CELEX: 51996PC0366
Language: en
Date: 1996-07-26
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) supplementing Regulation (CEE) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs to include livestock production

Avis juridique important

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51996PC0366

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) supplementing Regulation (CEE) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs to include livestock production  /* COM/96/0366 FINAL - CNS 96/0205 */  

Official Journal C 293 , 05/10/1996 P. 0023

Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on  organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural  products and foodstuffs to include livestock production (96/C  293/06) COM(96) 366 final -  96/0205(CNS)(Submitted by the Commission on 26 July 1996) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 43  thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, Whereas Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991  (1) provides that the Commission is to  put forward proposals before 30 June 1995 concerning the principles for and specific inspection  measures covering organic production of livestock, unprocessed livestock products and products  intended for human consumption containing ingredients of animal origin; Whereas demand for organic agricultural products is rising and whereas consumers are increasingly  attracted by such products, as measured in terms of both quantity and interest for the widest  possible range of products; Whereas livestock production allows that range of products to be extended while permitting the  development on agricultural holdings practising organic farming of complementary activities  accounting for a major share of income; Whereas, moreover, livestock production is fundamental to the organization of agricultural  production on organic farms in so far as it provides the necessary organic matter and nutrients for  cultivated land and accordingly contributes towards soil improvement and the development of  sustainable agriculture; Whereas, in order to avoid environmental pollution, in particular of natural resources like the  soil and water, organic livestock production must be organized along well thought-out lines so  that, by virtue of the necessarily close relationship between such production and the land, certain  objectives can be achieved, namely reduced pollution, suitable multiannual rotation systems and the  feeding of livestock using crop products produced on the holding in accordance with the rules of  organic farming; Whereas, in order to prevent pollution of water by nitrates, organic livestock holdings must have  storage capacity available for livestock effluents and manure-spreading plans to ensure that the  quality of the environment is maintained; Whereas the widest possible biological diversity must be maintained and the choice of breeds must  take account of their capacity to adapt to local conditions; Whereas the livestock must be fed essentially on fodder and feedingstuffs produced in accordance  with the rules of organic farming; Whereas, under the present circumstances, stockfarmers may experience difficulty in securing  supplies of feedingstuffs for organically reared livestock and therefore authorization should  provisionally be granted for a limited number of conventional feeds to be used in small  quantities; Whereas, in addition, in order to provide for the basic nutritional requirements of the livestock,  certain feed supplements may need to be used and whereas the type and conditions of utilization of  vitamins and certain minerals should be specified; Whereas animal-health management must mainly involve prevention, through a suitable choice of  naturally disease-resistant breeds, a balanced high-quality diet and a favourable environment, in  particular as regards livestock housing and animal husbandry; Whereas treatment to combat disease, infections and parasites must be based on the application of  alternative medicine, such as phytotherapy and homeopathy, the systematic administration of  synthetic drugs being eschewed; Whereas, however, for the present certain allopathic treatments are necessary to preserve the life  of livestock or limit suffering and whereas the administration of such products under veterinary  control and on a limited scale should be authorized, additional precautions being taken as regards  the sale of the livestock products after such treatment; Whereas in most cases the livestock should have access to free-range exercise areas or grazing,  weather conditions permitting, and whereas such free-range areas must be organized under a system  of rotation providing for periods when they are left free of livestock to regenerate and for health  purposes; Whereas housing for all species of livestock must satisfy the needs of the animals concerned as  regards ventilation, light, space and comfort and sufficient area must accordingly be provided to  permit ample freedom of movement for each animal; whereas the materials used for building  construction and protection should not be toxic for livestock or damaging to the environment; Whereas the systematic mutilation of livestock and the use of certain substances to stimulate  growth or modify their breeding cycles are contrary to the principles of organic farming and are  likely to affect the equilibrium and health of the animals as well as their