WRITTEN QUESTION P-3298/02

by Francesco Fiori (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 November 2002)

Subject: Clarifying the situation for organic farming

Today organic farming is an opportunity for farmers. It meets the specific demands of a particular group of consumers. It is not an alternative method but an additional option. If organic farming continues to expand it could potentially include all traditional farmers. However, organic farming is still penalised by a degree of confusion. Consumers are more influenced by fancy product names and the distributor's brand superimposed on them, than by labels certifying products as organic.

How does the Commission intend to avoid confusion arising from the existence of different terminology, the lack of harmonisation, the often heterogeneous presentation of products, and the confusion of organic products, natural products and quality products?

While the action to prevent fraudulent references to organic production is to be welcomed, what action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that products are clearly identified and how will it ensure that the consumer is provided with accurate and clear information by means of labelling, certification, traceability and monitoring?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 2002)

The labelling of products from organic farming has been regulated since 1991 by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs(1). In addition, products intended for human consumption have to be labelled according to Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs(2). This Directive is also applicable to organic farming produce and states that the labelling and methods used must not mislead the purchaser.

According to the organic farming regulation, the terminology referring to the organic production method is protected. The regulation lays down a harmonised framework for production rules and inspection requirements. Traceability was included in the control system in 1999 for meat production and the principle was extended to all agricultural products in 2001. The indication that products are covered by the specific inspection scheme may appear on the labelling of organic farming produce by means of a Union-logo representing harmonisation at Union level.

Information and promotion campaigns for the Union logo are also envisaged and provided for by Council Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000 of 19 December 2000 on information and promotion actions for agricultural products on the internal market(3) and are targeted at different groups including consumers. They are co-financed by the Community. In addition, the Commission is currently analysing the possibility of a European Action Plan on organic food and farming. A wide range of stakeholders, including consumers, has been invited to participate in the elaboration of the action plan together with Member States' authorities.

(1) OJ L 198, 22.7.1991.

(2) OJ L 109, 6.5.2000.

(3) OJ L 328, 23.12.2000.