European Union extends organic diet derogation

Until the end of 2011 producers could feed five percent of non organic feed to organic pigs and poultry. As from the first of January 2012 new rules were to come in which meant that the feed fed to organic pigs and poultry would have to be 100 percent organic. Food chain advisor at the National Farmers Union (NFU) has said that there is not enough quantity or quality organic feed available to allow producers to feed 100 percent organic diets. "Sourcing high protein products, which are particularly important in poultry layer diets, is difficult. Particularly when coupled with the regional sourcing regulations that are due to be implemented." Read more ...