behaviour; Whereas any unnecessary suffering and stress to livestock must be avoided during handling,  transport and slaughter; Whereas the special features of bee-keeping call for specific provisions, in particular to ensure  that sources of pollen and nectar of adequate quality are available in sufficient quantities; Whereas all operators marketing products of organically reared livestock must be subject to regular  inspections which take account of the production conditions peculiar to the livestock concerned;  whereas a register must be kept accessible at the holding and updated with details of livestock  arriving at and leaving the holding and any treatment administered; Whereas the provisions on livestock production must take account of experience gained in the  implementation of the rules on crop production, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 is hereby amended as follows: 1. Article 1 (1) is replaced by the following: '1.  This Regulation shall apply to the following products, where such products bear, or are  intended to bear, indications referring to organic production methods: (a) unprocessed agricultural crop and livestock products; (b) products intended for human consumption prepared from one or more ingredients of plant origin  and/or one or more ingredients of animal origin.` 2. Article 1 (2) is deleted. 3. Article 5 (5) (b) is replaced by the following: '(b) in the case of crop production, a conversion period prior to harvest of at least 12 months has  elapsed; in the case of livestock production, a period of at least half of the various conversion  periods defined in Part II of Annex I.` 4. In Article 6 (1) (b), the words 'animal feedingstuffs, feed supplements or disinfectants` are  inserted between 'soil conditioners` and 'or for another purpose where such purpose is specified in  Annex II in regard to certain substances`. 5. In Article 7 (1) (a), the words 'or for pest control in and disinfecting of livestock buildings`  are added to the introductory phrase 'if they are used for the purpose of plant pest or disease  control`. In the second indent, the words 'the crop or crop products` are replaced by the 'the crop, crop  products or livestock`. 6. The following paragraph is inserted after Article 7 (1): '(1a)  For animal feed, additional products may be included on the list of animal feedingstuffs not  produced in accordance with the rules on organic production and on the list of feed supplements in  Annex II provided the following conditions are satisfied: (a) where conventional animal feeds are concerned, they must be essential in ensuring a balanced  diet for the livestock in line with its nutritional requirements and they must be unavailable in  sufficient quantity in the Community in a form complying with the rules set out in Article 6; (b) where feed supplements are concerned: - they must be essential for the specific nutritional requirements of the livestock, - they must be of natural origin.` 7. In Article 13, the indent '-  amendments to Annexes I, II, III, IV and VI,` is replaced by the  following: '-  amendments to Annexes I to IV, VI and VII,`. 8. Annexes I, II and III are amended in accordance with the Annex hereto. 9. For the purposes of determining stocking density on holdings so as to limit the number of  livestock in line with the area available, stock numbers shall be converted into livestock units  (LU) using the conversion table, which shall form a new annex (Annex VII) to Regulation (EEC) No  2092/91, as set out in the Annex hereto. Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force three months after its publication in the  Official Journal of the European Communities. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all  Member States.(1) OJ No L 198, 22. 7. 1991, p. 1.   ANNEX 1. In the section headed 'Plants and plant products` in Annex I (Principles of  organic production at farm level), the subparagraph on animals and animal products is deleted. 2. The following section is inserted: 'II.  LIVESTOCK AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS 1.  General principles - Livestock production forms an integral part of many agricultural holdings practising organic  farming. - To qualify as organically reared, livestock, the products of which are intended for human  consumption, must be fed on crop products produced in accordance with the principles of organic  production. It must be reared in accordance with the rules set out in this Annex, preferably using  feed from the holding. - Livestock production must ensure the equilibrium of agricultural production systems by providing  for the soil's organic matter and nutrient requirements. It can thus contribute towards  establishing and maintaining soil-plant, plant-animal and animal-soil interdependence. By utilizing renewable natural resources (livestock effluents, legumes and fodder crops), the  mixed-cropping/stock-farming system allows soil fertility to be maintained and improved in the long  term and permits the development of sustainable agriculture. - Animal feed must satisfy the livestock's nutritional requirements and must be organically  produced except where provision is made for a derogation. - The widest possible biological diversity of livestock must be maintained and the choice of breeds  must take account of their capacity to adapt to local conditions. - The animals' living environment must allow them sufficient freedom of movement