Due to food shortage, ORGANIC animals will be able to be fed non-organic food

Taking into account the exceptional climatic conditions in 2017 in a large area of Latvia, which prevented the preparation of sufficient quantities of animal feed on organic farms, the Ministry of Agriculture informs that deviations from EU regulations on organic farming requirements regarding animal feeding are possible.

The aforementioned derogations stipulate that in cases of disaster, such as floods, the Competent Authority, in Latvia – the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), may temporarily allow certain operators to use non-organic feed for animals for a limited period of time and in a specific area if the production of animal feed is interrupted or restricted, in particular as a result of exceptional meteorological conditions, an outbreak of infectious diseases, pollution caused by toxic substances or fires.

If the organic animal breeder decides on the necessity of such a derogation, he shall submit an application to the relevant control authority and inform about the necessity of such a derogation, submitting appropriate justification, noting the time period for which the relevant derogation is necessary, indicating which feed ingredient and in what quantity it will be replaced with non-organic feed, etc.

The control body shall decide on the possible conversion period for animals fed non-organic feed. Products of animal origin obtained during the period in which animals are fed non-organic feed may not be sold as organic.

After evaluating the application, the control institution sends it to the PVS for a decision. The PVS, having evaluated the information included in the application, decides on the determination of the derogation.

After receiving the approval of the FVO, the animal breeder shall keep documentary evidence proving the application of the above-mentioned derogation. The FVO shall inform the other Member States and the EC of the derogations it has granted to the animal breeder.

After the end of the conversion period, animals that have been fed non-organic feed and animal products derived from these animals are allowed to be sold as organic again.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture