .


### 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 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 commission shall adopt implementing acts as regards the system to be used for transmitting the information referred to in paragraph 1 , the details of information to be transmitted , and the date by which that information is to be transmitted . 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 concerning the system to be used for transmitting the information referred to in paragraph 1 , the details of information to be transmitted , and the date by which that information is to be transmitted .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### the operators in third countries are able to provide at any time , to the importers or the national authorities information allowing the identification of the operator who carried out the last operation with a view to ensuring the traceability of the organic product . ### the operators in third countries are able to provide at any time , to the importers and the national authorities , information enabling all operators who carried out operations to be identified , with a view to ensuring the traceability of the organic product back to all operators involved . such information shall also be made available to the control bodies or control authorities of the importers .


### in order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in cases of catastrophic circumstances , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing the criteria for qualifying cases of catastrophic circumstances and to lay down specific rules for addressing such cases and for the necessary monitoring and reporting requirements . ### the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 establishing the criteria by which such situations may be qualified as appropriate to exceptional production rules and the ways of dealing with such situations , and laying down monitoring and reporting requirements .


### 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 .


### 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 ;


### 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 .


### save as otherwise provided in point 2 . 2 of part iv and point 1 . 3 of part vi of annex ii , only products and substances authorised pursuant to article 19 may be used in organic agriculture and aquaculture , provided that the product or substance in question has been authorised for use in agriculture and aquaculture , in accordance with the relevant provisions of union law and , where necessary , in the member states concerned , in accordance with national provisions based on union law ; ### save as otherwise provided for in part i , ii or iii of annex ii , only products and substances authorised pursuant to article 19 may be used in organic agriculture and aquaculture , provided that the product or substance in question has been authorised for use in agriculture and aquaculture , in accordance with the relevant provisions of union law and , where necessary , in the member states concerned , in accordance with national provisions based on union law ;


### 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 .


### 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 .


### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic yeast 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 yeast production rules as regards the processing and the substrates used . ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic yeast production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific yeast production rules , as laid down in point 1 . 3 of part vi of annex ii .


### 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 .


### 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 ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic wine 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 wine production rules as regards oenological practices and restrictions . ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic wine production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the specific wine production rules as regards oenological practices and restrictions , as laid down in points 3 . 2 . , 3 . 3 . , 3 . 4 . and 3 . 5 . of part v of annex ii .


### 4 . 3 . 1 . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , up to 15 % of the total average amount of feed 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 . feed in their first year of conversion may not be used for the production of organic processed feed . when both in - conversion feed and feed from parcels in their first year of conversion are being used , the total combined percentage of such feed shall not exceed the maximum percentages fixed in point 1 . 4 . 3 . 2 . ### 4 . 3 . 1 . up to 30 % on average of the feed formula of rations may comprise in - conversion feedingstuffs . when the in - conversion feedingstuffs come from a unit of in - conversion of the holding itself , this percentage may be increased to 100 % .


### 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 .


### 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 ;


### 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 ;


### 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 .


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as mentioned 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 mentioned 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 quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic processed food and feed 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 processed food and feed as regards : ### in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation as regards organic processed feed 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 processed feed as regards :


### 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 .


### 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 .


### 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 whose production does not fall within any of the categories of specific production rules laid down in this regulation , as well as in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and , subsequently , adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing specific production rules for such products , including amendments or supplements thereof . ### 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 should apply pending the inclusion of detailed production rules in this regulation . such national rules or private standards should be notified to the commission . the rules laid down in this regulation in respect of labelling , controls and certification should apply accordingly .


### in particular , the objectives of the organic production policy are embedded in the objectives of the cap by ensuring that farmers receive a fair return for complying with the organic production rules . in addition , the growing consumer demand for organic products creates conditions for further development and expansion of the market in those products and thus for an increase in the return of farmers engaged in organic production . ### in particular , the objectives of the organic production policy are embedded in the objectives of the cap by ensuring that farmers receive a fair return for complying with the organic production rules . in addition , the growing consumer demand for organic products creates conditions for further development and expansion of the market in those products and thus for an increase in the return of farmers engaged in organic production . taking into account the fact that union farmers face increased problems in receiving a fair income from the food chain , this regulation should also contribute to helping farmers and consumers to reconnect through direct marketing in short food chains and so create a fair share of the added value of food and positive externalities created in organic farming .


