P6_TA(2007)0095

Organic production and labelling of organic products *

Proposal for a Council regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products (COM(2005)0671 — C6-0032/2006 — 2005/0278(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The proposal was amended on 29 March 2007 as follows [1]:

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |

Amendment 1

Citation 1

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof, | Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 37 and 95 thereof, |

Amendment 2

Recital 1

(1) Organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, preservation of natural resources, application of high animal welfare standards and production in line with the preference of certain consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. The organic production method thus plays a dual societal role, where it on the one hand provides for a specific market responding to a consumer demand for organic products, and on the other hand delivers public goods contributing to the protection of the environment and animal welfare, as well as to rural development. | (1) Organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production which focuses on all facets of sustainable production and seeks to strike a balance, combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards and aims to improve soil fertility by natural means and to ensure production in line with the preference of certain consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. The organic production method thus plays several positive roles: not only does it provide for a specific market responding to a consumer demand for organic products, while delivering public goods not only limited to the food sector, but also and above all it contributes to the protection of the environment and animal welfare, as well as to social rural development. |

Amendment 3

Recital 2

(2) The contribution of the organic agricultural sector is on the increase in most Member States. Growth in consumer demand in recent years is particularly notable. Recent reforms of the common agricultural policy, with its emphasis on market-orientation and the supply of quality products to meet consumer demands, are likely to further stimulate the market in organic produce. Against this background the legislation on organic production plays an increasingly important role in the agricultural policy framework and is closely related to the developments on the agricultural markets. | (2) Organic farming is fully in line with the sustainable development objectives set by the European Union in the context of the Göteborg agenda, in that it contributes to achieving sustainable development, produces healthy, high-quality products and employs environmentally sustainable production methods. The contribution of the organic agricultural sector is on the increase in most Member States. Growth in consumer demand in recent years is particularly notable. Recent reforms of the common agricultural policy, with its emphasis on market-orientation and the supply of quality products to meet consumer demands, are likely to further stimulate the market in organic produce. Against this background it is necessary for organic production to play an increasingly important role in the agricultural policy framework and to be closely related to the developments on the agricultural markets and linked to the protection and safeguarding of soils assigned to agricultural activities. |

Amendment 4

Recital 2a (new)

| (2a) Each piece of legislation and policy which the Community adopts in this area should contribute to the development of organic farming and organic production as defined in this Regulation. Organic farming plays an important role in the implementation of the Community's sustainable development policy. |

Amendment 5

Recital 3

(3) The Community legal framework governing the sector of organic production should pursue the objective of ensuring fair competition and a proper functioning of the internal market in organic products, and of maintaining and justifying consumer confidence in products labelled as organic. It should further aim at providing conditions under which this sector can progress in line with production and market developments. | (3) The Community legal framework governing the sector of organic production should pursue the objective of ensuring fair competition and the proper functioning of the internal market in organic products, and of maintaining and justifying consumer confidence in products labelled as organic. It should further aim at providing conditions under which this sector can progress in line with production and market developments and in an environmentally sustainable manner. |

Amendments 6 and 157

Recital 7

(7) A general Community framework of organic production rules should be established with regard to plant and livestock production, including rules on conversion, as well as on the production of processed food and of feed. Competence to determine the details of those general rules and to adopt Community production rules for aquaculture should be conferred on the Commission. | (7) A general Community framework of organic production rules should be established with regard to plant and livestock production, including rules on conversion, as well as on the production of processed food and of feed. Competence to determine the details and annexes of those general rules should be conferred on the Commission which should consult the European Parliament and the Council. |

Amendment 7

Recital 8

(8) The development of organic production should further be facilitated in particular by fostering the use of new techniques and substances better suited to organic production. | (8) The development of organic production should further be facilitated, on the basis of established best practices, in particular by fostering soil fertility, crop rotation, local seed conservation, water and energy-saving practices and the use of new techniques and substances better suited to organic production. |

Amendment 8

Recital 9

(9) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products produced from or by GMOs are incompatible with the concept of organic production and consumers' perception of organic products. They should therefore not be deliberately used in organic farming or in the processing of organic products. | (9) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products produced from or by GMOs are incompatible with the concept of organic production and consumers' perception of organic products. They should therefore not be used in organic farming or in the processing of organic products. The contamination of organic seeds, inputs, feed and food should be precluded by adequate national and Community legislation based on the precautionary principle. |

Amendment 187

Recital 9a (new)

| (9a) Taking account of growing risks of contamination of organic seeds, feed and food with GMOs and in the absence of national legislation in many Member States on related precautionary measures and liability, the Commission should, before 1 January 2008, publish a proposal for a framework directive on precautionary measures to avoid GMO contamination throughout the food chain, including a legislative framework of liability rules concerning any GMO contamination based on the polluter pays principle. |

Amendment 9

Recital 9b (new)

| (9b) The use of synthetic plant protection products is incompatible with organic production. |

Amendment 10

Recital 14

(14) In order to avoid environmental pollution, in particular of natural resources such as the soil and water, organic production of livestock should in principle provide for a close relationship between such production and the land, suitable multiannual rotation systems and the feeding of livestock with organic-farming crop products produced on the holding itself or on neighbouring organic holdings. | (14) In order to avoid environmental pollution and irreversible impairment of the quality and availability of natural resources such as the soil and water, organic production of livestock should in principle provide for a close relationship between such production and the land, suitable multi-annual rotation systems and the feeding of livestock with organic-farming crop products produced on the holding itself or on neighbouring organic holdings. |

Amendment 11

Recital 15

(15) As organic stock farming is a land-related activity, animals should have, where possible, access to open air or grazing areas. | (15) As organic stock farming is a land-related activity, animals should have access to open air or grazing areas whenever climatic and soil conditions permit. |

