The Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos (COAG), through its Area of Ecological Agriculture and Livestock, values “positively” the agreement reached between the Council and the European Parliament to reform the rules on organic production, certification and labeling. At the same time, and ahead of the elections of November 29, it demands that political parties include in their programs the defense of European organic producers and the protection of a label that backs the trust of millions of consumers, as set out in a statement.
In particular, the farming organization, which describes the agreement as positive, believes that it “falls short” by allowing productions from third countries to continue using the European organic logo. Among the advances achieved, COAG highlights the inclusion of historical demands, such as reducing bureaucratic hurdles for small producers, raising from 20,000 to 40,000 euros the turnover threshold that allows availing of the certification exception for small local operators.
According to COAG, this change will help to cut costs and administrative burdens on smaller-sized holdings. Likewise, it positively values that the use of the European organic logo is restricted in certain processed products that contain less than 5% of ingredients from third countries, as well as the strengthening of the requirements applicable to extra-EU productions covered by the equivalence regime.
However, the organization insists that the European organic label should be reserved exclusively for productions of the European Union. “European farmers and livestock producers have invested a lot of effort and resources to develop a demanding production model and generate trust among consumers. We cannot allow productions from third countries to use the same label and benefit from a reputation that we have built,” said the head of COAG’s Area of Ecological Agriculture and Livestock, Sergio López.
COAG warns that keeping this option open puts at risk the differential value of European organic production and can encourage business strategies based on relocation. In this regard, it points directly to the role of investment funds and operators of a speculative nature that shift production to third countries to lower costs and maximize profits, making use afterward of the commercial appeal of the European market.
"We cannot allow investment funds to find in organic regulations a route to relocate production, reduce costs, and continue marketing their products under the umbrella of a label whose credibility we have built up European producers. This harms our farmers and livestock farmers and can end up eroding consumer trust," López has stressed.
Given this scenario and in the context of the upcoming general elections of 29 November, COAG calls on political parties to include in their electoral programs specific measures to safeguard European organic production, ensure fair competition conditions, and protect the value of their quality distinctive marks.
"We do not want generic statements of support for organic agriculture. We ask for commitments to protect those who produce under the demanding European rules and to prevent their efforts from ending up turned into a commercial advantage for large operators seeking to maximize profits through relocation," López has stated.