New EU Regulation for organic production in agriculture

Last January 1, with the entry of the new year, has also brought the new EU regulation for organic production into application. At Defeder, we want to inform our agricultural readers about these new changes.

During this 2022 there will be the coexistence of both certificates because the end of validity of certificates issued under the previous standard (Regulation (EC) 834/2007) is 12/31/2022. The inspections carried out by the Control Body / Authority from the annual visit will be based on the new standard. The organic operator will receive the certificate according to the new standard after completing the first full annual inspection.

Within the scope of application there are changes in the product categories, classified as follows:

• Category A: unprocessed plants and plant products, including seeds and other plant reproductive materials.
• Category B: livestock and unprocessed livestock products.
• Category C: raw algae and aquaculture products.
• Category D: processed agricultural products, including aquaculture products, for use as food.
• Category E: feed.
• Category F: wine.
• Category G: other products

New products include salt, cotton, untreated wool, cork, yeast and essential oils. And as new crops and production considerations appear potted plants, germinated seeds, sprouts, mushrooms and wild collection, buds, endives …

The production rules are modified. The production of eco and non-eco units on the same surface is not allowed, except for nurseries and producers of seeds and reproductive material. Rules are established for the commercialization and sale of ecological heterogeneous material. However, in Spain its use depends on general regulations that allow its commercialization.

To control and certify a correct performance, there are also changes in the inspection. As of 2025, only if the Competent Authority allows it and only for exceptional situations (low-risk operators and without deviations in the last 3 years), physical inspections could be replaced by documentary audits up to a maximum period of 24 months. The certificate of conformity undergoes changes to adapt to the requirements of the new regulation.

All green operators are required to update their self-monitoring system to accommodate. For this reason, from Defeder we provide you with all the details that you have to take into account about these regulations.