Amendments 12 and 158

Recital 16

(16) Organic stock farming should respect high animal welfare standards and meet animals' species-specific behavioural needs and animal-health management should be based on disease prevention. In this respect, particular attention should be paid to housing conditions, husbandry practices and stocking densities. Moreover, the choice of breeds should favour slowgrowing strains and take account of their capacity to adapt to local conditions. The implementing rules for livestock production and aquaculture production should ensure compliance with at least the provisions of the European Convention to the Protection of Animals kept for Farming purposes (T-AP) and its subsequent recommendations. | (16) Organic stock farming should respect high animal welfare standards and meet animals' species-specific behavioural needs and animal-health management should be based on disease prevention. In this respect, particular attention should be paid to housing conditions, husbandry practices and stocking densities. Moreover, the choice of breeds should favour longliving, disease resistant, and slow-growing strains and indigenous local breeds and take account of their capacity to adapt to local conditions. The implementing rules for livestock production should ensure compliance with at least the provisions of the European Convention to the Protection of Animals kept for Farming purposes (T-AP) and its subsequent recommendations. |

Amendment 13

Recital 17

(17) The organic livestock production system should aim at completing the production cycles of the different livestock species with organically reared animals. It shall therefore encourage the increase of the gene pool of organic animals, improve self reliance and thus ensure the development of the sector. | (17) The organic livestock production system should aim at completing the production cycles of the different livestock species with organically reared animals. It should therefore encourage the increase of the gene pool of organic animals, improve self reliance and thus ensure and encourage the development of the sector. |

Amendment 159

Recital 18

(18) Pending the adoption of Community production rules for aquaculture, Member States should have the possibility to provide for the application of national standards, or in the absence thereof private standards accepted or recognised by the Member States. However, to prevent disturbances on the internal market, Member States should be required to recognise each other's production standards in this field. | deleted |

Amendment 14

Recital 22a (new)

| (22a) Given the current diversity of cultivation and stock farming practices in organic farming, Member States should be allowed the option of applying additional, more stringent rules to organic farming on their territory. |

Amendment 15

Recital 25

(25) In order to create clarity throughout the Community market, a simple standardised reference should be made obligatory for all organic products produced within the Community, at least where such products do not bear the Community organic production logo. The possibility to use this reference should also apply to organic products imported from third countries, but without any obligation to do so. | (25) In order to create clarity throughout the Community market, a simple standardised reference code should be made obligatory for all organic products produced within the Community, even where such products bear the Community organic production logo. The standardized reference code should also apply to organic products imported from third countries and should clearly indicate the origin of the products and possible differences in the application of organic production rules. |

Amendment 170

Recital 27a (new)

| (27a) Member States should establish the necessary legislative framework, based on the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle, to prevent any risk of the contamination of organic products with GMOs. Operators should take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent adventitious or technically unavoidable contamination with GMOs. The presence of GMOs in organic products should be confined exclusively to adventitious and technically unavoidable quantities not exceeding 0,1 %. |

Amendment 17

Recital 32

(32) The assessment of equivalency with regard to imported products should take into account the international standards laid down in Codex Alimentarius. | (32) The assessment of equivalency with regard to imported products should take into account production standards which are equivalent to those applied in the Community to organic production. |

Amendment 18

Recital 32a (new)

| (32a) The import rules for organic products should be considered as a model for qualified market access, giving third country producers access to a high value market, provided that they respect the standards of that market. |

Amendment 19

Recital 36

(36) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. Considering that the legislation on organic production is an important factor in the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy, as it is closely related to the developments on the agricultural markets, it is appropriate to bring it in line with existing legislative procedures used to manage the this policy. The powers conferred on the Commission under this Regulation should therefore be exercised in accordance with the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Decision 1999/468/EC, | (36) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission. Considering that the legislation on organic production is an important factor in the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy, as it is closely related to developments on the agricultural markets, it is appropriate to bring it in line with existing legislative procedures used to manage the this policy. The powers conferred on the Commission under this Regulation should therefore be exercised in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, |

Amendment 20

Article 1, paragraph 1, introductory part

1. This Regulation establishes objectives, principles and rules concerning: | 1. This Regulation provides the basis for the sustainable development of organic production and establishes objectives, principles and rules concerning: |

Amendment 21

Article 1, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)the production, placing on the market, import, export and controls of organic products; | (a)all stages of the production, the production methods, processing, distribution, placing on the market, import, export, inspection and certification of organic products; |

Amendment 160

Article 1, paragraph 2, introductory part

2. This Regulation shall apply to the following products originating from agriculture or aquaculture, where such products are intended to be marketed as organic: | 2. This Regulation shall apply to the following products originating from agriculture, where such products are intended to be marketed as organic: |

Amendment 161

Article 1, paragraph 2, point (c)

(c) live or unprocessed products of aquaculture; | deleted |

Amendment 162

Article 1, paragraph 2, point (d)

(d)processed products of aquaculture which are intended for human consumption; | deleted |

Amendments 179 and 153

Article 1, paragraph 2, point (ea) (new)

| (ea)other products such as salt, pet food, wool, textiles, preserved fish, cosmetics, food supplements and essential oils; |

Amendment 24

Article 1, paragraph 3, introductory part

3. This Regulation shall apply within the territory of the European Community to any operator involved in the following activities: | 3. This Regulation shall apply to any operator involved in activities at any stage of the production, preparation and distribution of the products listed in Article 1(2), including: |

Amendment 25

Article 1, paragraph 3, point (b)

(b)processing of food and feed; | (b)conditioning, processing and preparation of food and feed; |

Amendment 26

Article 1, paragraph 3, point (c)

(c) packaging, labelling and advertising; | (c)conditioning, packaging, storage, labelling and advertising of the products of organic farming; |

Amendment 27

Article 1, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2

However, it shall not apply to catering operations, factory canteens, institutional catering, restaurants or other similar food service operations. | (fa)catering operations, canteens, restaurants or other similar food service operations. |

Amendment 28

Article 2, point (a)

(a)"organic production" means the use of organic production methods on the farm holding, as well as activities involved in the further processing, packaging and labelling of a product, in compliance with the objectives, principles and rules established in this Regulation; | (a)"organic production" means the use of organic production methods on the farm holding, as well as activities involved in the further processing, conditioning, packaging, packing, storage and labelling of a product, in compliance with the objectives, principles and rules established in this Regulation; |

Amendment 29

Article 2, point (b)

(b)"organic product" means an agricultural product coming from organic production; | (b)"organic product" means a product coming from organic production; |

Amendment 30

Article 2, point (ba) (new)

| (ba)"operator"means the owner of a business carrying out activities within the scope of this Regulation and subject to the supervision of the authorities or control bodies responsible for organic production; |

Amendment 163

Article 2, point (e)

