CELEX: 
Language: en
Date: 2020-03-26 00:00:00
Title: COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) …/... laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of organic products and information to be provided by Member States

EUROPEAN
                          COMMISSION
                                                   Brussels, 26.3.2020
                                                   C(2020) 1772 final
             COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) …/...
                                       of 26.3.2020
    laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the
   European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the
   retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of
          organic products and information to be provided by Member States
                                (Text with EEA relevance)
EN                                                                                     EN
 ---pagebreak---                   COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) …/...
                                              of 26.3.2020
        laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the
       European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the
       retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of
               organic products and information to be provided by Member States
                                      (Text with EEA relevance)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of
   30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council
   Regulation (EC) No 834/20071, and in particular Article 10(6), Article 14(3), Article 15(3),
   Article 16(3), Article 17(3) and Article 26(7)(d) thereof,
   Whereas:
   (1)     Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 lays down general production rules for
           organic products, while detailed production rules are set out in Annex II to that
           Regulation. In order to ensure harmonised conditions for the implementation of that
           Regulation, some additional rules should be laid down.
   (2)     The conversion to the organic production method requires certain periods of
           adaptation of all means in use. The required conversion period starts at the earliest
           after a farmer or an operator that produces algae or aquaculture animals has notified
           the activity to the competent authorities. As an exception and under certain conditions,
           a previous period may be retroactively recognised as being part of the conversion
           period. The documents to be submitted to the competent authorities for the purpose of
           the retroactive recognition of a previous period should be specified.
   (3)     In order to ensure the observance of a high level of animal welfare respecting species-
           specific needs in organic livestock production, it is necessary to lay down the stocking
           densities, the minimum surfaces for indoor and outdoor areas and their characteristics,
           as well as technical requirements and characteristics for buildings and open air areas
           for bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals, equine animals, cervine animals,
           porcine animals, poultry and rabbits. Additionally, for suckling animals the minimum
           periods to be complied with for feeding preferably with maternal milk should also be
           laid down.
   (4)     In order to ensure the observance of a high level of animal welfare respecting species-
           specific needs in organic aquaculture production, it is also necessary to lay down rules
           per species or per group of species on the stocking densities and the characteristics for
           production systems and containments systems for aquaculture animals.
   1
           OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 1.
EN                                                  1                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---    (5)  Processed organic products should be produced using processing methods which
        guarantee that the organic characteristics and qualities of the products are maintained
        through all stages of organic production. Considering the great number of techniques
        used in the processing of food products in organic production, establishing an
        exhaustive list of all the techniques authorised is not possible. Therefore, as a general
        rule, techniques complying with the principles and relevant production rules as set out
        in Regulation (EU) 2018/848 should be considered as authorised in the processing of
        food products in organic production.
   (6)  However, for certain techniques used in the processing of specific organic food
        products, opinions of Member States may diverge on the compliance of a technique
        with the principles and relevant production rules as set out in Regulation (EU)
        2018/848 for producing specific products. For such cases, it is necessary to lay down
        rules on how such a technique can be assessed and, if confirmed compliant with those
        principles and production rules, be authorised by the Commission for producing
        specific food products, where appropriate under certain conditions.
   (7)  Ion exchange and adsorption resin techniques may be needed to produce infant
        formula and follow-on formula and processed cereal-based food and baby food as
        referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the
        European Parliament and of the Council2 in order to meet the compositional
        requirements laid down in that Regulation and in acts adopted on the basis of Article
        11(1) of that Regulation for the products concerned, or in products regulated by
        Commission Directive 2006/125/EC3. It is necessary to authorise the use of ion
        exchange and adsorption techniques for these categories of products.
   (8)  Similarly as for the techniques authorised for use in the processing of food products,
        techniques that reconstitute properties that are lost in the processing and storage of
        organic feed, that correct the results of negligence in the processing of organic feed, or
        that otherwise may be misleading as to the true nature of products intended to be
        marketed as organic feed, should not be used.
   (9)  Considering the great number of techniques used in the processing of specific feed
        products in organic production, establishing an exhaustive list of all the techniques
        authorised is not possible. Therefore, as a general rule, techniques complying with the
        principles and relevant production rules as set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/848 should
        be authorised in the processing of feed products in organic production.
   (10) However, for certain techniques used in the processing of specific organic feed
        products, opinions of Member States may diverge on the compliance of a technique
        with the principles and relevant production rules as set out in Regulation (EU)
        2018/848. For such cases, it is necessary to lay down rules on how such a technique
        can be assessed and, if confirmed compliant with those principles and relevant
   2
        Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food
        intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement
        for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC,
        1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of
        the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009 (OJ L 181,
        29.6.2013, p. 35).
   3
        Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal-based foods and baby
        foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16).
EN                                                    2                                                        EN
 ---pagebreak---         production rules, be authorised by the Commission for producing specific feed
        products, where appropriate under certain conditions.
   (11) Organic plant reproductive material, organic animals and organic aquaculture
        juveniles should be used in organic production. In order to help organic operators to
        find information on their availability, each Member State should have in place systems
        allowing operators that market organic and in-conversion plant reproductive material,
        organic animals or organic aquaculture juveniles to make information on their supplies
        publicly available. In particular, detailed information on such species that they are able
        to supply in sufficient quantities and within a reasonable period should be publicly
        available. Once a year, Member States should make available to the Commission the
        synthesis of such information as well as information on derogations granted in case of
        lack of availability.
   (12) Seedlings are excluded from the collection and exchange of information on organic
        and in-conversion plant reproductive material. Therefore, to ensure a harmonised
        approach, it is appropriate to establish a definition of seedlings.
   (13) In order to address the nutritional needs for specific protein compounds of young
        poultry and porcine animals of up to 35 kg, Member States may authorise the use of
        non-organic protein feed in poultry and porcine diets under strict conditions and until
        31 December 2025. In view of phasing out these respective derogations and for the
        purposes of Article 53(6)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the Commission should
        monitor their use taking into account the evolution of availability on the market of
        organic protein feed. For this purpose, a focused questionnaire should be designed by
        the Commission and Member States should annually submit to the Commission the
        filled in questionnaire summarising the relevant information collected on the
        availability of organic protein feed and the authorisations granted to use non-organic
        protein feed to poultry and porcine animals producers.
   (14) Member States may also set up a similar system of information on availability in
        relation to breeds and strains adapted to organic production or organic pullets.
        Considering the possible phasing out of derogations for the use of non-organic animals
        or pullets, it is important to collect data on the availability of organically reared breeds
        and strains specifically selected in the respect of organic principles and objectives.
        Therefore, it is necessary to lay down details for harmonised data to be reported by
        Member States to the Commission and to the other Member States.
