NFU Combinable Crops Board member and organic grower Haydn Evans provides insights into the current status of the UK's organic sector. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the sector continues to adhere to Council Regulation (EC) 834/2007 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008, with no legislative changes expected for at least two more years. A recent update from Defra confirmed that any modifications to the organic regulations have been paused, maintaining the status quo established post-Brexit.
The Precision Breeding Act has been a focal point this year, with regulations laid in Parliament and set to be enacted six months thereafter. The application process for precision-bred organisms (PBOs) will commence in early autumn 2025, accompanied by technical guidance. Defra has stated that organic legislation will remain unchanged, classifying PBOs as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), thereby excluding them from organic production. This presents challenges for the organic sector, prompting discussions on a non-legislative code of practice to manage co-existence on farms and throughout the supply chain. Defra is also assessing scenarios that could affect organic producers.
Haydn Evans has been involved in stakeholder meetings with Defra, addressing the impacts of the Precision Breeding Act on organic producers. He has contributed to consultations on a plant varieties and seeds framework for precision-bred varieties, exploring the potential for mandatory inclusion of precision-bred status on labels for seeds and other plant reproductive materials.
The abrupt closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has affected organic members, particularly those involved in organic conversion. According to Evans, clarification is essential, as demand for organic conversion remains, but the lack of funding creates uncertainty. The NFU has used organics as a case study in discussions with ministers.
Evans also highlights the importance of small abattoirs for organic producers, noting that increased inspection charges by the FSA could lead to closures. This would impact rural communities, increasing costs for producers due to limited infrastructure and road access.
Despite these challenges, Evans remains engaged with the NFU, working alongside policy lead Cara Rhodes to influence policy development while serving on the NFU Combinable Crops Board.
Source: NFU Online