### feed and feeding ; ### nutrition , as laid down in points 2 . 1 . 2 . , 2 . 2 . 2 . , 2 . 3 . 2 . , 2 . 4 . 3 . and 2 . 5 . 3 . of part ii of annex ii ;


### in order to ensure the integrity of organic production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 amending or supplementing the rules set out in annex iii . ### in order to ensure the integrity of organic production and adaptation to technical developments , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 supplementing the rules set out in points 2 , 3 , 4 and 6 of annex iii .


### ' 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 ;


### limitation of the use of food additives , of non - organic ingredients with mainly technological and sensory functions , and of micronutrients and processing aids , so that they are used to a minimum extent and only in cases of essential technological need or for particular nutritional purposes ; ### restriction of the use of food additives , of non - organic ingredients with mainly technological and sensory functions , and of micronutrients and processing aids , so that they are used to a minimum extent and only in cases of essential technological need or for particular nutritional purposes ;


### ‘ 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 farming within a given period of time , during which the rules governing organic production are applied ;


### the collection of wild plants . ### the collection of wild plants , as laid down in point 2 . 2 . of part i of annex ii .


### 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 .


### ' 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 .


### 7 . 3 . the livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas , preferably pasture , whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . ### 7 . 3 . the livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas , including open - air pens and pasture as appropriate to the species concerned , whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this , unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed pursuant to union legislation .


### 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 wine production rules as regards oenological practices and restrictions . ### 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 wine production rules as regards oenological practices and restrictions .


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as mentioned 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 mentioned 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 ;


### 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 .


### 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 .


### 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 experience with the scheme of control authorities and control bodies recognised as competent to carry out controls and issue certificates in third countries for the purpose of import of products providing equivalent guarantees shows that the rules applied by those authorities and bodies are different and could be difficult to be considered as equivalent to the respective union rules . furthermore , multiplication of control authorities and control bodies standards hampers adequate supervision by the commission . therefore that scheme of recognition of equivalence should be abolished . however , sufficient time should be given to those control authorities and control bodies so that they can prepare themselves for obtaining recognition for the purposes of import of products complying with union rules . ### experience with the scheme of control authorities and control bodies recognised as competent to carry out controls and issue certificates in third countries for the purpose of import of products providing equivalent guarantees shows that the rules applied by those authorities and bodies are different and could be difficult to be considered as equivalent to the respective union rules . furthermore , multiplication of control authorities and control bodies standards hampers adequate supervision by the commission . therefore , that scheme of recognition of equivalence should be modified so as to introduce a new system of equivalence and compliance where appropriate . however , sufficient time should be given to those control authorities and control bodies so that they can prepare themselves for obtaining recognition for the purposes of import of products complying with union rules .


### 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 .


### 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 ;


### 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 ;


### ‘ 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 ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the certification of a group of operators , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 36 concerning the responsibilities of the individual members of a group of operators , the composition and dimension of a group of operators , the categories of products to be produced by a group of operators , the conditions for participation in a group of operators , the set - up and functioning of the group ' s system for internal controls , including the scope , content and frequency of the controls to be carried out . ### the criteria for group certification of groups of operators are set out in annex ve .


### where a passenger receives separate tickets for a single journey comprising successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings , his rights to information , assistance , care and compensation shall be equivalent to those under a through - ticket and cover the whole journey from the departure to the final destination , unless the passenger is explicitly informed otherwise in writing . such information shall in particular state that when the passenger misses a connection , he or she would not be entitled to assistance or compensation based on the total length of the journey . the burden of proof that the information was provided shall lie with the railway undertaking , its agent , tour operator or ticket vendor . ### where a passenger receives separate tickets for a single journey comprising successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings , his rights to information , assistance , care and compensation shall be equivalent to those under a through - ticket and cover the whole journey from the departure to the final destination .


