Representatives of EU governments are discussing a new proposal by the Maltese presidency of the European Union (EU) in Brussels. The aim is to foster a commitment and push forward negotiations to change the regulations for organic products.
The Presidency has produced a new text on the future regulation of organic farming. It includes all the positions discussed by the European Commission (EC), European Parliament (EP) and Council of Ministers and incorporates a new proposal that will be presented to the countries of the European Union (EU).
The document is being analysed in the Special Committee of Agriculture (CEA).
At the meeting, the presidency is expected to request a new mandate (vote on the document) for the trialogue on 31 May between the EU institutions.
The work focuses on outlining the characteristics to be met to be part of a group of operators, as well as by seeds, pesticide residues, greenhouses, and the end of exceptions.
Strong disagreements
Some of the main points in the text, which Efeagro has had access to, are those related to pesticide residues. This issue continues to generate "strong disagreements" between Member States.
The Presidency proposes a specific provision for Member States wishing to have rules on the threshold of unauthorised substances.
With regard to organic aquaculture and the rapid development of this sector, the Presidency is working to introduce an exception for species that have not been included by the time the future regulation comes into force.
As far as seeds are concerned, the aim of the proposal is to improve the accessibility of seeds that are best suited to organic production.
Reactions
Organic sector organizations have rejected the new draft being discussed by EU countries. Eight entities have sent a letter to the Spanish Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Isabel Garc?a Tejerina, to express their disagreement.
Organic producers have asked Spain "to vote against it," so that further work can be carried out to address the deficiencies of the document. The petition has been signed by Ecovalia, Seae, Ccpae, Ampoas, Femeca/Coato, Silae, CAEV and the CAAE Certification Service.
These organizations represent 80% of the Spanish organic sector.
They have pointed out that the draft includes aspects that could "undermine the interests of the sector as a whole." They have criticised "allowing each country to set its own rules on the presence of residues in organic food."
According to the organizations, this could lead to "difficult situations and give rise to comparative grievances."
Source: efeagro.com
