In this chapter you can find information about:

The evolution of the techniques and methods and the development of new rules in organic farming and processing could require amendments of the EU organic standard after duly evaluation.

A high degree of specialisation is required for this complex and time-consuming exercise of evaluation and systematic updating of the standard.

In order to pursue this activity, the Commission may need technical advice; in the past, this was provided by ad-hoc expert groups working on a temporary basis (see section ad-hoc expert group's recommendations).

To rationalize this work, Action n. 11 of the European Action Plan for organic food and farming foresees the setting up of a group of experts for technical advice in the field of organic production.

Commission Decision 2009/427/EC, establishing the expert group for technical advice on organic production, is the first step towards the implementation of Action 11 of the European Action Plan for organic food and farming. Further steps include the publication of a call for applications with a view to select the relevant experts, followed by appointment of the experts and the setting up of the pool list (see section news).

The expert group will ensure an easy and systematic access to highly qualified technical expertise in a wide range of fields related to organic production. In particular, the group will also deliver independent, excellent and transparent technical advice to the Commission.

• COMMISSION DECISION of 28 September 2010
  

• Documents are available on the page Expert group

• Official Journal of the European Union (PDF version)
• Application documents/forms in PDF format
  
• Application documents/forms in WORD format
  
• The Europass Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Recommendations from the Group of Independent Experts on "Provisions on Organic Yeast" Meeting in Brussels, 10 -11 July 2008
• Recommendations from the Group of Independent Experts concerning "an Application for Eggshell Colouring Agents for Organic Easter Eggs" Meeting in Brussels, 9 - 10 July 2008
• Conclusions from the Group of Independent Expert on "Food Additives and Processing Aids Permitted in Processing of Organic Food of Plant and Animal Origin" Meeting in Brussels, 4 - 5 July 2007

Evaluation of Substances to be authorised for the Use in Organic Farming

• Report of the Ad-hoc Expert Group on Pesticides in Organic Food Production Meeting in Brussels, 22 – 23 January 2008
  

• Ad-hoc expert group on "Use of certain fish feed additives and cleaning substances in organic aquaculture" Brussels, 19 and 20 November 2008