   (15) Operators that have been producing livestock in accordance with Council Regulation
        (EC) No 834/20074 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/20085 will have to adapt
        their production systems to comply with the new specific technical requirements laid
        down in this Regulation affecting the livestock density, the structural characteristics of
        animals’ premises and related equipment, the available spaces and land management
        and the productive system of the holding in general. These adaptations will require
        variable periods of time according to the extent of the necessary interventions to
        comply with the new requirements laid down in this Regulation while taking into
        account on going productions.
   4
        Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic
        products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L 189, 20.7.2007, p. 1).
   5
        Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 laying down detailed rules for the
        implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of
        organic products with regard to organic production, labelling and control (OJ L 250, 18.9.2008, p. 1).
EN                                                    3                                                        EN
 ---pagebreak---    (16) In particular, the provisions concerning the stocking density, minimum indoor and
        outdoor areas for pullets and brother roosters, the maximum extension of the open air
        areas for poultry houses, the maximum number of tiers and the equipment for an
        efficient system of manure removal in multi-tiered poultry houses may imply tangible
        works and investments like rebuilding of animals’ premises and land acquisitions, or a
        complete refurbishment of animals’ premises for certain holdings or production units
        that have been producing until now in compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007
        and (EC) No 889/2008. Hence, a transitional period of maximum 8 years from 1
        January 2021 should be provided for in respect of these holdings or production units in
        order to permit them to carry out the necessary adaptations to comply with the new
        requirements.
   (17) The requirement related to porcine animals concerning a minimum percentage of
        surface of outdoor area consisting of solid construction may imply the rebuilding of
        external facilities and changes in the system of collection of manure in holdings or
        production units that have been producing until now in compliance with Regulations
        (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008. Hence, a transitional period of maximum 8
        years from 1 January 2021 should be provided for in respect of these holdings or
        production units in order to permit them to carry out the necessary major renovation of
        animals’ external premises or the replacement of the equipment to comply with the
        new requirements.
   (18) Also the length of pop-holes between the verandas and the indoor part of the poultry
        house, the requirement on solid partitions for fattening poultry other than Gallus
        gallus, and the specific requirements on perches and raised sitting levels may imply
        tangible adaptations such as the renovation of part of the animals’ premises and
        purchase of new equipment for holdings that have been producing until now in
        compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008. Hence, a
        transitional period of maximum 3 years from 1 January 2021 should be provided for in
        respect of these holdings or production units to permit them to carry out the necessary
        adaptations of animals’ premises or the replacement of the equipment to comply with
        the new requirements.
   (19) Finally the method of calculation of minimum indoor surface areas in poultry houses
        with an outdoor part of the building may imply adaptations such as the major
        reduction of the stocking density of poultry or the renovation of the buildings for
        holdings that have been producing until now in compliance with Regulations (EC) No
        834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008. Hence a transitional period of maximum 3 years
        from 1 January 2021 should be provided for in respect of these holdings or production
        units to permit them to carry out the necessary adaptations of their business plans or of
        their animals’ premises to comply with the new requirements.
   (20) In the interest of clarity and legal certainty, this Regulation should apply from the date
        of application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
   (21) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the
        Organic Production Committee,
EN                                                4                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---    HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
                                            CHAPTER I
                                          CONVERSION
                                                 Article 1
      Documents to be supplied for the purpose of the retroactive recognition of a
                                             previous period
   1.     For the purposes of point (a) of Article 10(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the
          operator shall submit to the competent authorities in the Member State in which the
          activity is carried out and in which that operator’s holding is subject to the control
          system the official documents from the relevant competent authorities proving that
          the land parcels for which the retroactive recognition of a previous period is
          requested were subject to measures which were defined in a programme
          implemented pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament
          and of the Council6 and that no products or substances other than those authorised for
          use in organic production have been used on those land parcels.
   2.     For the purposes of point (b) of Article 10(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the
          operator shall submit to the competent authorities in the Member State in which the
          activity is carried out and in which that operator’s holding is subject to the control
          system the following documents proving that the land parcels were natural or
          agricultural areas that, for a period of at least three years, have not been treated with
          products or substances that are not authorised for use in organic production in
          accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848:
          (a)    maps identifying clearly each land parcel covered by the request for retroactive
                 recognition and information on the total surface of those land parcels and, if
                 relevant, on the nature and the volume of the on-going production and, where
                 available, their geolocation coordinates;
          (b)    the detailed risk analysis carried out by the control authority or control body to
                 assess whether any land parcel covered by the request for retroactive
                 recognition has been treated with products or substances that are not authorised
                 for use in organic production for a period of at least three years, taking into
                 account in particular the size of the total surface to which the request relates
                 and the agronomic practices carried out during that period on each land parcel
                 subject to the request;
          (c)    the laboratory analyses results from accredited laboratories on soil and/or plant
                 samples taken by the control authority or control body from each land parcel
                 identified as presenting the risk of being contaminated as a result of being
                 treated with products and substances that are not authorised for use in organic
                 production following the detailed risk analysis referred in point (b);
   6
        Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on
        support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and
        repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).
EN                                                   5                                                    EN
 ---pagebreak---             (d)   an inspection report from the control authority or control body following a
                  physical inspection of the operator for the purpose of verifying the consistency
                  of the information collected on the land parcels covered by the request for
                  retroactive recognition;
            (e)   any other relevant documents deemed necessary by the control authority or
                  control body to assess the request for retroactive recognition;
            (f)   a final written statement of the control authority or control body indicating
                  whether a retroactive recognition of a previous period as being part of the
                  conversion period is justified and indicating the starting period considered as
                  organic for each land parcel concerned as well as the total surface of the land
                  parcels benefiting from a retroactive recognition of a period.
                                            CHAPTER II
                                            LIVESTOCK
                                                SECTION 1
       BOVINE ANIMALS, OVINE ANIMALS, CAPRINE ANIMALS AND
                                        EQUINE ANIMALS
                                                  Article 2
                         Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk
   The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU)
   2018/848 for feeding suckling animals preferably with maternal milk shall be:
   (a)      90 days after birth for bovine animals and equine animals;
   (b)      45 days after birth for ovine animals and caprine animals.
                                                  Article 3
            Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas
   For bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals and equine animals, the stocking density
   and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall be as set out in Part I of Annex I.
                                                  Article 4
       Characteristics of and technical requirements for the minimum surface for the
                                                indoor area
   At least half of the minimum surface of the indoor area laid down in Part I of Annex I for
   bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals and equine animals shall consist of a solid
   construction, that is to say, not of a slatted or grid construction.
EN                                                    6                                            EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                SECTION 2
                                       CERVINE ANIMALS
                                                Article 5
                          Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk
   The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU)
   2018/848 for feeding suckling cervine animals preferably with maternal milk shall be 90 days
   after birth.
