The European Union just got new rules on organic production and the labelling of organic products. Approved by the EU member states on May 22, the new regulation aims to encourage the sustainable development of organic production and to guarantee fair competition for farmers and operators.
According to Bulgaria’s agriculture minister, Rumen Porodzanov, organic farmland has more than doubled in the last decade and is still growing. “Thanks to the rules we have adopted today, the organic sector will continue to thrive and consumers can trust that the organic products they buy are of the highest quality.”
Beginning on 1 January 2021, production rules will be simplified and further harmonised through the phasing out of a number of exceptions and derogations. Also, producers outside the bloc will have to comply with the same set of rules of those producing in the EU.
As for the scope of the organic rules, this will be extended to cover a wider list of products – from salt, cork and beeswax to vine leaves and palm hearts). There will also be additional production rules for deer, rabbits and poultry.