(e)"aquaculture" means the rearing or cultivation of aquatic organisms using techniques designed to increase the production beyond the natural capacity of the environment, where the organisms remain the property of a natural or legal person throughout the rearing or cultivation stage, up to and including harvesting; | deleted |

Amendment 31

Article 2, point (f)

(f)"conversion" means the transition from non organic to organic farming; | (f)"conversion" means a period of transition from conventional to organic farming; |

Amendment 32

Article 2, point (j)

(j)"competent authority" means the central authority of a Member State competent for the organisation of official controls in the field of organic production or any other authority on which that competence has been conferred and, where appropriate, the corresponding authority of a third country; | (j)"competent authority" means the authority of a Member State competent for the enforcement of the provisions of this Regulation and the detailed rules adopted by the Commission for the application hereof or any other authority to which that competence has been conferred in whole or in part; it shall also include, where appropriate, the corresponding authority of a third country; |

Amendment 33

Article 2, point (k)

(k)"control body" means an independent 3rd party to which the competent authority has delegated certain control tasks; | (k)"control body" means the independent body that carries out inspection, certification and traceability procedures in the organic production sector in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and the detailed rules adopted by the Commission for the application hereof and which has been recognised and checked for this purpose by the competent authority; it also includes, if appropriate, the equivalent body of a third country for whose recognition specific rules are applied; |

Amendment 34

Article 2, point (m)

(m)"mark of conformity" means the assertion of conformity to a particular set of standards or other normative documents in the form of a mark; | (m)"mark of conformity" means the assertion of compliance with the requirements deriving from a particular set of standards or other normative documents in the form of a mark; |

Amendment 35

Article 2, point (r)

(r)"products produced by GMOs" means food and feed additives, flavourings, vitamins, enzymes, processing aids, certain products used in animal nutrition (under Directive 82/471/EEC), plant protection products, fertilisers and soil conditioners, produced by nourishing an organism with materials that are in whole or in part GMOs; | (r)"products produced by GMOs" means products derived by using a GMO as the last living organism in the production process, but not containing or consisting of GMOs nor produced from GMOs; |

Amendment 36

Article 2, point (va) (new)

| (va)"green manure"means a crop, which may include spontaneous plants and weeds, which is incorporated into the soil for the purpose of soil improvement; |

Amendment 37

Article 2 point (vb) (new)

| (vb)"veterinary treatment"means all the preventative and curative measures used to treat a sick animal or group of sick animals for a given disease, in accordance with a prescription and for a limited period; |

Amendment 38

Article 2, point (vc) (new)

| (vc)"synthetic"refers to products that are manufactured by chemical and industrial processes, including all products not found in nature and simulations of products from natural sources, excluding products extracted from natural raw materials or modified by simple chemical processes. |

Amendment 195

Article 2, point (vd) (new)

| (vd)"land-related" means stock farming that complies with the following three obligations:ensuring that the animals present on the farm have access to the open air;ensuring full or partial spreading of their effluents;ensuring all or a significant proportion of their feeding; |

Amendment 180

Article 3, paragraph -1 (new)

| (-1) The objectives of this Regulation are: (a)to enhance the sustainable development of organic farming systems and the whole organic food and feed chain;(b)to ensure the functioning of the internal market for organic products and fair competition between all producers of organic products;(c)to establish reliable rules for organic production systems, including on inspection, certification and labelling. |

Amendment 39

Article 3, introductory part

The organic production system shall pursue the following objectives: | 1. The organic production method shall pursue the following objectives: |

Amendment 40

Article 3, point (a), introductory part

(a)It shall establish, in a practical, economically viable management system for agriculture, a production of a wide variety of products by methods that: | (a)It shall establish, in a system based on environmentally and socio-economically sustainable production, a production of a wide variety of products by methods that: |

Amendment 41

Article 3, point (a), point (i)

(i)minimise the negative effects on the environment; | (i)minimise the negative effects on the environment and climate; |

Amendment 42

Article 3, point (a), point (ia) (new)

| (ia)ensure lasting equilibrium between soil, water, plants and animals; |

Amendment 43

Article 3, point (a), point (ii)

(ii)maintain and enhance a high level of biological diversity on farms and their surrounding areas; | (ii)maintain and enhance a high level of biological and genetic diversity on farms and consequently in their surrounding areas in a broader sense, devoting particular attention to the conservation of local varieties that have adapted and to indigenous breeds; |

Amendment 44

Article 3, point (a), point (iii)

(iii)preserve as far as possible the natural resources, such as water, soil, organic matter and air; | (iii)exploit in the most rational manner possible natural resources (water, soil and air) and agricultural input (energy, plant protection agents, nutritional ingredients); |

Amendment 45

Article 3, point (a), point (iv)

(iv)respect high animal welfare standards and in particular meet animals' species specific behavioural needs. | (iv)respect high animal health and welfare standards and in particular meet animals' species specific behavioural needs; |

Amendment 46

Article 3, point (a), point (iva) (new)

| (iva)contribute to the preservation of traditional processes of preparation of quality food products and to the improvement of small family farms and businesses. |

Amendment 47

Article 3, point (b)

(b)It shall establish a production of food and other agricultural products that responds to a consumer demand for goods produced by use of natural processes, or processes that are comparable to natural processes, and naturally occurring substances. | (b)It shall establish a production of food and other agricultural products that responds to a consumer demand for goods produced by use of natural processes, or physical processes that are comparable to natural processes, and naturally occurring substances. |

Amendment 48

Article 4, point (a)

(a)the use of living organisms and mechanical production methods shall be preferred to the use of synthetic materials; | (a)only living organisms and mechanical production methods shall be used, the use of synthetic materials and production methods involving synthetic materials being permitted only in accordance with Article 16; |

Amendment 49

Article 4, point (aa) (new)

| (aa)biological and mechanical production methods shall be preferred to the use of external inputs like synthetic materials; |

Amendment 50

Article 4, point (b)

(b)natural substances shall be used in preference to chemically synthesised substances, which may be used only where natural substances are not commercially available; | (b)where external inputs are necessary, natural substances, minerals and organically produced raw materials shall be used; chemically treated or synthesised substances must be strictly limited to exceptional cases, may be used only where natural substances are not commercially available and must be specifically authorized in accordance with Article 11; |