                                                Article 6
                    Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor areas
   For cervine animals, the stocking density and the minimum surface for outdoor areas shall be
   as set out in Part II of Annex I.
                                                Article 7
       Characteristics of and technical requirements for outdoor enclosures or pens
   1.        Cervine animals shall be kept in outdoor enclosures or pens providing pastures
             whenever conditions allow.
   2.        The outdoor enclosures or pens shall be constructed in such a way that the different
             species of cervine animals can be separated if needed.
   3.        Each outdoor enclosure or pen shall be either dividable into two areas or adjacent to
             another outdoor enclosure or pen so that maintenance measures can be carried out on
             each area or each outdoor enclosure or pen successively.
                                                Article 8
   Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of protected facilities and open air
                                                  areas
   1.        Visual and weather protection facilities shall be provided to cervine animals
             preferably by natural shelters like inclusion of groups of trees and shrubs, parts of
             forests or skirts of woods into the outdoor enclosure or pen; if this is not feasible to a
             sufficient extent the whole year, roofed artificial shelters shall be provided.
   2.        Outdoor enclosures or pens for cervine animals shall be equipped with facilities or be
             covered with vegetation that allow animals to rub off velvet from their antlers.
   3.        In the late stage of pregnancy and two weeks after birth, female cervine animals shall
             have access to areas covered with vegetation that allows hiding their calves.
EN                                                  7                                                   EN
 ---pagebreak---    4.        Fences around outdoor enclosures or pens shall be constructed in such a way that
             cervine animals cannot escape.
                                               SECTION 3
                                        PORCINE ANIMALS
                                                 Article 9
                         Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk
   The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU)
   2018/848 for feeding suckling porcine animals preferably with maternal milk shall be 40 days
   after birth.
                                                 Article 10
             Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas
   For porcine animals, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor
   areas shall be as set out in Part III of Annex I.
                                                 Article 11
    Characteristics of and technical requirements for the minimum surface for indoor
                                            and outdoor areas
   At least half of the minimum surface of both the indoor area and the outdoor area laid down in
   Part III of Annex I shall consist of a solid construction, that is to say, not of a slatted or grid
   construction.
                                                 Article 12
              Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of open air areas
   1.        Open air areas shall be attractive to porcine animals. Where possible, preference
             shall be given to fields with trees or forests.
   2.        Open air areas shall provide outdoor climate as well as access to shelters and means
             allowing the regulation of body temperature of porcine animals.
                                               SECTION 4
                                              POULTRY
                                                 Article 13
                                                Definitions
   For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
EN                                                   8                                                 EN
 ---pagebreak---    (a)      ‘fattening poultry’ means poultry intended for meat production;
   (b)      ‘flock’ in the context of compartments in poultry houses means a group of birds that
            are kept together not mixing with other poultry species, and with their own dedicated
            indoor and outdoor areas;
   (c)      ‘brother rooster’ means male chicken of laying hen strains intended for meat
            production;
   (d)      ‘poularde’ means female Gallus gallus intended for meat production and slaughtered
            at the minimum age of 120 days.
                                                Article 14
            Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas
   For poultry, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall
   be set out in Part IV of Annex I.
                                                Article 15
               Characteristics of and technical requirements for poultry houses
   1.       Poultry houses shall be constructed in a manner allowing all birds easy access to
            open air areas. For this purpose, the following rules shall apply:
            (a)    the external boundary of the poultry house shall have exit/entry pop-holes
                   giving direct access to open air areas;
            (b)    every single exit/entry pop-hole shall be of a size adequate for the birds;
            (c)    birds shall be able to access pop-holes without any obstacle;
            (d)    pop-holes from the external boundary of the poultry house shall have a
                   combined length of at least 4 m per 100 m2 of the usable area of the minimum
                   surface of the indoor area of the poultry house;
            (e)    where pop-holes are raised, a ramp shall be provided.
   2.       For poultry houses with verandas, the following rules shall apply:
            (a)    the external boundary both from the indoor house to the veranda and from the
                   veranda to the open air area shall have exit/entry pop-holes allowing easy
                   access respectively to the veranda or to the open air area;
            (b)    pop-holes from the indoor house to the veranda shall have a combined length
                   of at least 2 m per 100 m2 of the usable area of the minimum surface of the
                   indoor area of the poultry house and pop-holes from the veranda to the open air
                   area shall have a combined length of at least 4 m per 100 m2 of the usable area
                   of the minimum indoor surface of the poultry house;
            (c)    the usable area of the veranda shall not be taken into account for the calculation
                   of the stocking density and the minimum surface of the indoor and outdoor
                   areas as set out in Part IV of Annex I. However, an additional, roofed outdoor
                   part of a building intended for poultry, insulated in a way that it does not have
                   an outdoor climate, may be taken into account for the calculation of the
EN                                                  9                                                 EN
 ---pagebreak---             stocking density and the minimum surface of the indoor areas as set out in Part
            IV of Annex I, if the following conditions are met:
            (i)    it is fully accessible 24 hours a day;
            (ii)   it complies with the requirements of points 1.6.1 and 1.6.3 of Part II of
                   Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848;
            (iii) it complies with the same requirements for pop-holes as set for verandas
                   in points (a) and (b) of this paragraph;
      (d)   the usable area of the veranda shall not be included in the total usable area of
            poultry houses for fattening poultry as referred to in point 1.9.4.4.(m) of Part II
            of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
   3. For poultry houses subdivided into separate compartments in order to house multiple
      flocks:
      (a)   compartments shall ensure that contact with other flocks is restricted and that
            birds from different flocks cannot mix in the poultry house;
      (b)   the following maximum flock sizes in a single compartment of a poultry house
            shall apply:
            (i)    3 000 parents Gallus gallus;
            (ii)   10 000 pullets;
            (iii) 4 800 fattening poultry Gallus gallus;
            (iv) 2 500 capons;
            (v)    4 000 poulardes;
            (vi) 2 500 turkeys;
            (vii) 2 500 geese;
            (viii) 3 200 male Peking ducks or 4 000 female Peking ducks;
            (ix) 3 200 male Muscovy ducks or 4 000 female Muscovy ducks;
            (x)    3 200 male Mulard ducks or 4 000 female Mulard ducks;
            (xi) 5 200 Guinea fowls;
      (c)   compartments shall be separated by solid partitions for fattening poultry other
            than Gallus Gallus; such solid partition shall ensure a complete physical
            separation from the floor to the roof of the building of each compartment of the
            poultry house;
      (d)   compartments shall be separated by solid partitions or semi-closed partitions or
            nets or meshes for parents Gallus gallus, laying hens, pullets, brother roosters
            and fattening poultry Gallus gallus.