depending on the  behaviour peculiar to each species. Housing must be well ventilated, must permit daylight to enter  and must afford sufficient comfort for the livestock, in particular through the provision of  suitable facilities and adequate litter. - These principles covering choice of breeds, feedingstuffs and living environment should limit  animal-health problems so they can be controlled mainly by prevention. The use of allopathic  treatment may only be authorized by way of an exception. - Organic stockfarming is a land-related activity. In most cases, the livestock must have access to  a free-range area and the number of animals per unit of area must be limited to ensure integrated  management of livestock and crop production on the holding, so precluding any form of pollution, in  particular of the soil and of surface and ground water. The number of livestock must be closely  dependent on the area available for spreading livestock manure and on any other organic manure used  so that any adverse effect on the environment can be avoided. The total stocking density of the  holding may not exceed two livestock units (LU) per hectare. Where other organic manure is spread,  the total stocking density will be reduced to avoid exceeding a total nitrogen input equivalent to  2 LU/ha, that figure being equivalent to 170 kg N. The coefficients for converting the various categories of animals into livestock units are set out  in Annex VII. Where those stocking densities (or quantities of nitrogen spread) are exceeded, a  derogation may be granted by the inspection authority or body on condition that the farmer can  provide an effluent spreading plan utilizing additional areas available on other holdings locally  or in the region with which there is cooperation on a regular basis. Such areas must be the subject  of formal undertakings by the farmers concerned and no other livestock effluents may be spread  thereon. Where there is a risk of significant pollution, the inspection authority or body may lay  down maximum densities lower than 2 LU/ha in order to safeguard the environment. - In organic farming, all livestock on one and the same production unit must be reared in  accordance with the rules laid down in this Annex. Livestock reared in accordance with the principles of conventional farming may be present on the  holding provided it is reared on units where the buildings and parcels are separated clearly from  the units producing in accordance with the rules of organic farming and a different species is  involved. - Reproduction is to be based on natural service. Artificial insemination is authorized. However,  embryo transfers and the use of hormones to control ovulation are prohibited, except where  veterinary treatment is administered to an individual animal. - Mutilation such as tail-docking, tooth-removal, castration, de-horning, trimming of beaks and  wing-clipping of queen bees must not be carried out systematically in organic farming. Some of  these operations may, however, be authorized by the inspection authority or bodies for reasons of  safety or if they are intended to improve the health or welfare of the livestock. Such mutilation  must be carried out by qualified personnel and any suffering to the animals must be avoided. - Transport of livestock must be carried out so as to limit the stress suffered by the animals and  must involve the shortest time possible. Loading and unloading must be carried out without  brutality and the use of tranquillizer during the journey is prohibited. National and Community  provisions on the subject must be observed in all circumstances. - At the time of slaughter livestock must be handled in such a way that stress to the animals is  reduced to a minimum, care being taken to ensure as far as possible that the livestock is  identified and kept separate from other, conventionally reared animals. 2.  Origin of the animals Livestock must come from holdings which comply with the rules on the various types of livestock  production laid down in Article 6 and in this Annex and throughout its life that system of  production must apply thereto. Subject to a maximum of 10  % of adult livestock per year, female (nulliparous) animals which have  not yet reached adulthood may be brought in from conventional stockfarms for the renewal of the  herd or flock. That percentage may be increased, following the opinion and agreement of the inspection authority  or body and with the agreement of the competent authority of the Member State, in special cases,  such as where a major extension to the stockfarm is undertaken, a breed is changed, a new livestock  specialization is developed or animals are destroyed as a result of animal-health problems. By way of a derogation, where organically reared animals are not available in sufficient numbers,  conventionally reared livestock may be brought into organic livestock holdings subject to the  following conditions: - pullets for the production of eggs must not be more than 18 weeks old, - chicks for broiler production must be less than three days old, - calves must be less than four weeks old, - piglets must be reared organically from weaning. Such derogations, which must be authorized beforehand by the inspection authority or body, are to  apply for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2000. Males for breeding may be brought in from conventional stockfarms provided the animals are  subsequently reared and always fed in accordance with the rules laid down in this Annex. As regards all livestock obtained from conventional stockfarms, special attention must be paid to  animal-health rules, the inspection authority or body being authorized to apply special measures,  such as screening tests, depending on the local circumstances. In bee-keeping, apiaries are to be constituted by multiplication of existing colonies or by  acquisition of swarms or hives from bee-keepers complying with organic bee-keeping rules. By way of  a derogation, swarms on their own may be acquired from conventional bee-keepers during a  transitional period expiring on 31 December 2000, subject to a conversion period. 