### in addition to the obligations on railway undertakings pursuant to article 13a of directive 2012 / 34 / eu , the station manager of a railway station handling at least 10 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall ensure that the operations of the station , the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are coordinated through a proper contingency plan in order to prepare for the possibility of major disruption and long delays leading to a considerable number of passengers being stranded in the station . the plan shall ensure that stranded passengers are provided with adequate assistance and information , including in accessible formats in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx . upon request , the station manager shall make the plan , and any amendments to it , available to the national enforcement body or to any other body designated by a member state . station managers of railway stations handling fewer than 10 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate station users and to assist and inform stranded passengers in such situations . ### in addition to the obligations on railway undertakings pursuant to article 13a of directive2012 / 34 / eu , the station manager of a railway station handling at least 5 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall ensure that the operations of the station , the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are coordinated through a proper contingency plan in order to prepare for the possibility of major disruption and delays leading to a considerable number of passengers being stranded in the station . the plan shall pay particular attention to the needs of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility and shall ensure that stranded passengers are provided with adequate assistance and information , including in accessible formats in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx . the plan shall also include requirements for the accessibility of alert and information systems . upon request , the station manager shall make the plan , and any amendments to it , available to the national enforcement body or to any other body designated by a member state . station managers of railway stations handling fewer than 5 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate station users and to assist and inform stranded passengers in such situations .


### where a passenger receives separate tickets for a single journey comprising successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings , his rights to information , assistance , care and compensation shall be equivalent to those under a through - ticket and cover the whole journey from the departure to the final destination , unless the passenger is explicitly informed otherwise in writing . such information shall in particular state that when the passenger misses a connection , he or she would not be entitled to assistance or compensation based on the total length of the journey . the burden of proof that the information was provided shall lie with the railway undertaking , its agent , tour operator or ticket vendor . ### where a passenger receives separate tickets for a single journey comprising successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings , their rights to information , assistance , care and compensation shall be equivalent to those under a through - ticket and cover the whole journey from the departure to the final destination .


### the passenger shall not have any right to compensation if he is informed of a delay before he buys a ticket , or if a delay due to continuation on a different service or re - routing remains below 60 minutes . ### the passenger shall not have any right to compensation if they are informed of a delay before buying a ticket , or if a delay due to continuation on a different service or re - routing remains below 45 minutes .


### railway undertakings should facilitate the transfer of rail passengers from one operator to another by the provision of through - tickets , whenever possible . ### railway undertakings should facilitate the transfer of rail passengers from one operator to another by the provision of through - tickets . in this respect , they should also cooperate with ticket vendors providing combined journeys .


### railway undertakings and ticket vendors offering transport contracts on behalf of one or more railway undertakings shall provide the passenger , upon request , with at least the information set out in annex ii , part i in relation to the journeys for which a transport contract is offered by the railway undertaking concerned . ticket vendors offering transport contracts on their own account , and tour operators , shall provide this information where available . ### railway undertakings , tour operators and ticket vendors offering transport contracts on their own behalf or on behalf of one or more railway undertakings shall provide the passenger with at least the information set out in annex ii , part i in relation to the journeys for which a transport contract is offered by the railway undertaking concerned .


### the compensation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be equal to the cost of replacement or repair of the equipment or devices lost or damaged . ### the compensation for loss or damage referred to in paragraph 1 shall be paid within one month of submission of a claim and be equal to the cost of replacement based on the actual value , or on the full costs of repair , of the wheelchair , equipment , devices lost or damaged or the loss or injury of the service animal . the compensation shall also include the cost of temporary replacement in case of repair , when those costs are borne by the passenger .


### users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding the service both before and during the journey . whenever possible , railway undertakings and ticket vendors should provide this information in advance and as soon as possible . that information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility . ### users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding the service both before and during the journey . railway undertakings and , where possible , ticket vendors should provide this information in advance and as soon as possible . that information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility .


### in addition to the obligations on railway undertakings pursuant to article 13a of directive 2012 / 34 / eu , the station manager of a railway station handling at least 10 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall ensure that the operations of the station , the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are coordinated through a proper contingency plan in order to prepare for the possibility of major disruption and long delays leading to a considerable number of passengers being stranded in the station . the plan shall ensure that stranded passengers are provided with adequate assistance and information , including in accessible formats in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx . upon request , the station manager shall make the plan , and any amendments to it , available to the national enforcement body or to any other body designated by a member state . station managers of railway stations handling fewer than 10 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate station users and to assist and inform stranded passengers in such situations . ### in addition to the obligations on railway undertakings pursuant to article 13a of directive 2012 / 34 / eu , the station manager of a railway station handling at least 5 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall ensure that the operations of the station , the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are coordinated through a proper contingency plan in order to prepare for the possibility of major disruption and long delays leading to a considerable number of passengers being stranded in the station . the plan shall pay particular attention to the needs of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility ; it shall ensure that stranded passengers are provided with adequate assistance and information , including in accessible formats in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx . the plan shall also include requirements for the accessibility of alert and information systems . the station manager shall make the plan , and any amendments to it , publicly available . station managers of railway stations handling fewer than 5 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate station users and to assist and inform stranded passengers in such situations .