   4. Multi-tiered systems may be used in poultry houses. Where multi-tiered systems are
      used, the following rules shall apply:
      (a)   multi-tiered systems may only be used for parents Gallus gallus, laying hens,
            pullets for future egg production, pullets for future parents and brother roosters;
      (b)   multi-tiered systems shall have no more than three tiers of usable area
            including the ground floor;
EN                                            10                                                EN
 ---pagebreak---       (c)    the elevated tiers shall be constructed in such a way as to prevent droppings
             falling on the birds below and shall be equipped with an efficient system of
             manure removal;
      (d)    all tiers shall allow for easy inspection of the birds;
      (e)    multi-tiered systems shall ensure that all birds can move freely and easily to the
             different levels or intermediate areas;
      (f)    multi-tiered systems shall be constructed in such a way as to provide easy
             equal access to open air areas to all birds.
   5. Poultry houses shall be equipped with perches or raised sitting levels or both.
      Perches or raised sitting levels or both shall be provided to the birds from a young
      age in dimensions or proportions commensurate with the size of the group and of the
      birds as laid down in Part IV of Annex I.
   6. Mobile poultry houses may be used for poultry provided that they are moved
      regularly during the production cycle in order to ensure the availability of vegetation
      to the birds and at least between each batch of poultry. The stocking density for
      fattening poultry laid down in Sections 4 to 9 of Part IV of Annex I may be increased
      to a maximum of 30 kg live weight/m2 provided the surface of the ground floor of
      the mobile house does not exceed 150 m2.
                                           Article 16
        Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of open air areas
   1. Open air areas for poultry shall be attractive to the birds and shall be fully accessible
      to all birds.
   2. For poultry houses subdivided into separate compartments in order to house multiple
      flocks, the open air areas corresponding to each single compartment shall be
      separated in order to ensure that contact with other flocks is restricted and that birds
      from different flocks cannot mix.
   3. Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation composed of a
      diverse range of plants.
   4. Open air areas shall provide to the birds a sufficient number of protective facilities or
      shelters or shrubs or trees distributed throughout the entire open air areas in order to
      ensure that the birds are using the whole open air area in a balanced way.
   5. The vegetation on the open air area shall be maintained regularly to reduce the
      potential for nutrient surpluses.
   6. The open air areas shall not extend beyond the radius of 150 m from the nearest
      exit/entry pop-hole of the poultry house. However, an extension of up to 350 m from
      the nearest pop-hole of the building is permissible provided that a sufficient number
      of shelters from inclement weather and predators are evenly distributed throughout
      the whole open air area with at least four shelters per hectare. For geese, the open air
      area shall allow the birds to satisfy their needs to eat grass.
EN                                             11                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                 SECTION 5
                                                RABBITS
                                                  Article 17
                             Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk
   The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU)
   2018/848 for feeding suckling rabbits preferably with maternal milk shall be 42 days after
   birth.
                                                  Article 18
            Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas
   For rabbits, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall
   be as set out in Part V of Annex I.
                                                  Article 19
          Characteristics of and technical requirements for mobile or fixed housing
   1.        During the grazing season, rabbits shall be kept in mobile housing on pastures or in
             fixed housing with access to pasture.
   2.        Outside the grazing season, rabbits may be kept in fixed housing with access to an
             outdoor run with vegetation, preferably pasture.
   3.        Mobile housing on pastures shall be moved as often as possible to ensure the
             maximum use of grazing pasture and shall be constructed in such a way that it is
             possible for rabbits to graze the pasture on the floor.
                                                  Article 20
        Characteristics of and technical requirements for indoor and outdoor areas
   1.        The indoor area in fixed and mobile housing shall be constructed in such a way that:
             (a)   its height is sufficient to allow all rabbits to stand with ears erect;
             (b)   it can accommodate different groups of rabbits and allow the preservation of
                   the broods’ integrity upon transfer to the fattening phase;
             (c)   it is possible for bucks and pregnant and reproductive does to be separated
                   from the group for specific animal welfare reasons and for a limited period
                   provided they can keep eye contact with other rabbits;
             (d)   it is possible for the doe to move away from the nest and return in the nest for
                   nursing the kits;
             (e)   it provides:
EN                                                    12                                            EN
 ---pagebreak---                    (i)     covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all
                           categories of rabbits;
                   (ii)    access to nests for all does at least one week before the expected date of
                           birth and at least till the end of the nursing period of the kits;
                   (iii) access to nests for kits in sufficient number with a minimum of one nest
                           per nursing doe with kits;
                   (iv) materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.
   2.       The outdoor area in facilities with fixed housing shall be constructed in such a way
            that:
            (a)    it has raised platforms in sufficient number and evenly distributed on its
                   minimum surface;
            (b)    it is surrounded by fences that are high and deep enough to prevent flight either
                   by jumping or digging;
            (c)    if it has a concrete outside area, there is an easy access to the part of the
                   outdoor run with vegetation. Without such easy access, the surface of the
                   concrete area may not be included in the calculation of the minimum surface of
                   the outdoor area;
            (d)    it provides:
                   (i)     covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all
                           categories of rabbits;
                   (ii)    materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.
                                                    Article 21
            Requirements for vegetation and characteristics and open air areas
   1.       The vegetation of the outdoor runs shall be maintained regularly and in such a way
            that it is attractive to rabbits.
   2.       During the grazing season, pastures shall be rotated regularly and managed in such a
            way that the grazing of rabbits is optimised.
                                            CHAPTER III
                                 AQUACULTURE ANIMALS
                                                    Article 22
          Detailed rules for aquaculture animals per species or group of species
   Operators that produce aquaculture animals shall comply with the detailed rules per species or
   per group of species set out in Annex II with respect to the stocking density and the specific
   characteristics of production systems and containment systems.
EN                                                      13                                            EN
 ---pagebreak---                                       CHAPTER IV
                        PROCESSED FOOD AND FEED
                                            Article 23
                Techniques authorised in the processing of food products
   1.    Only techniques complying with the principles laid down in Chapter II of Regulation
         (EU) 2018/848, in particular the relevant specific principles applicable to the
         processing of organic food laid down in Article 7, with the relevant rules of Chapter
         III of that Regulation and with the detailed production rules set out in Part IV of
         Annex II thereto are authorised in the processing of food products in organic
         production.
   2.    Without prejudice to point 3 of Part VI of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848, ion
         exchange and adsorption resin techniques are authorised when used for the
         preparation of organic raw materials:
         (a)   for products referred to in points (a) and (b), respectively, of Article 1(1) of
               Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, provided that using those techniques is
               necessary to meet the requirements of that Regulation and acts adopted on the
               basis of Article 11(1) of that Regulation for the products concerned; or
         (b)   for products regulated by Directive 2006/125/EC, provided that using those
               techniques is necessary to meet the requirements of that Directive.
