Revising EU regulations for organic agriculture
The EEC 2092/91 Revision project was established to help in the revision of the regulation and ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and restore consumer confidence in products labelled as organic. The new Regulation (EEC) 834/2007 harmonised the detailed rules that reflect the core values of organic agriculture by clearly stating the objectives and principles of organic production. Regulations for organic farming and the labelling of organic produce have been in force since 1991. Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 was drawn up in response to growing consumer demand for organic products and was based on governmental standards from a number of Member States. The legally enforceable regulation acted as a common EU standard for organic crop production, certification and labelling. In 1999 the legislation was amended by Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 which included rules for organic livestock production and a prohibition of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The European action plan for organic food and farming stressed the need for greater simplification of the legal framework with regard to Member States and private standards. The regulation was reviewed following concerns about unfair competition and barriers to trade. The EEC 2092/91 Revision project recommended maintaining and adapting the Internet databases on organic standards (see http://www.organicrules.org/(opens in new window)) to increase transparency regarding the setting of standards. New rules were also recommended for the cropping of vegetables in relation to energy and resource use. In addition, new rules were suggested for taking care of the environment by encouraging new processes that do not cause harm. Greater harmonisation of the rules and regulations governing organic farming will increase consumer confidence and help develop and expand this important sector of European agriculture.