Amendment 51

Article 4, point (c)

(c)GMOs and products produced from or by GMOs may not be used, with the exception of veterinary medicinal products; | (c)GMOs and products produced from or with GMOs shall not be used; |

Amendment 52

Article 4, point (ca) (new)

| (ca) ionising radiation may not be used; |

Amendment 172

Article 4 point (cb) (new)

| (cb)Accidental contamination due to proximity to GMO production areas shall be avoided; |

Amendment 53

Article 4, point (d)

(d)rules of organic production shall be adapted to local conditions, stages of development and specific husbandry practices, while maintaining the common concept of organic production. | (d)rules of organic production shall be adapted to local conditions, stages of development and specific husbandry practices, while maintaining the objectives and principles of organic production; |

Amendment 54

Article 4, point (da) (new)

| (da)organic production shall safeguard product quality, integrity and traceability throughout the food chain; |

Amendment 55

Article 4, point (db) (new)

| (db)organic production shall be a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable activity; |

Amendment 56

Article 4, point (dc) (new)

| (dc)there shall be no hydroponic crop production nor other form of crop production without soil nor livestock production without soil; |

Amendment 182

Article 4, point (dd) (new)

| (dd)organic production shall maintain and create employment, enable farmers and consumers to establish a social compact for sustainable practices, quality food production and consumption patterns, including a combination of measures for nature conservation, sustainable production and short-distance marketing. |

Amendment 57

Article 5, point (a)

(a)farming shall maintain and enhance soil fertility, prevent and combat soil erosion, and minimise pollution; | (a)farming shall maintain and enhance soil life and fertility, prevent and combat soil erosion, and minimise pollution; |

Amendment 58

Article 5, point (aa) (new)

| (aa)farming shall preserve and create employment, thus contributing to sustainable rural development; |

Amendment 59

Article 5, point (c)

(c)the use of non-renewable resources and off-farm inputs shall be minimized; | (c)the use of non-renewable resources and off-farm inputs shall be minimized; the use of renewable energies shall be promoted; |

Amendment 60

Article 5, point (f)

(f)plants shall be primarily fed through the soil ecosystem; | (f)plants shall be primarily fed through the soil ecosystem; good soil management practices shall thus be applied; |

Amendment 61

Article 5, point (g)

(g)maintenance of animal and plant health shall be based on preventative techniques including selection of appropriate breeds and varieties; | (g)maintenance of plant health shall be based on preventative techniques including selection of appropriate varieties, crop rotation, mixed cropping, promotion of natural enemies of pests and development of natural resistance against pests and diseases; |

Amendment 62

Article 5, point (ga) (new)

| (ga)maintenance of animal health shall be based on encouraging the natural immunological defence and constitution of the animal as well as the selection of appropriate breeds, and husbandry practices; |

Amendment 63

Article 5, point (h)

(h)feed for livestock shall come primarily from the holding where the animals are kept or shall be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region; | (h)feed for livestock shall come by preference from the holding where the animals are kept or shall be produced in cooperation with other organic farms, and livestock density shall be limited in order to ensure that stockbreeding management is integrated with crop production; |

Amendment 64

Article 5, point (k)

(k)breeds shall be chosen favouring slow-growing strains and having regard to the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their resistance to disease or health problems; | (k)breeds shall be chosen favouring slow-growing, long-living strains and indigenous local breeds and having regard to the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their resistance to disease or health problems; |

Amendment 65

Article 5, point (l)

(l)organic livestock feed shall be composed essentially of agricultural ingredients from organic farming and of natural non-agricultural substances; | (l)organic livestock feed shall be composed of agricultural ingredients from organic farming and of natural non-agricultural substances and shall offer the specific nutritional requirements of the livestock at the respective stages of their development; exemptions must be authorized in accordance with Article 11. |

Amendment 196

Article 5, point (m)

(m)husbandry practices which enhance the immune system and strengthen the natural defence against diseases shall be used; | (m)husbandry practices which enhance the immune system and strengthen the natural defence against diseases shall be used, in particular through regular exercise and access to the open air and to pasture whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this; |

Amendment 66

Article 5, point (n)

(n)aquaculture production shall minimise the negative effect on the aquatic environment; | (n)aquaculture production shall maintain the biodiversity and quality of the natural aquatic ecosystem and minimise negative effects on the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; |

Amendment 67

Article 6, title

Principles applicable to processing | Principles applicable to processing and preparation |

Amendment 68

Article 6, introductory part

In addition to the overall principles set out in Article 4, the following principles shall apply to the production of processed organic feed and food: | In addition to the objectives and the overall principles set out in Article 4, the following principles shall apply to the production and preparation of processed organic feed and food, including the definition and possible changes of the annexes: |

Amendment 69

Article 6, point (a)

(a)organic food and feed shall be produced essentially from agricultural ingredients which shall be organic, except where an organic ingredient is not commercially available; | (a)organic food and feed shall be produced from agricultural ingredients which shall be organic, except where an organic ingredient is not commercially available; |

Amendment 70

Article 6, point (b)

(b)additives and processing aids shall be used to a minimum extent and only in case of essential technological need; | (b)additives and processing aids shall be used to a minimal extent only in case of essential technological or nutritional need and if they have been authorized in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 15; |

Amendment 71

Article 6, point (ca) (new)

| (ca)food shall be carefully processed in such a way as to guarantee the integrity of the organic food. |

Amendment 72

Article 7, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1

1. The entire commercial part of a holding shall be managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production or conversion to organic production. | 1. The entire agricultural holding shall be managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production. |

Amendment 184

Article 7, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1

2. Farmers are required not to use GMOs or products produced from GMOs where they should have knowledge of their presence due to information on any label accompanying the product or from any other accompanying document. | 2. Farmers are required not to use GMOs or products produced from or by GMOs. |

Amendment 75

Article 7, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2

Where farmers use products purchased from 3rd parties to produce organic food or feedstuffs, they shall require the vendor to confirm that the products supplied have not been produced by GMOs. | Where farmers or any other providers of organic produce use products purchased from 3rd parties to produce organic food or feedstuffs, they must require the vendor to confirm that the products supplied have not been produced from or by GMOs and do not contain or consist of GMOs. |

