91997E2611

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2611/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Organic farming practices

Does the Commission recognize that at present the proposed organic livestock regulation is causing great concern for many organic farmers who are undertaking a conversion to organic farming practices and those wishing to convert?

The proposals will prohibit farmers from rearing the same species organically and conventionally on a single holding. Does the Commission recognize that this policy will impede the expansion of organic farming throughout the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997)

The Commission proposal ((COM(96) 366. )) for a Council regulation supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs ((OJ L 198, 22.7.1991. )) to include livestock production, includes a provision prohibiting the rearing of the same livestock species on the conventional and organic units of the same holding.

This provision is coherent with a similar provision for crop products in Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, as adopted in 1991, and is essential to ensure credibility of organic husbandry to the consumer.

In the opinion delivered in its session of May 1997, the Parliament accepted the Commission's proposal on this subject and did not propose any amendment.