Proposal for a Council regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products (COM(2005)0671 - C6-0032/2006 - 2005/0278(CNS))
Date: 2007-03-29
Institutions: Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, European Parliament
Subjects: agricultural product, labelling, marketing standard, organic farming, organic product, sustainable development

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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):

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Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com-
munity, and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com-
munity, and in particular Articles 37 and 95 thereof,

Amendment 1
Citation 1

Amendment 2
Recital 1

Organic production is an overall system of farm manage-
(1)
ment and food production that combines best environmental
practices, a high level of biodiversity, preservation of natural
resources, application of high animal welfare standards and pro-
duction 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.

Organic production is an overall system of farm manage-
(1)
ment and food production which focuses on all facets of sus-
tainable 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 pre-
ference of certain consumers for products produced using nat-
ural 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 protec-
tion 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 mar-
ket-orientation and the supply of quality products to meet con-
sumer 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 devel-
opments on the agricultural markets.

(2) Organic farming is fully in line with the sustainable
development objectives set by the European Union in the con-
text of the Göteborg agenda, in that it contributes to achiev-
ing 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 mar-
ket-orientation and the supply of quality products to meet con-
sumer 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 agricul-
tural activities.

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

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Amendment 4
Recital 2a (new)

(2a)
Each piece of legislation and policy which the Com-
munity adopts in this area should contribute to the develop-
ment 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 develop-
ment 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 pro-
gress 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 envir-
onmentally 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 deter-
mine 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 deter-
mine the details and annexes of those general rules should be
conferred on the Commission which should consult the Euro-
pean 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 particu-
lar by fostering soil fertility, crop rotation, local seed conserva-
tion, 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.

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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 precau-
tionary 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)

The use of synthetic plant protection products is

(9b)
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 produc-
tion of livestock should in principle provide for a close relation-
ship 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.

(14)
In order to avoid environmental pollution and irrever-
sible impairment of the quality and availability of natural
resources such as the soil and water, organic production of live-
stock 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-farm-
ing crop products produced on the holding itself or on neigh-
bouring organic holdings.

Amendment 11
Recital 15

(15)
As organic stock farming is a land-related activity, ani-
mals should have, where possible, access to open air or grazing
areas.

(15)
As organic stock farming is a land-related activity, ani-
mals 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 wel-
fare standards and meet animals' species-specific behavioural
needs and animal-health management should be based on dis-
ease prevention. In this respect, particular attention should be
paid to housing conditions, husbandry practices and stocking
densities. Moreover, the choice of breeds should favour slow-
growing strains and take account of their capacity to adapt to
local conditions. The implementing rules for livestock produc-
tion and aquaculture production should ensure compliance with
at least the provisions of the European Convention to the Pro-
tection of Animals kept for Farming purposes (T-AP) and its
subsequent recommendations.

(16)
Organic stock farming should respect high animal wel-
fare standards and meet animals' species-specific behavioural
needs and animal-health management should be based on dis-
ease prevention. In this respect, particular attention should be
paid to housing conditions, husbandry practices and stocking
densities. Moreover, the choice of breeds should favour long-
living, disease resistant, and slow-growing strains and indigen-
ous local breeds and take account of their capacity to adapt to
local conditions. The implementing rules for livestock produc-
tion 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.

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Amendment 13
Recital 17

(17)
The organic livestock production system should aim at
completing the production cycles of the different livestock spe-
cies 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 spe-
cies with organically reared animals. It should therefore encou-
rage 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 recog-
nise 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 obliga-
tory 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 Com-
munity, 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 legisla-
tive framework, based on the precautionary principle and the
polluter pays principle, to prevent any risk of the contamina-
tion 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 quanti-
ties not exceeding 0,1 %.