Amendment 76

Article 7, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2a (new)

| In the case of an adventitious or technically unavoidable contamination with GMOs, operators must be in a position to supply evidence that they have taken all necessary steps to avoid such contamination. |

Amendment 77

Article 8, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b)fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be maintained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation including green manure, application of manure and organic material from organic farms; | (b)fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be maintained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation including green manure, application of effluent from animalbreeding and organic material from organic farms, preferably composted; |

Amendment 78

Article 8, paragraph 1, point (h)

(h)the use of any approved synthetic substances shall be subject to conditions and limits as regards the crops that they can be applied to, the application method, the dosage, the time limits for use and the contact with crop; | (h)the use of any approved synthetic substances shall be subject to strict conditions and limits as regards the crops that they can be applied to, the application method, the dosage, the time limits for use and the contact with crop; |

Amendment 185

Article 8, paragraph 1, point (i)

(i)only organically produced seed and propagating material may be used. To this end, the mother plant in the case of seeds and the parent plant in the case of vegetative propagating material shall have been produced in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation for at least one generation, or, in the case of perennial crops, two growing seasons. | (i)only organically produced seed and propagating material which has been proved to be GMO free may be used. To this end, the mother plant in the case of seeds and the parent plant in the case of vegetative propagating material shall have been produced in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation for at least one generation, or, in the case of perennial crops, two growing seasons.In the case of non-availability of organically produced seeds derogations may be made following the rules laid down in Article 11 and Annex [XX] (having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1452/2003), provided that these are in no way contaminated with GMOs. |

Amendment 79

Article 9, point (b), point (iii)

(iii)the livestock shall have permanent access to a free-range area, preferably pasture, whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this; | (iii)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 relating to the protection of human and animal health are imposed by Community legislation; the Commission and the Member States shall ensure that such restrictions and obligations do not lead to animal suffering or a loss of markets for organic products; |

Amendment 80

Article 9, point (b), point (iv)

(iv)the number of livestock shall be limited with a view to minimising overgrazing, poaching of soil, erosion, or pollution caused by animals or by the spreading of their manure; | (iv)the number of livestock shall be limited with a view to minimising overgrazing, poaching of soil, erosion, or pollution caused by animals or by the spreading of their effluent; |

Amendment 81

Article 9, point (b), point (v)

(v)organic livestock shall be kept separate or readily separable from other livestock; | (v)organic livestock shall be kept separate from other livestock; |

Amendment 186

Article 9, point (b), point (vi)

(vi)tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited, unless for individual animals for a limited period of time and justified for safety, welfare or veterinary reasons; | (vi)tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited, unless for individual animals for a limited period of time and justified for safety, welfare or veterinary reasons; derogations may however be authorised by the authority or body delegated by the competent authority if cattle are tethered in buildings which already existed before 24 August 2000 or in smallholdings where it is not possible to keep them in groups appropriate to their behavioural requirements, provided they have access to pastures at least twice a week, open air runs or exercise areas and rearing takes place in line with animal welfare requirements with comfortable littered areas and as individual management; |

Amendment 82

Article 9, point (b), point (x)

(x)hives and materials used in beekeeping must be made of natural materials; | (x)hives and materials used in beekeeping must be made of materials that are proven not to have adverse effects on the surrounding environment; |

Amendment 83

Article 9, point (c), point (i)

(i)reproduction shall not be induced by hormone treatment, unless in order to treat reproduction disorders; | (i)reproduction should, in principle, be based on natural methods. However, artificial insemination shall be allowed. Other forms of artificial or assisted reproduction (for example the transfer of embryos) shall not be used; |

Amendment 84

Article 9, point (c), point (ii)

(ii) cloning and embryo transfer shall not be used; | (ii)breeding techniques employing genetic engineering, cloning and embryo transfer shall not be used; |

Amendment 85

Article 9, point (d), point (i)

(i)livestock shall be fed with organic feed, which may include proportions of feed from farm units which are in conversion to organic farming, that meet the animal's nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development; | (i)livestock shall be fed with organic feed so as to meet the animal's nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development; exemptions may be made as laid down in Annex XX, defining the percentage of feed which can be used from farms in conversion to organic farming; |

Amendment 86

Article 9, point (d), point (ii)

(ii)animals shall have permanent access to pasture or roughage; | (ii)animals shall have permanent access to pasture or roughage, unless this is contra-indicated on veterinary grounds, which shall be for the competent authorities or the veterinary surgeon who is attending the animals to judge; |

Amendment 87

Article 9, point (e), point (ii)

(ii)disease outbreaks shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the animal; allopathic products including antibiotics may be used where necessary, when the use of phytotherapeutic, homeopathic and other products is inappropriate. | (ii)disease outbreaks shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the animal; synthetic chemical allopathic veterinary medicines including antibiotics may be used where necessary and under strict conditions (maximum number of treatments per animal and the withdrawal period being defined), when the use of phytotherapeutic, homeopathic and other products is inappropriate. |

Amendment 165

Article 10

Article 10 Production rules for aquaculture 1. The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), and subject to the objectives and principles laid down in Title II, establish production rules, including rules on conversion, applicable to organic aquaculture. 2. Pending the adoption of the rules referred to in paragraph 1, national rules, or in the absence thereof private standards accepted or recognised by the Member States, shall apply, provided that they pursue the same objectives and principles as those laid down in Title II. | deleted |

Amendment 89

Article 11, paragraph 1, introductory part

1. The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), and subject to the objectives and principles laid down in Title II, establish specific criteria for the approval of products and substances that may be used in organic farming as follows: | 1. The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), after consultation with the relevant stakeholders and subject to the objectives and principles laid down in Title II, establish specific criteria for the approval of products and substances that may be used in organic farming as follows: |

Amendment 90

Article 11, paragraph 1, point (e)

(e) cleaning materials; | (e) cleaning, hygiene and disinfection materials; |

Amendment 91

Article 11, paragraph 1, point (f)

(f) other substances. | (f)other substances such as vitamins, microorganisms and plant boosters. |

Amendment 92

Article 11, paragraph 2a (new)

| 2a. The Commission shall ensure transparent procedures in relation to applications, documentation, review, evaluation and efficient decision-making. It shall give guidance to applicant Member States and use the expertise of the organic farming and food sector. Stakeholders shall have the opportunity to be involved in the process of evaluating certain products and substances for inclusion in positive lists. Requests for amendment or withdrawal as well as decisions thereon shall be published. |