3.  Conversion periods Animal feed on organic farms must come from holdings complying with the rules laid down in Part I  of this Annex on crops and crop products. The rules on the origin of livestock set out above must be observed if products of animal origin  are to be sold as organic products. Where a cattle, sheep, goat, pig or poultry farm is converted, the whole fodder area of the  production unit must comply with the rules on organic farming. Meadows and fodder crops must have  undergone a normal conversion period of two years. The inspection authority may, with the approval  of the competent authority, decide to extend or reduce that period, depending on how the parcels  were used previously. If livestock products are to be sold as organic products, the livestock holdings undergoing  conversion must comply with the rules laid down in this Annex, in particular as regards feed,  animal health and housing, for at least: - 12 months in the case of cattle for meat production, - six months in the case of small ruminants, swine and poultry for meat production, brought in  after they are three days old, - 12 weeks in the case of animals for milk production, - 10 weeks in the case of egg production. Where livestock is brought in from conventional stockfarms in accordance with the conditions and  restrictions set out in the preceding point, the periods laid down above must be observed if the  products are to be sold as organic products; during those periods all the rules set out in this  Annex, in particular as regards feed and health treatment, must be complied with. Bee-keeping products can only be sold as organic products if the general conditions on feeding,  care and housing have been observed for at least one year. The material from which the hives are  made must comply with the rules laid down in this Annex. Where swarms on their own are acquired  from conventional bee-keepers, the conversion period is also one year. 4. Feed - All livestock on the holding should normally be fed entirely on fodder and feedingstuffs produced  in compliance with the rules on production laid down in Article 6 and in Annex I. Agricultural holdings should normally produce their animal feed themselves but in special  situations organic feedingstuffs may be purchased from holdings or enterprises subject to the rules  on production laid down in Article 6 and Annex I. Such feed is intended to ensure quality production rather than maximum growth while meeting the  nutritional requirements of the livestock at various stages of development. By way of a derogation, for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2000 the inspection  authorities and bodies may grant authorization for the use of a limited proportion of conventional  feed where the farmer is unable to obtain feed exclusively of organic origin. The maximum  percentage of conventional feed authorized per day is 10  % in the case of ruminants and 20  % in  the case of non-ruminants. That figure is calculated as a percentage of the dry matter of feed of  agricultural origin. Up to 20  % of the feed formula of rations may comprise crop products after conversion where they  come from parcels complying with the rules on production laid down in Article 6 and Annex I for at  least one year. Part C of Annex II lists conventional feeds which may be used in rations, in particular to meet the  livestock's protein requirements. Where forage production is lost, in particular as a result of  exceptional weather conditions, those percentages may be adjusted where so warranted, as authorized  by the inspection authority or body. - Straight and compound feedingstuffs must comply with the rules laid down in Council Directives  77/101/EEC  (¹) and 79/373/EEC  (²). As regards the presence of undesirable substances and  products, animal feedingstuffs are subject to the provisions of Council Directive 74/63/EEC  (³). In order to satisfy the nutritional requirements of livestock, vitamins and trace elements may be  added in accordance with Council Directive 70/524/EEC  (4). Mineral substances indispensable for the nutritional requirements of livestock should preferably  come from natural raw materials or feed naturally containing such substances. Part D of Annex II  lists the authorized feed supplements. Apart from milk and milk products, no other products of animal origin may be used in animal feed. The use of any synthetic substance administered in feed or orally to stimulate growth or production  is prohibited. - Rearing systems for polygastric animals are to be based on maximum use of pasturage. At least 60   % of the dry matter in daily rations is to consist of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage.  