European ministers at the AGRIFISH Council agreed on a general approach on the Commission proposal for a new organic regulation.
An IFOAM EU delegation in Luxembourg witnessed a last minute amendment to ensure that organic farmers would not be punished by European Union (EU) legislation in future for contamination resulting from their conventional neighbors or the environment.
“Today’s decision was an important step for organic farmers and consumers, as it strengthened the process-based approach to organic farming,” said Jan Plagge, IFOAM EU board member.
“Ministers decided not to mislead consumers with false promises by making organic producers only accountable for what is under their direct control.”
“It also leaves sufficient time for countries that already have decertification thresholds in place to phase them out by 2020.”