Amendment 93

Article 11, paragraph 2b (new)

| 2b. The following rules shall apply to plant protection products: (i)their use must be essential for the control of a harmful organism or a particular disease for which other biological, physical or breeding alternatives or cultivation practices or other effective management practices are not yet available;(ii)products not of plant, animal, microbial or mineral origin and not identical to their natural form may be approved only if the conditions for their use preclude any direct contact with the edible part(s) of a crop;(iii)their use shall be temporary and the Commission shall specify a date by which their use is to be phased out or renewed; |

Amendment 94

Article 11, paragraph 2c (new)

| 2c. Meat and bone meal shall not be fed to food producing animals. |

Amendment 95

Article 12, point (c)

(c)milk and milk products from formerly non organic dairy animals may be sold as organic after a period to be defined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2); | (c)milk and milk products from formerly non organic dairy animals and other products such as meat, eggs and honey may be sold as organic after a period to be defined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2); |

Amendment 96

Article 13, paragraph 3

3. Hexane and other organic solvents may not be used. | 3. Hexane and chemical solvents may not be used. |

Amendment 189

Article 13, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

4. Feed manufacturers are required not to use GMOs or products produced from GMOs where they should have knowledge of their presence due to information on any label accompanying the product or from other accompanying documents. | 4. Feed manufacturers are required not to use GMOs or products produced from or by GMOs; operators shall take all appropriate steps to avoid any contamination with GMOs, and shall supply evidence that no contamination has taken place. |

Amendment 156

Article 14, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)at least 95 %, by weight, of the ingredients of agricultural origin of the product shall be organic; | (a)at least 95 %, by weight, of the ingredients of agricultural origin of the product shall be organic when they are incorporated; however, specific rules shall be laid down for products containing more than 5% fish, seaweed, wine or vinegar; |

Amendment 99

Article 14, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b)ingredients of non-agricultural origin and processing aids may be used only if they have been approved under Article 15; | (b)only additives, processing aids, flavourings, water, salt, preparations from micro-organisms and enzymes, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids and other micronutrients may be used in foodstuffs intended for a specific nutritional use provided that they have been authorised under Article 15; |

Amendment 100

Article 14, paragraph 1, point (c)

(c)non-organic agricultural ingredients may be used only if they have been approved under Article 15. | (c)non-organic agricultural ingredients may be used only if they have been authorised under Article 15 or provisionally authorised by a Member State; |

Amendment 101

Article 14, paragraph 1, point (ca) (new)

| (ca)an organic ingredient may not be present at the same time as the same ingredient from a non-organic source or from a holding in conversion; |

Amendment 102

Article 14, paragraph 1, point (cb) (new)

| (cb)foods produced from crops harvested on a holding in conversion may contain only one ingredient of agricultural origin. |

Amendment 103

Article 14, paragraph 2

2. The extraction, processing and storage of organic food shall be conducted with care to avoid losing the properties of the ingredients. Substances and techniques that reconstitute these properties or correct the results of negligence in the processing of these products shall not be used. | 2. The extraction, conditioning, transport, processing, storage and marketing of organic food shall be conducted with care to avoid losing the properties of the ingredients and products. Substances and techniques that reconstitute these properties or correct the results of negligence in the processing of these products shall not be used. |

Amendment 190

Article 14, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1

3. Processors are required not to use GMOs or products produced from GMOs where they should have knowledge of their presence due to information on the label accompanying the product or from any other accompanying document. | 3. Processors are required not to use GMOs or products produced from or by GMOs; operators shall take all appropriate steps to avoid any contamination with GMOs, and shall supply evidence that no contamination has taken place. |

Amendment 105

Article 14, paragraph 3a (new)

| 3a. The extraction, processing and storage of organic food products shall be carried out with guarantees of separation in space and time from other, non-organic lines of production. |

Amendment 106

Article 14, paragraph 3b (new)

| 3b. Member States may maintain or introduce stricter rules for the production of processed food on condition that such rules are in compliance with Community legislation and do not hinder or restrict the free movement of products that comply with this Regulation. |

Amendment 107

Article 15, paragraph 3a (new)

| 3a. Member States may maintain or introduce stricter rules for the use of certain products and substances in processing on condition that such rules are in compliance with Community legislation and do not hinder or restrict the free movement of products that comply with this Regulation. |

Amendment 108

Article 16, paragraph 2, point (ba) (new)

| (ba)where restrictions and obligations relating to the protection of human and animal health are imposed by Community legislation; |

Amendment 109

Article 16, paragraph 2, point (h)

(h)where restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of Community legislation. | deleted |

Amendment 110

Article 16, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1a and 1b (new)

| Exceptions shall be granted where appropriate, for a limited time, and shall be based on a development plan for the region or farm concerned designed to solve the problem in question. Information on exceptions granted under this Article shall be made accessible to the public and revised at least every three years. |

Amendment 111

Article 17, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1a (new)

| In the case of processed products, these terms may only be used where: (a)in the product designation and labelling at least 95% by weight of the ingredients which are of agricultural origin are produced organically and all essential ingredients are produced organically;(b)in the list of ingredients, the information about the organic ingredients is imparted in the same way and using the same colour and font size and style as the other information in the list of ingredients. These products shall not bear a logo indicating organic production |

Amendment 112

Article 17, paragraph 2

2. The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminutives, alone or combined, may not be used anywhere in the Community and in any Community language for the labelling and advertising of a product which has not been produced and controlled, or imported, in accordance with this Regulation, unless these terms clearly cannot be associated with agricultural production. | 2. The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminutives, alone or combined or implied, may not be used anywhere in the Community and in any Community language for the labelling and advertising of a product which has not been produced or imported, controlled and certified, in accordance with this Regulation, unless these terms clearly cannot be associated with organic agricultural production. |

Amendment 171

Article 17, paragraph 3

3. The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminutives, alone or combined, may not be used for a product which bears a label indicating that it contains GMOs, consists of GMOs or is produced from GMOs. | 3. The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminutives, alone or combined, must not be used for a product which bears a label indicating that it contains GMOs, that it consists of GMOs, that it is produced from GMOs or using GMOs, or where it is proven that GMOs have contaminated the product, ingredient or feed used, or to indicate products in which the level of accidental GMO contamination is above the detectable threshold of 0,1%. |