### railway undertakings and , where possible , ticket vendors shall provide the passenger during the journey , including at connecting stations , with at least the information set out in annex ii , part ii . ### railway undertakings and , where possible , tour operators and ticket vendors shall provide the passenger during the journey , including at connecting stations , with at least the information set out in annex ii , part ii .


### the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be provided in the most appropriate format including by using up - to - date communication technologies . particular attention shall be paid to ensuring that this information is accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx and regulation 454 / 2011 . ### the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be provided using easily - accessible , commonly used and real - time up - to - date communication technologies , including non - proprietary technologies . this information shall be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in directive xxx and regulation 454 / 2011 .


### the increasing popularity of cycling across the union has implications for overall mobility and tourism . an increase in the use of both railways and cycling in the modal split reduces the environmental impact of transport . therefore , railway undertakings should facilitate the combination of cycling and train journeys as much as possible , in particular by allowing the carriage of bicycles on board trains . ### the increasing popularity of cycling across the union has implications for overall mobility and tourism . an increase in the use of both railways and cycling in the modal split reduces the environmental impact of transport . therefore , railway undertakings should facilitate the combination of cycling and train journeys . in particular by providing mandatory bicycle stands for the carriage of assembled bicycles on board of all kinds of passenger trains , including on high - speed , long - distance and cross - border journeys .


### the national enforcement bodies shall closely monitor compliance with this regulation and take the measures necessary to ensure that the rights of passengers are upheld . for this purpose , railway undertakings , station managers and infrastructure managers shall provide the bodies with relevant documents and information at their request . in carrying out their functions , the bodies shall take account of the information submitted to them by the body designated under article 33 to handle complaints , if this is a different body . they may also decide on enforcement actions based on individual complaints transmitted by such a body . ### the national enforcement bodies shall closely monitor compliance with this regulation and take the measures necessary to ensure that the rights of passengers are upheld . for this purpose , railway undertakings , station managers and infrastructure managers shall provide the bodies with relevant documents and information at their request without delay and in any event within one month . in carrying out their functions , the bodies shall take account of the information submitted to them by the body designated under article 33 to handle complaints , if this is a different body . member states shall ensure that national enforcement and complaint handling bodies shall be given sufficient powers and resources for the adequate and effective enforcement of individual complaints from passengers under this regulation .


### railway undertakings and station managers shall , with the active involvement of representative organisations of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility , establish , or shall have in place , non - discriminatory access rules for the transport of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility including their personal assistants . the rules shall allow the passenger to be accompanied by an assistance dog in accordance with any relevant national rules . ### railway undertakings and station managers shall , with the active involvement of representative organisations of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility , establish , or shall have in place , non - discriminatory access rules for the transport of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility including their personal assistants . the rules shall allow the passenger to be accompanied by a service animal in accordance with any relevant national rules , and shall ensure that rail transport for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility is immediate and spontaneous wherever possible .


### where there is no ticket office or accessible ticketing machine in the station of departure , persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility shall be permitted to buy tickets on board the train at no extra cost . ### tickets bought on board the train shall not cost more than the relevant standard fare for the journey concerned with any applicable discounts .