   3.    Where a Member State considers that a specific technique should be assessed as
         regards compliance with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1 or that
         certain specific conditions for use of that technique should be included in this
         Regulation, it may request the Commission to carry out such assessment. For that
         purpose, it shall notify the Commission and the other Member States of a dossier
         giving the reasons for such compliance or those specific conditions and shall ensure
         that the dossier is made publicly available subject to Union and national legislation
         on data protection.
      The Commission shall regularly publish any request referred to in the first
      subparagraph.
   4.    The Commission shall analyse the dossier referred to in paragraph 3. If the analysis
         conducted by the Commission concludes that the technique described in the dossier
         complies with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission
         shall amend this Regulation for the purpose of explicitly authorising the technique
         referred to in the dossier or including its specific conditions for use in this
         Regulation.
   5.    The Commission shall review the authorisation of the techniques for the processing
         of organic food, including their description and conditions for use whenever new
         evidence becomes available or is provided by a Member State.
EN                                              14                                              EN
 ---pagebreak---                                              Article 24
             Techniques authorised for use in the processing of feed products
   1.      Only techniques complying with the principles laid down in Chapter II of Regulation
           (EU) 2018/848, in particular the relevant specific principles applicable to the
           processing of organic feed laid down in Article 8, with the relevant rules of Chapter
           III to that Regulation and with the detailed production rules set out in Part V of
           Annex II thereto and that do not reconstitute properties that are lost in the processing
           and storage of organic feed, that do not correct the results of negligence in the
           processing or that otherwise may be misleading as to the true nature of these
           products are authorised in the processing of feed products in organic production.
   2.      Where a Member State considers that a specific technique should be assessed as
           regards compliance with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1 or that
           certain specific conditions for use of that technique should be included in this
           Regulation, it may request the Commission to carry out such assessment. For that
           purpose, it shall notify the Commission and the other Member States of a dossier
           giving the reasons for such compliance or those specific conditions and shall ensure
           that the dossier is made publicly available subject to Union and national legislation
           on data protection.
        The Commission shall regularly publish any request referred to in the first
        subparagraph.
   3.      The Commission shall analyse the dossier referred to in paragraph 2. If the analysis
           conducted by the Commission concludes that the technique described in the dossier
           complies with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission
           shall amend this Regulation for the purpose of explicitly authorising the technique
           referred to in the dossier or including its specific conditions for use in this
           Regulation.
   4.      The Commission shall review the authorisation of the techniques for the processing
           of organic feed, including their description and conditions for use whenever new
           evidence becomes available or is provided by a Member State.
                                        CHAPTER V
      INFORMATION CONCERNING THE AVAILABILITY ON
   THE MARKET OF ORGANIC AND IN-CONVERSION PLANT
      REPRODUCTIVE MATERIAL, ORGANIC ANIMALS AND
                   ORGANIC AQUACULTURE JUVENILES
                                             Article 25
                        Information to be provided by Member States
   1.      Member States shall provide the information to be made available pursuant to point
           (a) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 from the database referred to in
           Article 26(1) and the systems referred to in Article 26(2) and, where applicable, in
EN                                               15                                                 EN
 ---pagebreak---       Article 26(3) of that Regulation in accordance with the specifications set out in Part I
      of Annex III to this Regulation.
   2. Member States shall provide the information to be made available pursuant to point
      (b) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 concerning the derogations granted
      in accordance with point 1.8.5. of Part I of Annex II to that Regulation and points
      1.3.4.3. and 1.3.4.4. of Part II of that Annex in accordance with the specifications set
      out in Part II of Annex III to this Regulation.
   3. Member States shall provide the information to be made available pursuant to point
      (c) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 concerning the availability on the
      Union market of organic protein feed for poultry and porcine animals and on the
      authorisation granted in accordance with points 1.9.3.1.(c) and 1.9.4.2.(c) of Part II
      of Annex II to that Regulation in reply to a questionnaire submitted annually to
      Member States by the Commission.
   4. The information referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be provided in the format
      and via the system made available by the Commission. That information shall be
      provided each year by 30 June and for the first time by 30 June 2022 concerning the
      year 2021.
   5. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, received from Member States
      pursuant to Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall be included in the
      database referred to in Article 26(1) and the systems referred to in Article 26(2) and,
      where applicable, in Article 26(3) of that Regulation.
                                    CHAPTER VI
            FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
                                          Article 26
                                Transitional provisions
   1. By way of derogation from Section 3 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with porcine animals in facilities built, refurbished or brought into
      use before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in compliance with
      Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which major
      reconstruction of external facilities is necessary to comply with the requirement on at
      least half of the surface of the outdoor area consisting of solid construction as laid
      down in Article 11 of this Regulation, shall comply with that Article as from 1
      January 2029 at the latest.
   2. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with poultry houses that were built, refurbished or brought into use
      before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in compliance with
      Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which a renovation of
      the animals’ premises is necessary to comply with the requirement on the combined
      length for pop-holes from the indoor house to the veranda laid down in point (b) of
      Article 15(2) of this Regulation, shall comply with that point as from 1 January 2024
      at the latest.
EN                                            16                                               EN
 ---pagebreak---    3. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with poultry houses with an outdoor part of the building that were
      built, refurbished or brought into use before the date of entry into application of this
      Regulation in compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) 889/2008
      and for which a major reduction of the indoor stocking density or the renovation of
      the buildings is needed to comply with the requirements on the calculation of the
      stocking density and the minimum indoor areas as set out in Part IV of Annex I to
      this Regulation while complying with point (c) of Article 15(2), shall comply with
      those provisions as from 1 January 2024 at the latest.
   4. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with poultry houses that were built, refurbished or brought into use
      before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in compliance with
      Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which a renovation of
      animals’ premises or a replacement of the equipment is necessary to comply with the
      requirements on solid partition laid down in point (c) of Article 15(3) or with the
      requirement on perches or raised sitting levels laid down in Article 15(5) of this
      Regulation, shall comply with those provisions as from 1 January 2024 at the latest.
   5. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with multi-tiered poultry houses that were built, refurbished or
      brought into use before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in
      compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for
      which a major refurbishment of animals’ premises or a replacement of the equipment
      are necessary to comply with the requirements on the maximum number of tiers and
      on the system for manure removal laid down respectively in points (b) and (c) of
      Article 15(4) of this Regulation, shall comply with those points as from 1 January
      2029 at the latest.
   6. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, holdings or
      production units with poultry houses that have open air areas extending beyond a
      radius of 150 m from the nearest exit/entry pop-hole of the poultry house built,
      refurbished or brought into use before the date of entry into application of this
      Regulation in compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No
      889/2008 and for which major adaptations of the structure of the facilities or
      additional land acquisition are necessary to comply with the requirement on the
      maximum radius laid down in Article 16(6) of this Regulation, shall comply with
      that provision as from 1 January 2029 at the latest.