Silage may not be used exclusively. Authorized silage preservatives comprise sea salt, coarse rock salt, so-called organic  preservatives such as yeasts, lactic, acetic, formic and propionic bacteria, enzymes, whey, sugar  and molasses. - In bee-keeping, hives must be placed solely in areas where cultivated plants or spontaneous  vegetation complying with the rules on organic production are found, in accordance with Article 6  and Annex I. The Member States are to designate regions or areas where organic bee-keeping is practicable. Where  no such areas are identified, the bee-keeper must provide the inspection authority or body with  justifications and a guarantee, in particular on the basis of suitable analyses, that the areas  accessible to his colonies meet the abovementioned conditions. The feeding of colonies is authorized where weather conditions require that sufficient reserves be  built up for winter. Feeding must be carried out between the last honey harvest and the colony's  period of dormancy. Feeding is normally carried out with organic honey but sugar syrup may be used  provided it has been prepared from products complying with the rules on organic production. By way  of a derogation, sugar syrup and honey from conventional apiaries may be used until 31 December  2000. 5. Disease prevention and veterinary treatment Disease prevention is the guiding animal-health rule in organic livestock production. The health of the livestock depends on careful animal husbandry to ensure resistance to disease and  to prevent infection. In this connection, several factors may contribute towards sound disease  prevention and the limiting of animal-health problems, namely the choice of breeds adapted to local  conditions, balanced high-quality feed, housing in line with the morphology and requirements of the  livestock, exploitation of the animals' natural defences and rational utilization of free-range  areas. Animals which are injured or show symptoms of disease must be treated forthwith, if necessary in  isolation in suitable premises. The farmer must provide health surveillance for his herd or flock  so as to detect any anomaly. Treatment using plant extracts, trace elements and products listed in Part D of Annex II and the  administration of homeopathic products (plant, animal or mineral substances) are authorized without  restriction. Allopathic preventive treatment is prohibited, as is the use of any substance to stimulate growth.  Hormones to induce or synchronize heat are also prohibited. Hormones may, however, be administered  to treat individual animals for reproductive problems. Where a disease cannot be treated as set out above, allopathic treatment may be administered in  order to save the life of the animal, to avoid suffering, or if it cannot otherwise be restored to  sound health. Similarly, vaccines may be used where the disease has been recognized as present in the area where  the holding is located and in the case of vaccinations which are compulsory under the relevant  legislation. Allopathic treatment must be administered under the responsibility of a veterinarian, the type of  product being specified clearly, together with the duration of treatment and the recommended  withdrawal period before the products are consumed. This information is to be entered in the  livestock records and declared to the inspection body. Livestock treated must be clearly  identified, individually in the case of large animals, individually or by batch in the case of  poultry and small animals, and by colony in the case of bees. The period elapsing between treatment with synthetic drugs and the possibility of selling the  animal products as organic products is to be twice that laid down by law. In the specific case of bee-keeping, colony health is to be maintained by acting to reduce factors  contributing to the development of disease. To that end, the following measures are to be applied:  hardy breeds adapted to local conditions are to be chosen; queen bees are to be renewed regularly;  equipment is to be cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals; contaminated material is to be  destroyed; beeswax is to be renewed regularly; sufficient pollen and honey are to be made available  in hives. Where the use of synthetic products proves necessary to eradicate certain transmissible diseases  which are likely to destroy colonies, the treatment must be administered as far outside the periods  when the queen is laying and honey is harvested as possible. If treatment is to be applied during  such a period, the colonies treated must be placed in isolation hives. Subsequently, the conversion  period of one year will apply to those hives. As regards livestock production as a whole, where an animal or group of animals is administered  more than two courses of treatment with allopathic products other than for parasites during an  annual production cycle or lifecycle should the latter be less than one year, the livestock  products obtained may not be sold as organic products during the year concerned. 6. Livestock housing, free-range areas and storage facilities for livestock effluents and silage  liquor In the case of all species, housing conditions must meet the livestock's needs as regards movement,  natural light and comfort. The livestock must have easy access to feeding and watering points.  