European Parliament committee advances overhaul of EU organic food rules

European Parliament lawmakers have backed updated rules governing organic food production, labeling and imports, aiming to strengthen consumer confidence while shielding EU producers from what they describe as unfair competition from outside the bloc.

The Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on Tuesday approved its negotiating position on proposed revisions to EU rules covering the production, labeling, certification and trade of organic products by a vote of 37-4, with eight abstentions.

Under the proposal, products imported from non-EU countries would be allowed to display the EU organic production logo only if they meet equivalent standards and comply with additional production and control requirements. Lawmakers said the changes are intended to improve consumer trust in organic food while ensuring fair competition between EU and non-EU producers.

The committee also endorsed changes to certification exemptions for small operators selling unpackaged organic products directly to consumers. Current rules exempt qualifying businesses from organic certification based on turnover, sales volume and certification costs.

MEPs said rising prices have pushed some producers above the existing turnover threshold, causing them to lose the exemption. The proposal would raise the annual turnover limit from €20,000 to €25,000 and increase the annual sales volume threshold from 5,000 kilograms to 10,000 kilograms.

Lawmakers also agreed to modify requirements governing poultry housing for fattening birds and daytime outdoor access, saying the changes would reduce administrative and logistical costs.

Rapporteur Camilla Laureti said the objective is to provide the sector with a stable regulatory framework that simplifies certain rules without reversing reforms introduced only a few years ago.

“It is a framework that maintains the quality and therefore the reputation of the sector, in Europe and globally, while respecting consumers,” Laureti said.

In a separate vote, the committee approved opening negotiations with the Council of the European Union on the final legislation by 40 votes to eight, with one abstention. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the full European Parliament for approval before negotiations begin.

EU lawmakers are seeking to finalize the legislation before the end of 2026, when the current rules governing organic food imports expire.

The European Commission proposed the amendments after a 2024 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union found that imported products recognized under equivalence arrangements cannot use the EU organic logo. The Commission said the changes are intended to provide greater clarity for consumers and avoid disruptions to trade.

According to a 2024 Eurobarometer survey, the EU organic production logo is the most widely recognized food label among Europeans and serves as a key identifier for organic products marketed across the bloc.