   7. By way of derogation from Section 2 of Part IV of Annex I to this Regulation, for
      holdings or production units producing pullets in poultry facilities built, refurbished
      or brought into use before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in
      compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for
      which major adaptations of the structure of the poultry houses or additional land
      acquisition are necessary to comply with the rules of Section 2 of Part IV of Annex I
      to this Regulation, shall comply with the stocking density and the minimum surface
      of indoor and outdoor areas for pullets and brother roosters laid down in Section 2 of
      Part IV of Annex I to this Regulation as from 1 January 2029 at the latest.
EN                                          17                                                 EN
 ---pagebreak---                                                Article 27
                                 Entry into force and application
   This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in
   the Official Journal of the European Union.
   It shall apply from 1 January 2021.
   This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
   Done at Brussels, 26.3.2020
                                                 For the Commission
                                                 The President
                                                 Ursula VON DER LEYEN
EN                                                 18                                               EN
 ---documentbreak---                                                  EN
                                             Annex I
    RULES ON THE STOCKING DENSITY AND THE MINIMUM SURFACE FOR
     INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AREAS FOR LIVESTOCK AS REFERRED TO IN
                                         CHAPTER II
 Part I: Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas for bovine
  animals, ovine animals, caprine animals and equine animals as referred to in Article 3
    1. Bovine animals
                                        Indoor area                             Outdoor area
                               (net area available to animals)            (exercise area, excluding
                                                                                   pasture)
                           Live weight                m2/ head                    m2/ head
                          minimum (kg)
                            Up to 100                    1,5                         1,1
                            Up to 200                    2,5                         1,9
                            Up to 350                    4,0                          3
                             Over 350          5 with a minimum of 1     3,7 with a minimum of 0,75
                                                      m2/100 kg                   m2/100 kg
       Dairy cows                                         6                          4,5
    Bulls for breeding                                   10                           30
    2. Ovine animals and caprine animals
                       Indoor area                                    Outdoor area
                       (net area available to animals)                (exercise area, excluding
                                                                      pasture)
                         2                                              2
                       m / head                                       m / head
Sheep                  1,5                                            2,5
Lamb                   0,35                                           0,5
Goat                   1,5                                            2,5
Kid                    0,35                                           0,5
    3. Equine animals
                       Indoor area                                    Outdoor area
                       (net area available to animals)                (exercise area, excluding
                                                                      pasture)
                                                2                       2
                       Live weight            m / head [size of boxes m / head
                       minimum (kg)           according to height of
                                              horses]
Breeding and fattening Up to 100              1,5                     1,1
equine animals         Up to 200              2,5                     1,9
                       Up to 350              4,0                     3
                       Over 350               5 with a minimum of 1   3,7 with a minimum of 0,75
                                                2                       2
                                              m /100 kg               m /100 kg
                                                  1
 ---pagebreak---  Part II: Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor areas for cervine animals as
                                  referred to in Article 6
      Cervine animals            Minimum             Stocking density
           species               surface for       maximum number of
                               outdoor area        adult animals (*) per
                              per enclosure or               ha
                                   per pen
          Sika deer                  1 ha        15
       Cervus nippon
         Fallow deer                 1 ha        15
        Dama dama
          Red deer                   2 ha        7
       Cervus elaphus
     Père David’s deer               2 ha        7
   Elaphurus davidianus
   More than one cervine             3 ha        7 in case red deer or
           species                               Père David’s deer are
                                                 part of the herd;
                                                 15 in case neither red
                                                 deer nor Père David’s
                                                 deer are part of the herd
(*) Two cervine animals up to 18 months count for one cervine animal
                                             2
 ---pagebreak---     Part III: Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas for
                        porcine animals as referred to in Article 10
                                              Indoor area (net area    Outdoor area
                                                available to porcine
                                             animals meaning inside
                                              dimensions including
                                              troughs but excluding
                                            feeders in which porcine
                                            animals cannot lie down)
                           Live weight                m2/ head           m2/ head
                         minimum (kg)
Farrowing sows with                                  7,5 per sow            2.5
piglets until weaning
  Fattening porcine     Not more than 35                 0.6                0.4
        animals         kg
  Weaners, rearing      More than 35 kg                  0.8                0.6
  pigs, gilts, rearing  but not more than
         boars          50 kg
                        More than 50 kg                  1.1                0.8
                        but not more than
                        85 kg
                        More than 85 kg                  1.3                 1
                        but not more than
                        110 kg
                        More than 110 kg                 1.5                1.2
Female brood porcine                                     2.5                1.9
        animal
 Dry pregnant sows
 Male brood porcine                                       6                  8
        animal                                 10 if pens are used for
         Boar                                      natural service
                                             3
 ---pagebreak---     Part IV: Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas for
   poultry as referred to in Article 14 and Article 15(2)(c) and (6) and perches or raised
                          sitting levels as referred to in Article 15(5)
1.   Parents Gallus gallus intended for the production of hatching eggs for future laying hens
    and parents Gallus gallus intended for the production of hatching eggs for future fattening
    Gallus gallus:
Age                                                                          ≥ 18 weeks
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area
Maximum number of breeding birds per m2 of usable area of           6
the indoor area of the poultry house
Perches for breeding birds for future laying hens
Minimum cm perch/bird                                               18
Nests                                                               7 female birds per nest or in
                                                                    case of common nest 120
                                                                    cm2/female bird
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area               4
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area
2. Pullets and brother roosters:
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area                21 kg liveweight/m2
Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of the
poultry house
Perches or raised sitting levels or both                            Any combination of perches
                                                                    or raised sitting levels or
                                                                    both providing
                                                                    minimum 10 cm perch/bird
                                                                    or
                                                                    minimum 100 cm2 raised
                                                                    sitting level /bird
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area               1
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area
                                                 4
 ---pagebreak--- 3. Laying hens including dual purpose strains raised for meat and egg production:
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area           6
Maximum number of birds per m2 of usable area of the indoor
area of the poultry house
Perches
Minimum cm perch /bird                                         18
Nests                                                          7 laying hens per nest or in
                                                               case of common nest 120
                                                               cm2/laying hen
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area          4
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area
4. Fattening poultry Gallus gallus :
                                                                                   2
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area           21 kg liveweight/m
Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of
the poultry house
Perches or raised sitting levels or both                       Any combination of perches
                                                               or raised sitting levels or
                                                               both providing
                                                               minimum 5 cm perch/bird
                                                               or minimum 25 cm2 raised
                                                               sitting level /bird
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area for
fixed houses                                                   4
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area for
mobile houses                                                  2.5
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area
5. Fattening poultry Gallus gallus: capons and poulardes:
                                                                                   2
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area           21 kg liveweight/m
Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of
the poultry house
Perches or raised sitting levels or both                       Any combination of perches
                                                               or raised sitting levels or
                                                               both providing
                                                               minimum 5 cm perch/bird
                                                               or minimum 25 cm2 raised
                                                               sitting level /bird
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area                        4
                                                5
 ---pagebreak---  6. Fattening poultry other than Gallus gallus: Turkeys Meleagris gallopavo marketed whole
     for roasting or intended for cutting up:
                                                                                      2
 Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area           21 kg liveweight/m
 Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of
 the poultry house
 Perches or raised sitting levels or both                       Any combination of
                                                                perches or raised sitting
                                                                levels or both providing
                                                                minimum          10      cm
                                                                perch/bird
                                                                or minimum 100 cm2
                                                                raised sitting level /bird
 Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area
 Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area                        10
 7. Fattening poultry other than Gallus gallus: Geese Anser anser domesticus:
                                                                                       2
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area            21 kg liveweight/ m
                         2
Stocking density per m of usable area of the indoor area of the
poultry house
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area
Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area                         15
 8. Fattening poultry other than Gallus gallus: Peking Ducks Anas platyrhynchos domesticus,
     Muscovy Ducks Cairina moschata and hybrids and Mulard Ducks Cairina moschata ×
     Anas platyrhynchos:
                                                                                      2
 Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area           21 kg liveweight/m
 Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of
 the poultry house
 Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area
 Minimum m2 per bird of the outdoor area                        4.5
                                                 6
 ---pagebreak--- 9. Fattening poultry other than Gallus gallus: Guinea fowls Numida meleagris f. domestica:
                                                                                    2
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor area          21 kg liveweight/m
Stocking density per m2 of usable area of the indoor area of
the poultry house.