Housing must be sufficiently ventilated depending on the climate. Where animals are reared in groups, the size of the group must depend on the animals' stage of  development and behavioural needs. Materials which may be toxic for livestock are prohibited in the construction of housing and in  treatment products. All mammals must be provided with a sleeping area strewn with litter material. The latter must  comprise straw or other suitable natural material. The litter may be improved and enriched with any  mineral product authorized for use as a fertilizer in organic farming in accordance with Part A of  Annex II. Poultry houses must have perches of a size and number commensurate with the size of the  group and of the birds. Housing is to be cleaned with water under pressure or hot water. Premises may be disinfected using  the products listed in Part E of Annex II. Buildings must be cleaned, and in particular insects and pests eliminated, in the absence of the  livestock, only the authorized products listed in Part B of Annex II being employed. Storage facilities for livestock effluents and silage liquor must preclude the pollution of water  by run-off and infiltration of the soil or discharge into surface water of liquids containing  livestock effluents and silage liquor. With a view to sound fertilizer management, the capacity of facilities for livestock effluents must  be greater than that required for at least six months. In the case of mammals, breeding livestock and animals for milk production must have access to  pasturage or open-air exercise areas whenever the weather conditions and the state of the ground so  permit. Such free-range areas must also provide sufficient protection against rain, wind, sun and excessive  temperatures, depending on the local weather conditions. In the case of livestock for meat production, conditions are to be based ideally on the same  principles, but the final fattening phase may take place indoors. Such buildings must be  sufficiently spacious to afford freedom of movement in line with the animals' needs. Derogations from that principle may be granted by the inspection authority or body in order to take  account of local circumstances relating to holding structure or the organization of housing  peculiar to certain regions. Such derogations may only be granted for existing buildings while new buildings must comply with  the basic principles set out above. Buildings used for livestock must provide each animal with a dry rest area of sufficient size.  Generally speaking, the stocking density in buildings will depend on the species, the breed, the  age and the size of the animals. It must also take account of the behavioural needs of the animals,  which depend in particular on the size of the group and the animal's sex. The optimum density will  seek to ensure the animals' welfare by providing them with sufficient space to sleep, feed and move  around. As regards the rearing of calves, the parameters for housing on all holdings must comply with  Council Directive 91/629/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection  of calves  (¹). If pigs for fattening are housed in piggeries, the minimum free space available for resting must  comply with Article 3 of Council Directive 91/630/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum  standards for the protection of pigs  (²). In addition, the animals must have access to a covered  exercise area of an equivalent size, strewn with litter material. Slatted floors throughout and  tethered housing are prohibited. The other provisions on housing and rearing laid down in Directive  91/630/EEC will apply to all buildings once this Regulation has been approved. At all times throughout the day, weather permitting, poultry must have access to a grassed-run with  protective facilities. Buildings must be ventilated and have openings of a size proportionate to their dimensions. Natural  light may be supplemented artificially to provide a maximum of 16 hours' light per day. Buildings  must be emptied of livestock for health reasons between each batch of poultry reared. The building  and fittings are to cleaned and disinfected during that time. In addition, when the rearing of each batch of poultry has been completed, runs must be left empty  to allow grass to grow back and for health reasons. Poultry for egg production must be reared in a semi-intensive system and have access to a building  of a size and with facilities affording adequate comfort for the birds. The runs and buildings must meet the following minimum conditons  (³): - the hens must have continous daytime access to open-air runs, - the ground to which hens have access must be covered mainly by vegetation, - the maximum stocking density must not exceed 4  000 hens per hectare of ground available to the  hens or one hen per 2,5  m², - as regards the interior of the building: - the maximum stocking density must not exceed seven hens per square metre of floor space available  to the hens, - at least a third of this floor area must be covered with a litter material such as straw, wood  shavings, sand or turf, - a sufficiently large part of the floor area available to the hens must be available for the  collection of bird droppings. Poultry for meat production must be reared in traditional free-range conditions with access to an  open-air run and to a building of a maximum size and features in line with the various species  concerned. The minimum conditions to be met by such production units are as follows  (¹): - the