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Standards
Advisory Committee on Organic Standards
5.1 The Advisory Committee on Organic Standards ( ACOS) is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body, established for the provision of advice to Defra and the devolved administrations on matters relating to standards, certification and research relevant to organic food and farming.
5.2 There continues to be three Scottish members of ACOS, which ensures that the Scottish industry is well represented. Organic farming is an expanding industry with high consumer expectations and the Executive welcomes the expertise available to government through the membership of this Committee. This allows for consumer confidence in the organic standards and organic certification process, and helps reinforce the high reputation of organic food quality, while ensuring standards in the UK and EC are equitable and achievable by the industry.
5.3 ACOS also has a number of sub-committees: a Certification Committee, a Technical Committee, a Research and Development Committee and an Aquaculture Committee. There is Scottish representation on the majority of these Committees, and the latter two are chaired by Scottish members, Christine Watson of SAC and Charles MacDonald of Glasgow Scientific Services respectively.
Revision of Organic Standards Regulations
5.4 A major piece of work for ACOS throughout 2006 has been the consideration of a proposed new EU Regulation on organic standards, to replace the current EC Council Regulation 2092/91. This Regulation sets out the inputs and practices which may be used in organic farming and growing, and the inspection system which must be put in place to ensure this, along with guidance on the processing, processing aids and ingredients in organic foods. ACOS has considered all aspects of the proposed revised Regulation and offered impartial advice to Government officials.
5.5 Defra are representing the UK at the EU negotiations regarding the proposed revised Regulation. Scotland has good relationships with Defra and has fed views in, not only through ACOS, but also through consultation with the Organic Stakeholders Group. It is proposed that the new Regulation will apply from 1 January 2009, but that the new rules on imports will come into force at some point in 2007. Further information regarding organic standards can be found on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/index.htm.
Feed Derogation
5.6 The EC Standing Committee on Organic Farming agreed formally to amend the Council Regulation ( EEC) No 2092/91 on an extension to the derogation on conventional feed with a phased-in reduction in the percentage of conventional feed to be used. The maximum percentage of conventional feed allowed on annual dry matter ( DM) basis is:
- 5% for ruminants until 31 December 2007
- 15% for non-ruminants until 31 December 2007
- 10% for non-ruminants from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009
- 5% for non-ruminants from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011
The maximum percentage of conventional feed allowed on a daily DM basis remains at 25%.
5.7 The Regulation specifies that the use of conventional feedstuffs, up to these maximum percentages can be authorised where the farmer can show to the satisfaction of the organic certification body that they are unable to obtain feed exclusively from organic production. More information on the derogation and how to apply to use conventional feedstuffs can be obtained from the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/standards/index.htm or organic certification bodies.
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