EU reaches provisional deal on organic farming rules

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a provisional agreement on 20 October 2026 to update the regulation on organic farming. This agreement aims to clarify how organic products from other countries can be sold in the EU and sets new rules for certification and trade.

Import rules for organic products clarified

The updated text allows imported products that follow production rules similar to EU standards to continue being labeled as "organic" and use their country's logo. However, the EU logo can only be used for imports that meet both equivalent standards and additional requirements for production and control.

Extension of equivalence agreements

The agreement extends the recognition of equivalence agreements with 11 third countries until 31 December 2036, instead of the original expiration date of 31 December 2026. This extension is welcomed by IFOAM Organics Europe, which says it provides more time for negotiations and helps avoid disruptions in international trade.

Changes to certification thresholds

The text also proposes increasing the thresholds for small retailers to be exempt from certification. The annual turnover limit would rise from 20,000 euros to 40,000 euros, and the annual sales volume limit would increase from 5,000 kilograms to 10,000 kilograms.

Preservation of key farming principles

IFOAM Organics Europe notes that the agreement maintains key principles of organic farming, such as requirements for grazing ruminants. These rules are seen as essential to preserving the integrity of organic production standards.

Missed opportunity for plant breeding rules

However, the organization expresses disappointment that the agreement does not include more detailed rules on organic plant breeding. It argues that such rules would have been a significant step in supporting the development of plant varieties suited to organic systems and improving the sector's long-term resilience.

Next steps for the agreement

Before the updated regulation can take effect, the provisional agreement must be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the EU. IFOAM Organics Europe urges swift approval to ensure the regulation is adopted without delay and remains relevant to future challenges.