Perches or raised sitting levels or both                      Any combination of
                                                              perches or raised sitting
                                                              levels or both providing
                                                              minimum          5       cm
                                                              perch/bird
                                                              or minimum 25 cm2
                                                              raised sitting level /bird
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor area
Minimum m2/bird of the outdoor area                           4
                                                7
 ---pagebreak--- Part V: Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas for rabbits
                                as referred to in Article 18
        1. For indoor area
                                        Indoor area                     Indoor area
                              (net area usable per animal      (net area usable per animal
                                  excluding platforms         excluding platforms m2/head)
                               m2/head) for the rest area             for the rest area
                                       Fixed housing                  Mobile housing
                                    2
                             0.6  m   /doe with kits if doe  0.6 m2/doe with kits if doe
Nursing does with kits until
                             liveweight is below 6 kg        liveweight is below 6 kg
weaning
                             0,72 m2/doe with kits if doe    0,72 m2/doe with kits if doe
                             liveweight is above 6 kg        liveweight is above 6 kg
                                    2
                                                             0.5 m2/pregnant doe or
Pregnant       does      and 0.5 m /pregnant doe or
                             reproductive female if          reproductive female if
reproductive female rabbits
                             liveweight is below 6 kg        liveweight is below 6 kg
                             0,62 m2/pregnant doe or         0,62 m2/pregnant doe or
                             reproductive female if          reproductive female if
                             liveweight is above 6 kg        liveweight is above 6 kg
Fattening rabbits from
weaning to slaughter         0.2                             0.15
Replacement rabbits (end of
fattening to 6 months)
Adult bucks                  0,6                             0,6
                             1 if buck receiving does for    1 if buck receiving does for
                             mating                          mating
        2. For outdoor area
                              Outdoor area (outdoor run               Outdoor area
                               with vegetation preferably     (net area usable per animal
                                          pasture)                 excluding platforms
                              (net area usable per animal                m2/head)
                                  excluding platforms
                                          m2/head)
                                       Fixed housing                  Mobile housing
                                    2                               2
Nursing does with kits until 2.5 m /doe with kits            2.5 m /doe with kits
weaning
Pregnant does/Reproductive   2.5                             2.5
females
Fattening rabbits from       0.5                             0.4
weaning to slaughter
Replacement rabbits (end of
fattening to 6 months)
Adult bucks                  2.5                             2.5
                                               8
 ---pagebreak---                                          Annex II
   DETAILED RULES WITH RESPECT TO THE STOCKING DENSITY AND THE
         SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND
 CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS FOR AQUACULTURE ANIMALS AS REFERRED TO
                                     IN ARTICLE 22
Part I: Salmonids in fresh water
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) — Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) — American brook
trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) — Salmon (Salmo salar) — Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) —
Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) — American lake trout (or grey trout) (Salvelinus
namaycush) — Huchen (Hucho hucho)
Production systems                             Ongrowing farm systems must be fed from
                                               open systems. The flow rate must ensure a
                                               minimum of 60% oxygen saturation for stock
                                               and must ensure their comfort and the
                                               elimination of farming effluent.
Maximum stocking density                       Salmonid species not listed below 15 kg/m3
                                               Salmon 20 kg/m3
                                               Brown trout and Rainbow trout 25 kg/m3
                                               Arctic charr 25 kg/m3
                                             9
 ---pagebreak--- Part II: Salmonids in sea water
Salmon (Salmo salar), Brown trout (Salmo trutta) — Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Maximum stocking density                      10 kg/m3 in net pens
Part III: Cod (Gadus morhua) and other Gadidae, sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), sea
bream (Sparus aurata), meagre (Argyrosomus regius), turbot (Psetta maxima [=
Scopthalmus maximux]), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus [= Sparus pagrus]), red drum
(Sciaenops ocellatus) and other Sparidae, and spinefeet (Siganus spp.)
Production systems                            In open water containment systems (net
                                              pens/cages) with minimum sea current speed
                                              to provide optimum fish welfare or in open
                                              systems on land.
Maximum stocking density                      For fish other than turbot: 15 kg/m3
                                              For turbot: 25 kg/m2
Part IV: Sea bass, sea bream, meagre, mullets (Liza, Mugil) and eel (Anguilla spp.) in
earth ponds of tidal areas and costal lagoons
Containment system                            Traditional salt pans transformed into
                                              aquaculture production units and similar
                                              earth ponds in tidal areas
Production systems                            There must be adequate renewal of water to
                                              ensure the welfare of the species. At least
                                              50% of the dikes must have plant cover
                                              Wetland based depuration ponds required.
Maximum stocking density                      4 kg/m3
Part V: Sturgeon in fresh water
Species concerned: Acipenser family
Production systems                            Water flow in each rearing unit must be
                                              sufficient to ensure animal welfare.
                                              Effluent water to be of equivalent quality to
                                              incoming water.
Maximum stocking density                      30 kg/m3
                                            10
 ---pagebreak--- Part VI: Fish in inland waters
Species concerned: Carp family (Cyprinidae) and other associated species in the context of
polyculture, including perch, pike, catfish, coregonids, sturgeon.
Perch (Perca fluviatilis) in monoculture
Production systems                                In fishponds which must be fully drained
                                                  periodically and in lakes. Lakes must be
                                                  devoted exclusively to organic production,
                                                  including the growing of crops on dry areas.