Amendment 114

Article 17, paragraph 4

4. Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure compliance with this Article. | 4. Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure compliance with this Article, and to prevent fraudulent use of the terms referred to in this Article. |

Amendment 115

Article 18, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)the code number referred to in Article 22(7) of the body competent for the controls to which the operator is subject; | (a)the code number referred to in Article 22(7) of the body or authority competent for the controls, certification and inspection to which the operator is subject; |

Amendment 116

Article 18, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b)where the logo referred to in Article 19 is not used, at least one of the indications listed in Annex II in capital lettering. | (b)the logo referred to in Article 19 and at least one of the indications listed in Annex II in capital lettering; |

Amendment 117

Article 18, paragraph 1, point (ba) (new)

| (ba)an indication of the place of origin of the product or the agricultural raw materials of which the product consists, namely whether the product is of Community or third country origin or a combination. The place of origin shall be supplemented by the name of a country in so far as the product or raw materials from which it is produced comes or come from that specific country. |

Amendment 118

Article 19, title

Community organic production logo | Community and national organic production logos |

Amendment 119

Article 19

The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), define a Community logo which may be used in the labelling, presentation and advertising of products produced and controlled, or imported, in accordance with this Regulation. | The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), define a Community logo which shall be used in the labelling, presentation and advertising of products produced and controlled, or imported, in accordance with this Regulation, and which shall constitute the main identifying symbol for organic products throughout the EU. |

Amendment 120

Article 19, paragraph 1a (new)

| 1a. The Community logo shall not be used in the case of processed food not complying with Article 14(1) or conversion products. |

Amendment 121

Article 21

The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2) establish specific labelling requirements applicable to organic feed and to products originating from holdings in conversion. | The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2) establish specific labelling requirements applicable to organic feed. |

Amendment 122

Article 21, paragraph 1a and 1b (new)

| Crop products may bear indications referring to conversion to organic production in labelling or advertising provided that such products satisfy the requirements of Article 12. Such indications shall: (a)state "produced under conversion to organic farming";(b)appear in a colour, size and style of lettering which allows consumers to clearly identify the specific conversion product. |

Amendment 123

Article 22, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

4. The competent authority may in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 delegate certain control tasks to one or more control bodies. | 4. The competent authority may in accordance with Article 4(3) and Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 delegate certain control tasks to one or more control authorities or bodies. |

Amendment 124

Article 22, paragraph 4, subparagraph 2

The control bodies shall fulfil the requirements set out in European Standard EN 45011 or ISO Guide 65 "General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems" of the version as most recently notified by a publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, C series. | The control bodies shall be accredited in line with European Standard EN 45011 or ISO Guide 65 "General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems" of the version as most recently notified by a publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, C series. |

Amendment 125

Article 22, paragraph 7

7. Member States shall attribute a code number to each body competent to carry out controls under this Regulation. | 7. Member States shall attribute a code number to each body or authority competent to carry out controls, inspections and certifications under this Regulation. |

Amendment 126

Article 22, paragraph 8a (new)

| 8a. Member States shall in all cases ensure that the system of controls set up allows products to be traced at every stage of production, preparation and distribution, so as to give consumers a guarantee that organic products have been produced in compliance with this Regulation. |

Amendment 127

Article 23, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)notify this activity to a competent authority of the Member State where the activity is carried out; | (a)notify the full scope of this activity to a competent authority of the Member State where the activity is carried out; |

Amendment 128

Article 23, paragraph 4

4. The competent authority shall keep an updated list containing the names and addresses of operators subject to the control system. | 4. The competent authorities and control bodies shall keep an updated list containing the names and addresses of operators subject to the control system. This list shall be made available to interested parties. |

Amendment 129

Article 24, paragraph 3a (new)

| 3a. Regular hearings of stakeholders shall be organised in order to recognise and highlight the important role played by organic farmers in the decision-making and certification process. |

Amendment 130

Article 25, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)where an irregularity is found as regards compliance with the requirements laid down in this Regulation, ensure that the indications and the logo provided for in Articles 17, 18 and 19 are not used on the entire lot or production run affected by this irregularity; | (a)where an irregularity is found as regards compliance with the requirements laid down in this Regulation, ensure that the indications and the logo provided for in Articles 17, 18 and 19 are not used on the entire lot or production run affected by this irregularity or are removed therefrom; |

Amendment 131

Article 26

Upon request duly justified by the necessity to guarantee that a product has been produced in accordance with this Regulation, the competent authorities and the control bodies shall exchange with other competent authorities and control bodies relevant information on the results of their controls. They may also exchange such information on their own initiative. | Upon request duly justified by the necessity to guarantee that a product has been produced in accordance with this Regulation, the competent authorities, national and Community stakeholder representatives involved in decision- making and the control bodies shall exchange with other competent authorities and control bodies relevant information on the results of their controls. They may also exchange such information on their own initiative. |

Amendment 132

Article 27, paragraph 1

1. A product imported from a third country may be placed on the Community market labelled as organic where it complies with the provisions set out in Titles II, III and IV of this Regulation. | 1. A product imported from a third country may be placed on the Community market labelled as organic where: (a)it complies with the provisions set out in this Regulation;(b)the undertakings responsible for production, importing and marketing are subject to controls equivalent to Community controls, which are carried out by an authority or body officially recognised by the Community;(c)the undertakings responsible for production, importing and marketing are able at any time to provide proof that the product meets the requirements of this Regulation;(d)the product is covered by a certificate issued by the competent control authority confirming compliance with this Regulation. |

Amendment 133

Article 27, paragraph 2

2. A third country operator who wishes to place his products labelled as organic on the Community market, under the conditions provided for in paragraph 1, shall submit his activities to any competent authority or control body as referred to in Title V, provided that the authority or body concerned perform controls in the third country of production, or to a control body approved in accordance with paragraph 5. | 2. A third country operator at any stage of the production, processing or distribution of products who wishes to place his products labelled as organic on the Community market, under the conditions provided for in paragraph 1, shall submit his activities to any competent authority or control body as referred to in Title V, provided that the authority or body concerned perform controls in the third country of production, or to a control body approved in accordance with paragraph 5. |

| Such products shall be protected by a certificate delivered by the control authorities or bodies confirming that they comply with the conditions laid down in this article. |