indoor stocking density per square metre of floor space must not exceed: - in the case of chickens: 12 birds not exceeding 25 kg liveweight in total. However, in the case  of mobile chickenhouses not exceeding 150 m² floor space and remaining open at night, the stocking  density may be increased to 20 birds, subject to a maximum liveweight of 40 kg per square metre; - in the case of Muscovy and Peking ducks: eight males not exceeding 35 kg liveweight in total or  10 females not exceeding 25 kg liveweight in total, - in the case of Mulard ducks: eight birds not exceeding 35 kg liveweight in total, - in the case of guineafowl: 13 birds not exceeding 23 kg liveweight in total, - in the case of turkeys: 6,25 birds (or 10 birds up to seven weeks old) not exceeding 35 kg  liveweight in total, - in the case of geese: five birds (or 10 birds up to six weeks old) not exceeding 30 kg liveweight  in total; - the total usable area of poultryhouses at any single production site must not exceed 1  600  m², - each poultryhouse must not contain more than: - 4  800 chickens, - 5  200 guineafowl, - 4  000 female Muscovy or Peking ducks or 3  200 male Muscovy or Peking ducks or 3  200 Mulard  ducks, - 2  500 geese and turkeys; - the poultryhouse is to be provided with pop-holes of a combined length of at least 4  m per 100   m² area of the house, - the birds must have continuous day-time access to open-air runs at least from the age of: - six weeks in the case of chickens, - eight weeks in the case of ducks, geese, guineafowl and turkeys, - the open-air runs must comprise an area mainly covered by vegetation amounting to at least: - 2 m² per chicken, Muscovy or Peking duck, or guineafowl, - 3 m² per Mulard duck, - 6 m² per turkey, - 10 m² per goose. In the case of guineafowl, open-air runs may be replaced by a perchery having a floor area of at  least twice that of the house and a height of at least 2  m. At least 10 cm perch space must be  available per bird in total (house and perchery); - the birds fattened are to be of a strain recognized as being slow growing, - the feed formula used in the fattening stage must contain at least 70  % cereals, - the minimum age at slaughter is: - 81 days for chickens, - 49 days for Peking ducks, - 70 days for female Muscovy ducks, - 84 days for male Muscovy ducks, - 92 days for Mulard ducks, - 94 days for guineafowl, - 140 days for turkeys and roasting geese. In bee-keeping, the hives must be made of natural materials presenting no risk of contamination to  the environment or the apicultural products. Protective products used must comply with the same  conditions. Frames and supers for the harvest may only be protected, in particular from pests, by means of the  products listed in Part B of Annex II. All synthetic chemical products are prohibited. The beeswax for new frames must come from production units complying with the rules on organic  bee-keeping. By way of a derogation, in particular in the case of new installations, conventional  beeswax may be authorized by the inspection authority or body in exceptional circumstances where  organically produced beeswax is not available on the market. (¹) OJ No L 32, 3. 2. 1977, p. 1, as last amended by Directive 90/654/EEC (OJ No L 353, 17. 12.  1990, p. 48). (²) OJ No L 86, 6. 4. 1979, p. 30, as last amended by Directive 93/74/EEC (OJ No L 237, 22. 9.  1993, p. 23). (³) OJ No L 38, 11. 2. 1974, p. 31, as last amended by Directive 94/16/EEC (OJ No L 104, 23. 4.  1994, p. 32). (4) OJ No L 270, 14. 12. 1970, p. 1, as last amended by Directive 94/77/EC (OJ No L 350, 31. 12.  1994, p. 113). (¹) OJ No L 340, 11.  12.  1991, p. 28. (²) OJ No L 340, 11. 12. 1991, p. 33. (³) These conditons correspond to points (b) and (c) of Annex II to Commission Regulation (EEC) No  1274/91 of 15 May 1991 introducing detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No  1907/91 on certain marketing standards for eggs (OJ No L 121, 16. 5. 1991, p. 11), as last amended  by Regulation (EC) No 786/95 (OJ No L 79, 7. 4. 1995, p. 12). (¹) These conditons correspond to point (d) of Annex IV to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1538/91  of 5 June 1991 introducing detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1906/90 on  certain marketing standards for poultrymeat (OJ No L 143, 7.  6.  1991, p. 11), as last amended by  Regulation (EC) No 3239/94 (OJ No L 338, 28.  12.  1994, p. 48), with the exception of the details  on finishing in confinement.` 3. In Annex II, Part C ('Other products`) is replaced by the following: 'C. Straight feedingstuffs of agricultural origin not produced organically, referred to in  paragraph 4 of Part II of Annex I C.1. Oilseeds, cereals and fodder crops Lucerne Legumes (whole, meal, cake obtained by pressure): lupins, soya beans, peas, chickpeas (Cicer  arietinum), chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus), field beans (Vicia faba) Oilseeds (whole, meal, cake obtained by pressure): sunflower seed, rapeseed, linseed C.2. Processed crop products By-products of the starchmaking industry (maize or potatoes) By-products of the milling industry (bran) Beet pulp By-products of the malting and brewing industries Sugar (for bee-keeping) C.3. Livestock products and by-products Milk and milk products C.4. Miscellaneous Pollen (for bee-keeping) Nectar (for bee-keeping)`. 