                                                  The fishery capture area must be equipped
                                                  with a clean water inlet and of a size to
                                                  provide optimal comfort for the fish. The fish
                                                  must be stored in clean water after harvest.
                                                  Areas of natural vegetation must be
                                                  maintained around inland water units as a
                                                  buffer zone for external land areas not
                                                  involved in the farming operation in
                                                  accordance with the rules of organic
                                                  aquaculture.
                                                  For grow-out ‘polyculture’ must be used on
                                                  condition that the criteria laid down in the
                                                  present specifications for the other species of
                                                  lakes fish are duly adhered to.
Maximum stocking density                          The total production of species is limited to 1
                                                  500 kg of fish per hectare per year (provided
                                                  as farming yield due to specific characteristic
                                                  of the production system).
Maximum stocking density only for perch in 20 kg/ m3
monoculture
                                                11
 ---pagebreak--- Part VII: Penaeid shrimps and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.)
Production systems                           Location to be in sterile clay areas to
                                             minimise environmental impact of pond
                                             construction. Ponds to be built with the
                                             natural pre-existing clay.
Maximum stocking density                     Seeding: maximum 22 post larvae/m2
                                             Maximum instantaneous biomass: 240 g/m2
Part VIII: Crayfish
Species concerned: Astacus astacus.
Maximum stocking density                     For small-sized crayfish (< 20 mm): 100
                                             individuals per m2.
                                             For crayfish of intermediate size (20-50
                                             mm): 30 individuals per m2.
                                             For adult crayfish (> 50 mm): 5 individuals
                                             per m2 provided that adequate hiding places
                                             are available.
Part IX: Molluscs and echinoderms
Production systems                           Long-lines, rafts, bottom culture, net bags,
                                             cages, trays, lantern nets, bouchot poles and
                                             other containment systems. For mussel
                                             cultivation on rafts the number of drop-ropes
                                             must not exceed one per square meter of
                                             surface area. The maximum drop-rope length
                                             must not exceed 20 metres. Thinning-out of
                                             drop-ropes must not take place during the
                                             production cycle, however drop ropes may
                                             be subdivided without increasing the
                                             stocking density.
Part X: Tropical fresh water fish: milkfish (Chanos chanos), tilapia (Oreochromis spp.),
siamese catfish (Pangasius spp.)
Production systems                           Ponds and net cages
Maximum stocking density                     Pangasius: 10 kg/m3
                                             Oreochromis: 20 kg/m3
                                           12
 ---pagebreak---                                                    Annex III
  INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY MEMBER STATES AS REFERRED TO IN
                                               ARTICLE 25
Part I: Information from the database referred to in Article 26(1) and the systems
referred to in Article 26(2) and, where applicable, in Article 26(3) of Regulation (EU)
2018/848
     1. The information concerning the availability of organic and in-conversion plant
          reproductive material, excluding seedlings but including seed potatoes, for each
          specific category saved in the database referred to in Article 26(1) or in the systems
          referred to Article 26(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall include the following:
         - scientific and common name (common and Latin name);
         - variety or heterogeneous material denomination;
         - in-conversion quantity available as estimated by operators (total number of units or
              seed weight) ;
         - organic quantity available as estimated by operators (total number of units or seed
              weight);
         - number of operators who uploaded information pursuant to Article 26(2) of
              Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on a voluntary basis.
     For the purposes of this point, “seedling” means a young plant originating from seed and
     not from cutting.
     2. The information concerning the availability of organic aquaculture juveniles for each
          species saved in the systems referred to in point (c) of Article 26(2) of Regulation
          (EU) 2018/848 shall include the following:
         - species and genus (common and Latin name);
         - breeds and strains when applicable;
         - life stage (such as eggs, fry, juveniles) as available for sale as organic;
         - quantity available as estimated by operators;
         - health status in line with Council Directive 2006/88/EC1 ;
         - number of operators who uploaded information pursuant to Article 26(2) of
              Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on a voluntary basis.
     3. The information concerning the availability of organic animals for each species saved
          in the systems referred to in point (b) of Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848
          shall include the following:
1
   Council Directive 2006/88/EC of 24 October 2006 on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and
products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals (OJ L 328, 24.11.2006,
p. 14).
                                                        13
 ---pagebreak---        -   species and genus (common and Latin name);
       -   breeds and strains;
       -   production purposes: meat, milk, dual purpose or breeding;
       -   life stage: adults or young animals (i.e bovine animals < 6 months, bovine adult);
       -   quantity (total number of animals) available as estimated by operators;
       -   health status in line with animal health horizontal rules
       -   number of operators who uploaded information pursuant to Article 26(2) of
           Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on a voluntary basis.
   4. Where relevant, the information concerning the availability of organic breeds and
       strains adapted to organic production for species as referred to Article 26(3) of
       Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall include the following:
       - species and genus (common and Latin name);
       - breeds and strains;
       - production purposes: meat, milk, dual purpose or breeding;
       - quantity (total number of animals) available as estimated by operators;
       - health status in line with animal health horizontal rules;
       - number of operators who uploaded information pursuant to Article 26(3) of
           Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on a voluntary basis.
   5. Where relevant, the information concerning the availability of organic pullets as
       referred to in Article 26(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall include the following:
       - species and genus (common and Latin name);
       - breeds and strains
       - production purposes: meat, eggs, dual purpose or breeding;
       - quantity (total number of animals) available as estimated by operators ;
       - rearing system (indicate whether multi-tiers);
       - health status in line with animal health horizontal rules;
       - number of operators who uploaded information pursuant to Article 26(3) of
           Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on a voluntary basis.
Part II: Information concerning the derogations granted in accordance with point 1.8.5.
of Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and points 1.3.4.3. and 1.3.4.4. of Part
                                        II of that Annex
   1. The information on the derogations granted in accordance with point 1.8.5. of Part I of
       Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall include:
       - scientific and common name (common and Latin name);
       - variety;
       - number of derogations and total weight of seeds or number of plants derogated;
       - justifications for the derogation: whether for research, lack of suitable variety,
           conservation purpose or other reasons;
       - where applicable, as regards derogations for other reasons than research purpose,
           the list of species for which no derogation is granted, as they are sufficiently
           available in organic form.
   2. For each conventional livestock species (bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine and
       cervine animals, rabbits, poultry), the information on the derogations granted in
       accordance with points 1.3.4.3 and 1.3.4.4. of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU)
       2018/848 shall include:
                                                14
 ---pagebreak--- - scientific and common name (common and Latin name i.e. species and genus);
- breeds and strains;
- production purposes: meat, milk, eggs, dual purpose or breeding;
- number of derogations and total number of animals derogated;
- justifications for the derogation: whether lack of suitable animals or other reasons.
                                      15