Amendment 134

Article 27, paragraph 2a (new)

| 2a. The operator concerned must at any time be able to provide importers or national authorities with documentary evidence issued by the competent authority or control body as referred to in Title V which permits the identification of the operator who carried out the last operation and verification of compliance by this operator with this Regulation. |

Amendment 135

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (a)

(a)the product has been produced in accordance with production standards equivalent to those applied to organic production in the Community, or in accordance with the internationally recognised standards set out in the Codex Alimentarius guidelines; | (a)the product has been produced in accordance with production standards equivalent to those applied to organic production in the Community, with account being taken of the Codex Alimentarius guidelines CAC/GL 32; |

Amendment 136

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (b)

(b)the producer has been subject to control arrangements which are equivalent to those of the Community control system, or which comply with the Codex Alimentarius guidelines; | (b)the operator has been subject to control arrangements which are equivalent to those of the Community control system, with account being taken of the Codex Alimentarius guidelines CAC/GL 32; |

Amendment 137

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (c)

(c)the third country operator who wishes to place his products labelled as organic on the Community market under the conditions of this paragraph has submitted his activities to a control system recognised in accordance with paragraph 4 or a control body recognised in accordance with paragraph 5; | (c)the third country operators at all stages of the production, processing and distribution of products who wish to place their products labelled as organic on the Community market under the conditions of this paragraph have submitted their activities to a control system recognised in accordance with paragraph 4 or one or more control bodies recognised in accordance with paragraph 5; |

Amendment 138

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (d)

(d)the product is covered by a certificate issued by the competent authorities or control bodies of a third country recognised in accordance with paragraph 4, or by a control body recognised in accordance with paragraph 5, which confirms that the product satisfies the conditions set out in this paragraph. | (d)the product is covered by a certificate issued by the competent authorities or control bodies of a third country recognised in accordance with paragraph 4, or by a control body recognised in accordance with paragraph 5, which confirms that the product satisfies the conditions set out in this paragraph. The Commission shall, pursuant to the procedure laid down in Article 31(2), establish the conditions governing the certificate and shall lay down implementing rules before the new import regime comes into force. |

Amendment 139

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (da) (new)

| (da)the third-country control bodies approved under paragraph 4 or recognised under paragraph 5 satisfy European Standard EN 45011 on general criteria for product certification bodies (ISO/IEC Guide 65) and have before 1 January 2009 been accredited, in line with that standard by any accreditation body which has signed the Multilateral Recognition Agreement. |

Amendment 140

Article 27, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

4. The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2) recognise the third countries whose production standards and control arrangements are equivalent to those applied in the Community, or are in accordance with the internationally recognised standards set out in the Codex Alimentarius guidelines, and establish a list of these countries. | 4. The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2) recognise the third countries whose production standards and control arrangements are equivalent to those applied in the Community and take account of the Codex Alimentarius guidelines CAC/GL 32, and establish a list of these countries. |

Amendment 141

Article 27, paragraph 4, subparagraph 2a and 2b (new)

| The recognised control bodies or control authorities shall provide assessment reports issued by the accreditation body or, as appropriate, the competent authority on the regular on-thespot evaluation, surveillance and multi-annual re-assessment of their activities. These assessment reports shall be published on the Internet. |

| On the basis of these assessment reports the Commission, assisted by the Member States, shall ensure appropriate supervision of recognised control authorities and control bodies by regularly reviewing their recognition. The nature of the supervision shall be determined on the basis of an assessment of the risk of the occurrence of irregularities or infringements of this Regulation. |

Amendment 142

Article 27, paragraph 5a (new)

| 5a. The competent national authorities shall be involved in the process recognising inspection and certification bodies. Importing operators shall send them certificates of all import activities. They shall establish a public Community database on imports. |

| The competent national and Community authorities may conduct random on-the-spot checks of the inspection and certification bodies. |

Amendment 152

Article 28

Member States may not, on grounds relating to the method of production, to labelling or to the presentation of that method, prohibit or restrict the marketing of organic products that meet the requirements of this Regulation. | 1. Competent authorities and control bodies may not, with regard to the method of production, the labelling or the presentation of that method, prohibit or restrict the marketing of organic products that are controlled by a control body of another Member State, provided that these products meet the requirements of this Regulation. |

| In particular control arrangements or financial burdens other than those mentioned in Part V of this Regulation may not be applied. |

| 2. The Member States may apply stricter rules on their own territory provided that they are in accordance with Community law and do not prohibit or restrict the marketing of organic products produced outside the Member State in question. |

Amendment 144

Article 31, title

Management Committee on organic production | Regulatory Committee with scrutiny on organic production |

Amendment 145

Article 31, paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Management Committee on organic production (hereinafter "the Committee"). | 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Regulatory Committee with scrutiny on organic production (hereinafter "the Committee"). |

Amendment 146

Article 31, paragraph 1a (new)

| 1a. The Committee shall ensure regular consultation of and cooperation with organic producer representatives and consumer representatives with a view to consistently meeting the objectives of organic production set out in Article 3, involving them in updating and implementing appropriate techniques consistent with the objectives and principles laid down in Title II. |

Amendment 147

Article 31, paragraph 2

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply. | 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5a(1) to (4) and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply. |

Amendment 148

Article 31, paragraph 2a (new)

| 2a. The Commission shall notify the European Parliament of any planned changes to the Regulation through the comitology procedure, and shall take due account of Parliament's position thereon. |

Amendment 149

Article 31, paragraph 4

4. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. | 4. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure pursuant to Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC. |

Amendment 150

Article 32, point (a)

(a)detailed rules as regards the production rules laid down in Title III, in particular as regards the specific requirements and conditions to be respected by farmers and other producers of organic products; | (a)detailed rules as regards the production rules laid down in Title III, in particular as regards the specific requirements and conditions to be respected by farmers and other producers of organic products, including positive lists concerning crop inputs, additives, processing aids and other ingredients; |

Amendment 151

Annex II

— EU-ORGANI | — ORGANIC |

[1] The matter was then referred back to committee pursuant to Rule 53(2) (A6-0061/2007).

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