The new organic legislation entered into force on 1 January 2022, following the postponement of its implementation for a year. These new rules reflect the changing nature of this rapidly growing sector and are designed to ensure fair competition for farmers whilst preventing fraud and maintaining consumer trust.
Organic certification will now be easier for small farmers thanks to a new system of group certification and certification can now cover a wider list of products (e.g., salt, cork, beeswax, maté, vine leaves, palm hearts). A more uniform approach is in place to reduce risks from pesticide contamination and additional rules apply for rearing deer, rabbits or poultry. Producers in third countries will have to comply with the same set of rules as EU-based producers and overall controls will be strengthened by tighter precautionary measures with robust checks along the entire supply chain.