4. The following Part D is added to Annex II: 'D. Feed supplements authorized for use in animal feed 1. >TABLE> 2. Miscellaneous - Powders and extracts of plants, spices and herbs - Stone meal and charcoal - Seaweed - Yeasts - Shells and cuttlefish bones - Fish oil and cod-liver oil - Fish autolysates, hydrolysates and proteolysates obtained by enzyme action, whether or not in  soluble form (solely to provide young animals with the vitamins, minerals and proteins they  need)`. 5. The following Part E is added to Annex II: 'E. Products authorized for the treatment and disinfection of buildings and plant E.1. Products used in livestock buildings - milk of lime - liquid bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) - caustic soda (for plant) - caustic potash (for plant) - natural essences of plants - sodium hypochlorite (for beehives) - formic, lactic and acetic acid (for beehives) E.2. Products used to clean equipment - nitric acid (dairy equipment)`. 6. The following Part F is added to Annex II: 'F.  Other products` 7. In Annex III (Minimum inspection requirements and protective measures pursuant to the inspection  system provided for in Articles 8 and 9), the heading of Part A (A. Plants and plant products from  farm production or collection) is replaced by 'A.1. Plants and plant products from farm production or collection`. 8. The following section is added to Annex III:'A.2. Livestock and livestock products produced by animal husbandry 1. Holdings producing livestock and livestock products in accordance with the rules laid down in  this Regulation are subject to the inspection requirements covering crops and crop products by  virtue of the obligation laid down in Annex I for areas to be available on them for crop  production. 2. In addition to those requirements, specific provisions on livestock production must be complied  with. 2.1. When the inspection system applying specifically to livestock production is first implemented,  the producer and the inspection body must draw up: - a full description of the livestock buildings, exercise areas and, where applicable, the premises  for the storage and processing of livestock and livestock products, - a full description of the installations for the storage of livestock effluents, - a plan for spreading such effluents, together with a full description of the areas given over to  crop production, - where appropriate, the arrangements laid down by contract with neighbouring farms as regards the  spreading of effluents, - all practical measures to be taken on the stockfarm to ensure compliance with this Regulation. The description and the measures concerned are to be set out in an inspection report countersigned  by the producer concerned. The report must also contain an undertaking by the stockfarmer that he  will comply with the provisions of Article 6 and Annex I and will consent, in the event of a breach  thereof, to the application of the measures provided for in Article 9 (9). 2.2. The general requirements on inspection in points 1 and 3 to 8 of Part A of Annex III covering  crops and crop products are applicable to livestock and livestock products. By way of a derogation from those rules, veterinary drugs are permitted on holdings provided that  they have been prescribed by a veterinarian in connection with treatment as referred to in Annex I,  that they are stored under supervision and that a register is kept of drugs purchased and  administered. 2.3. The livestock must be identified permanently using techniques adapted to each species,  individually in the case of large mammals and individually or by batch in the case of poultry and  small mammals. The livestock and livestock products are to be identified at all stages of distribution, and in  particular during transport, slaughter and subsequent processing. 2.4. Registered livestock records are to be compiled and kept available for the inspection  authorities or bodies at all times at the registered address of the holding. Such records, which are to provide a full description of the herd or flock management system, must  contain the following information: - by species, as regards livestock arriving at the holding: origin and date of arrival, conversion  period, identification mark and veterinary record, - as regards livestock leaving the holding: age, number of head, weight, identification mark and  destination, - details of any animals lost and reasons, - as regards feed: type, including feed supplements, proportions of various ingredients of rations  and periods of access to free-range areas, where restrictions apply, - as regards disease prevention and treatment and veterinary care: date of treatment, diagnosis,  type of treatment product, method of treatment and practitioner's prescription for veterinary care  with reasons and withdrawal periods applying before livestock products can be marketed. 2.5. Where a producer manages several livestock holdings in the same region, the units which  produce livestock or livestock products not covered by Article 1 will also be subject to the  inspection system as regards the first, second and third indents of point 2.1 of this section on  livestock and livestock products and as regards the provisions on livestock management, livestock  records and the principles governing storage of animal husbandry products used. At all events, on such production units the same species of livestock cannot be reared as on units  as referred to in point 1`. 9. The following new annex (Annex VII) is added: 'ANNEX VII >TABLE> `