### assistance shall be provided on condition that the railway undertaking , the station manager , the ticket vendor or the tour operator with which the ticket was purchased is notified of the person ' s need for such assistance at least 48 hours before the assistance is needed . where a ticket or season ticket permits multiple journeys , one notification shall be sufficient provided that adequate information on the timing of subsequent journeys is provided . such notifications shall be forwarded to all other railway undertakings and station managers involved in the person ' s journey ; ### assistance shall be provided on condition that the railway undertaking , the station manager , the ticket vendor or the tour operator with which the ticket was purchased is notified of the person ' s need for such assistance upon booking the ticket or upon arrival at the station . where a ticket or season ticket permits multiple journeys , one notification shall be sufficient provided that adequate information on the timing of subsequent journeys is provided . such notifications shall be forwarded to all other railway undertakings and station managers involved in the person ' s journey ;


### 25 % of the ticket price for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes , ### 50% of the ticket price for a delay of 45 to 89 minutes ;


### users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding the service both before and during the journey . whenever possible , railway undertakings and ticket vendors should provide this information in advance and as soon as possible . that information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility . ### users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding the service both before and during the journey . railway undertakings and ticket vendors should provide this information in advance and in real - time . that information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility .


### assistance shall be available in stations during all times when rail services operate . ### without prejudice to paragraph 3 of this article , assistance shall be available in stations during all times when rail services operate .


### railway undertakings shall offer the possibility to obtain tickets for the respective service on board the train , unless this is limited or denied on grounds relating to security or antifraud policy or compulsory train reservation or reasonable commercial grounds . ### railway undertakings shall offer the possibility to obtain tickets for the respective service on board the train , unless this is limited or denied on reasonable and justifiable grounds relating to security or antifraud policy or space or seat availability .


### the compensation of the ticket price shall be paid within one month after the submission of the request for compensation . the compensation may be paid in vouchers and / or other services if the terms are flexible . the compensation shall be paid in money at the request of the passenger . ### the compensation of the ticket price shall be paid within one month after the submission of the request for compensation to the railway undertaking , tour operator or ticket vendor . the compensation may be paid in vouchers and / or other services if the terms are flexible . the compensation shall be paid in money at the request of the passenger .


### urban , suburban and regional rail passenger services as referred to in directive&#160 ; 2012 / 34 / eu , except cross - border services within the union ; ### urban and suburban rail passenger services as referred to in directive&#160 ; 2012 / 34 / eu , except cross - border services within the union ;


### ‘ ticket vendor’ means any retailer of rail transport services concluding transport contracts and selling tickets on behalf of a railway undertaking or for its own account ; ### ‘ ticket vendor’ means any retailer of rail transport services concluding transport contracts and selling tickets on behalf of one or more railway undertakings or for its own account ;


### in the case of any delay as referred to in paragraph 1 of more than 60 minutes , passengers shall also be offered free of charge : ### in the case of any delay as referred to in paragraph 1 of more than 45 minutes , passengers shall also be offered free of charge :


### the compensation referred to in paragraph 1 shall be equal to the cost of replacement or repair of the equipment or devices lost or damaged . ### the compensation for loss or damage referred to in paragraph 1 shall be paid within one month of submission of a claim and be equal to the cost of replacement based on the actual value , or on the full costs of repair , of the wheelchair , equipment , devices lost or damaged or the loss or injury of the service animal . the compensation shall also include the cost of temporary replacement in case of repair , when those costs are borne by the passenger .


### when a railway undertaking , ticket vendor or tour operator exercises the derogation provided for in article 20 , it shall upon request inform in writing the person with disabilities or person with reduced mobility concerned of its reasons for doing so within five working days of the refusal to make the reservation or to issue the ticket or the imposition of the condition of being accompanied . the railway undertaking , ticket vendor or tour operator shall make reasonable efforts to propose an alternative transport option to the person in question taking into account his or her accessibility needs . ### when a railway undertaking , ticket vendor or tour operator exercises the derogation provided for in article 20 , it shall upon request inform in writing the person with disabilities or person with reduced mobility concerned of its reasons for doing so within five working days of the refusal to make the reservation or to issue the ticket or the imposition of the condition of being accompanied . the railway undertaking , ticket vendor or tour operator shall propose an alternative transport option to the person in question taking into account his or her accessibility needs


### railway undertakings and ticket vendors shall offer tickets and , where available , through - tickets and reservations . they shall make all possible efforts to offer through - tickets , including for journeys across borders and with more than one railway undertaking . ### railway undertakings and ticket vendors shall offer tickets and through - tickets and reservations . they shall offer through - tickets , including for journeys across borders and with more than one railway undertaking . booking these tickets shall be accessible and non - discriminatory , including for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility