CURRENT AFFAIRS: EU organic rules under targeted revision

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The European Commission proposed targeted amendments to the existing Regulation (EU) 2018/848, on organic production and labelling of organic products. The aim is to fix implementation problems that have been identified since 2022 and to simplify rules and reduce administrative burden while maintaining the same high organic standards. The proposal came out in December 2025 and is now moving through the EU legislative process. The Commission is reviewing practical aspects such as:

  • Rules for cleaners/disinfectants in organic production
  • Certain animal husbandry requirements and veterinary treatment rules
  • Technical details for poultry housing and outdoor access
  • Inspection and certification procedures 

The related EESC opinion, for which I was the rapporteur, supports the Commission’s proposal and recommends swift adoption to provide simplification and legal security for business operators and stakeholders in the field of organic production, labelling, certification and trade.

Update of the EU Organic Action Plan

The European Commission is also preparing to update the EU Organic Action Plan. This update will:

  • Align organic farming with the future common agricultural policy after 2027
  • Address market bottlenecks and supply-chain issues
  • Stimulate both demand and supply of organic products
  • Explore tools like green public procurement and promotion programmes

An update of the organic action plan is timely and broadly welcomed by the organic sector. It will make it possible to assess and reflect upon recent developments and to target support measures for the sector.

Open Call for EU Organic Awards 2026

The EU Organic Awards are an EU-level annual prize scheme that highlights excellent and innovative actors in the organic food chain. The EESC co-organises the awards with the European Commission, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe, and is responsible for three of the seven awards: best organic food processing SME, best organic food retailer and best organic restaurant/food service.

The EU Organic Awards are another example of a successful joint initiative between the European Commission and the EESC. The awards shine a spotlight on remarkable accomplishments in the organic sector.

Andreas THURNER (Austria)

EESC rapporteur, NAT/977 Organic production rules – targeted amendment to Regulation 2018/848

Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group

Head of Unit for EU and International Relations, Austrian Chamber of Agriculture

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