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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 con-
sidered 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 Deci-
sion 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures
for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Com-
mission. Considering that the legislation on organic production
is an important factor in the framework of the Common Agri-
cultural 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 manage-
ment 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 Deci-
sion 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures
for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Com-
mission. Considering that the legislation on organic production
is an important factor in the framework of the Common Agri-
cultural 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

This Regulation establishes objectives, principles and rules

1.
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, pro-
import,

cessing, distribution, placing on the market,
export, inspection and certification of organic products;

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Amendment 160

Article 1, paragraph 2, introductory part

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

2.
This Regulation shall apply to the following products ori-
ginating from agriculture, where such products are intended to
be marketed as organic:

(c)

live or unprocessed products of aquaculture;

deleted

Amendment 161

Article 1, paragraph 2, point (c)

Amendment 162

Article 1, paragraph 2, point (d)

(d) processed products of aquaculture which are intended for

deleted

human consumption;

Amendments 179 and 153

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

(ea)

other products such as salt, pet food, wool, textiles, pre-
served 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 follow-
ing activities:

3.
This Regulation shall apply to any operator involved in
activities at any stage of the production, preparation and dis-
tribution of the products listed in Article 1(2), including:

(b) processing of food and feed;

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

Amendment 25

Article 1, paragraph 3, point (b)

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;

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Amendment 27

Article 1, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2

However, it shall not apply to catering operations, factory can-
teens, 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 pro-
duct, 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 Regula-
tion;

(b)

‘organic product’ means an agricultural product coming
from organic production;

(b)

‘organic product’ means a product coming from organic
production;

Amendment 29

Article 2, point (b)

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 pro-
duction 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

(f)

‘conversion’ means the transition from non organic to
organic farming;

(f)

‘conversion’ means a period of transition from conven-
tional to organic farming;

Amendment 31

Article 2, point (f)

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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 auth-
ority 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 pro-
visions 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 addi-
tives, flavourings, vitamins, enzymes, processing aids, cer-
tain 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 produc-
tion 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 spon-
taneous plants and weeds, which is incorporated into the
soil for the purpose of soil improvement;

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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 feed-

ing;

Amendment 180
Article 3, paragraph −1 (new)

(−1)

The objectives of this Regulation are:

(a)

to enhance the sustainable development of organic farm-
ing 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 produ-
cers 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 objec-
tives:

The organic production method shall pursue the following

1.
objectives:

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Amendment 40
Article 3, point (a), introductory part

(a)

It shall establish, in a practical, economically viable man-
agement 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 produc-
tion of a wide variety of products by methods that:

(i) minimise the negative effects on the environment;

(i) minimise the negative effects on the environment and cli-

Amendment 41
Article 3, point (a), point (i)

mate;

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.

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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 mate-
rials;

Amendment 50

Article 4, point (b)

(b) natural substances shall be used in preference to chemically
synthesised substances, which may be used only where nat-
ural 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 pro-
ducts;

(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;

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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 condi-
tions, stages of development and specific husbandry prac-
tices, while maintaining the common concept of organic
production.

(d)

rules of organic production shall be adapted to local condi-
tions, stages of development and specific husbandry prac-
tices, 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 produc-
tion without soil;

Amendment 182
Article 4, point (dd) (new)

(dd)

organic production shall maintain and create employ-
ment, 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;

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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 con-
stitution of the animal as well as the selection of appro-
priate 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 coop-
eration with other organic farms in the same region;

(h)

feed for livestock shall come by preference from the hold-
ing 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;

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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 agri-
ingredients from organic farming and of natural

cultural
non-agricultural substances;

(l) organic livestock feed shall be composed of agricultural
ingredients from organic farming and of natural non-agri-
cultural 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;

Principles applicable to processing

Principles applicable to processing and preparation

Amendment 67

Article 6, title

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:

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Amendment 69

Article 6, point (a)

(a) organic food and feed shall be produced essentially from
ingredients which shall be organic, except
agricultural
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 pro-
duction or conversion to organic production.

1.
The entire agricultural holding shall be managed in com-
pliance 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 pro-
duced 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.

Farmers are required not to use GMOs or products pro-

2.
duced from or by GMOs.

Amendment 75

Article 7, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2

Where farmers use products purchased from 3rd parties to pro-
duce 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.

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Amendment 76

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

In the case of an adventitious or technically unavoidable con-
tamination 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 main-
tained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation includ-
ing green manure, application of manure and organic mate-
rial from organic farms;

(b)

fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be main-
tained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation includ-
ing green manure, application of effluent from animal-
breeding and organic material from organic farms, prefer-
ably composted;

Amendment 78

Article 8, paragraph 1, point (h)

(h)

the use of any approved synthetic substances shall be sub-
ject 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 sub-
ject 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 propa-
gating 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 obli-
gations relating to the protection of human and animal

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health are imposed by Community legislation; the Com-
mission and the Member States shall ensure that such
restrictions and obligations do not lead to animal suffer-
ing 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 pollu-
tion caused by animals or by the spreading of their man-
ure;

(iv) the number of

livestock shall be limited with a view to
minimising overgrazing, poaching of soil, erosion, or pollu-
tion caused by animals or by the spreading of their efflu-
ent;

Amendment 81

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

(v) organic livestock shall be kept separate or readily separable

(v) organic livestock shall be kept separate from other live-

from other livestock;

stock;

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 jus-
tified 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 jus-
tified for safety, welfare or veterinary reasons; derogations
may however be authorised by the authority or body dele-
gated 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, pro-
vided 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,
insemination shall be
artificial
allowed. Other forms of artificial or assisted reproduction
(for example the transfer of embryos) shall not be used;

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Amendment 84
Article 9, point (c), point (ii)

(ii) cloning and embryo transfer shall not be used;

(ii) breeding techniques employing genetic engineering, clon-

ing 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 conver-
sion 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 rough-

age;

(ii) animals shall have permanent access to pasture or rough-
age, unless this is contra-indicated on veterinary grounds,
which shall be for the competent authorities or the veter-
inary 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 suf-
fering to the animal; allopathic products including antibio-
tics may be used where necessary, when the use of phy-
totherapeutic, homeopathic and other products is inap-
propriate.

(ii) disease outbreaks shall be treated immediately to avoid suf-
fering to the animal; synthetic chemical allopathic veterin-
ary 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.

Article 10

Production rules for aquaculture

Amendment 165
Article 10

deleted

The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure
1.
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 aquacul-
ture.

2.
Pending the adoption of the rules referred to in para-
graph 1, national rules, or in the absence thereof private stan-
dards accepted or recognised by the Member States, shall
apply, provided that they pursue the same objectives and prin-
ciples as those laid down in Title II.

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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:

(e)

cleaning materials;

(e)

cleaning, hygiene and disinfection materials;

Amendment 90
Article 11, paragraph 1, point (e)

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 sub-
stances 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)

The following rules shall apply to plant protection pro-

2b.
ducts:

(i)

their use must be essential for the control of a harmful
organism or a particular disease for which other biologi-
cal, physical or breeding alternatives or cultivation prac-
tices 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;

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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
to in
in accordance with the procedure
Article 31(2);

referred

(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
to in
Article 31(2);

the procedure

referred

3.

Hexane and other organic solvents may not be used.

3.

Hexane and chemical solvents may not be used.

Amendment 96

Article 13, paragraph 3

Amendment 189

Article 13, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

4.
Feed manufacturers are required not to use GMOs or pro-
ducts produced from GMOs where they should have knowledge
of their presence due to information on any label accompany-
ing the product or from other accompanying documents.

4.
Feed manufacturers are required not to use GMOs or pro-
ducts 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 incor-
porated; however, specific rules shall be laid down for pro-
ducts 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 Arti-
cle 15;

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

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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 provision-
ally 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 agricul-
tural 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 pro-
cessing of these products shall not be used.

2.
The extraction, conditioning, transport, processing, sto-
rage and marketing of organic food shall be conducted with
care to avoid losing the properties of the ingredients and pro-
ducts. Substances and techniques that reconstitute these proper-
ties 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 pro-
duced 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 pro-
duced from or by GMOs; operators shall take all appropriate
steps to avoid any contamination with GMOs, and shall sup-
ply 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.

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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 com-
ply 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 Commun-
ity 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 protec-
tion of human and animal health are imposed by Com-
munity 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;

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(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 pro-
ducts shall not bear a logo indicating organic production

Amendment 112

Article 17, paragraph 2

2.
The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminu-
tives, 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 diminu-
tives, 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 pro-
duced 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 diminu-
tives, alone or combined, may not be used for a product which
it contains GMOs, consists of
bears a label
GMOs or is produced from GMOs.

indicating that

3.
The terms listed in Annex I, their derivatives or diminu-
tives, 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
for the controls, certification and
authority competent
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;

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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 con-
sists, 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.

Community organic production logo

Community and national organic production logos

Amendment 118
Article 19, title

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 iden-
tifying 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

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

in accordance with the procedure
The Commission shall
referred to in Article 31(2) establish specific labelling require-
ments 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 pro-
duct.

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Amendment 123

Article 22, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

The

competent

4.
in accordance with
authority may
Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 delegate certain con-
trol tasks to one or more control bodies.

The

competent

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

Amendment 124

Article 22, paragraph 4, subparagraph 2

The control bodies shall fulfil the requirements set out in Euro-
pean Standard EN 45011 or ISO Guide 65 ‘General require-
ments 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 ver-
sion 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 con-
sumers 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 auth-
ority 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 con-
taining the names and addresses of operators subject to the con-
trol 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.

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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 pro-
cess.

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 stake-
holder 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 Reg-
ulation.

A product imported from a third country may be placed

1.
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 Com-
munity controls, which are carried out by an authority or
body officially recognised by the Community;

(c)

(d)

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;

the product is covered by a certificate issued by the com-
petent control authority confirming compliance with this
Regulation.

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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 condi-
tions 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 con-
trols 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 con-
cerned 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 produc-
tion standards equivalent to those applied to organic pro-
duction 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 produc-
tion standards equivalent to those applied to organic pro-
duction 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 Alimentar-
ius guidelines CAC/GL 32;

Amendment 137
Article 27, paragraph 3, point (c)

(c)

the third country operator who wishes to place his pro-
ducts labelled as organic on the Community market under
the conditions of this paragraph has submitted his activ-
ities 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 mar-
ket 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;

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Amendment 138

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (d)

(d)

the product is covered by a certificate issued by the compe-
tent authorities or control bodies of a third country recog-
nised 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 para-
graph.

(d)

the product is covered by a certificate issued by the compe-
tent authorities or control bodies of a third country recog-
nised 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 para-
graph. The Commission shall, pursuant to the procedure
laid down in Article 31(2), establish the conditions gov-
erning 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 para-
graph 4 or recognised under paragraph 5 satisfy European
Standard EN 45011 on general criteria for product certi-
fication bodies (ISO/IEC Guide 65) and have before
1 January 2009 been accredited, in line with that stan-
dard by any accreditation body which has signed the Mul-
tilateral 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 pro-
vide assessment reports issued by the accreditation body or, as
appropriate, the competent authority on the regular on-the-
spot 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 super-
vision of recognised control authorities and control bodies by
regularly reviewing their recognition. The nature of the super-
vision shall be determined on the basis of an assessment of
the risk of the occurrence of irregularities or infringements
of this Regulation.

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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 con-
duct random on-the-spot checks of the inspection and certifi-
cation 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.

Competent authorities and control bodies may not, with
1.
regard to the method of production, the labelling or the pre-
sentation 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 Com-
munity law and do not prohibit or restrict the marketing of
organic products produced outside the Member State in ques-
tion.

Management Committee on organic production

Regulatory Committee with scrutiny on organic production

Amendment 144

Article 31, title

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 Com-
mittee with scrutiny on organic production (hereinafter ‘the
Committee’).

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Amendment 146

Article 31, paragraph 1a (new)

1a.
The Committee shall ensure regular consultation of and
cooperation with organic producer representatives and consu-
mer 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 comi-
tology 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.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure pur-

4.
suant 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 pro-
ducers 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 pro-
ducers of organic products, including positive lists con-
cerning crop inputs, additives, processing aids and other
ingredients;

— EU-ORGANIC

— ORGANIC

Amendment 151

Annex II