More years of pullet muddle looming

The confusion surrounding the use of organic pullets will not be cleared up for another two years—at least.

That is the result of the latest Brussels discussions on an issue that is both blocking investment and creating divisions within the organic egg sector.

By the end of this year all organic layers should have been produced from organic chicks and reared organically from day old. But there are still no EU standards in place for the production of organic hatching eggs or for pullet rearing.

It has now been suggested that the current derogation that allows the use of conventional chicks will be made open ended but with a review by December 31 2007 and an intention of ending it then.

The derogation on the continued use of conventional pullets will continue until July 31 2006. These deadlines are expected to be confirmed in October.

The Soil Association, which remains the only UK certification body to have instituted pullet rearing standards, has already issued rule changes to enforce the use of organic pullets from December 31 of this year but with the inclusion of a get out clause.

The new requirement states: “Organic pullets (i.e. from organically managed parents and reared organically) must be used where they are available. Where organic pullets from organically managed parents are not available they must in any event be reared under organic management from three days old.”

But the new rules offer an opt out. “Where non-organic pullets are used they must be brought in under 18 weeks of age and must undergo a six week conversion period.”

Before purchasing non-organic birds a producer must submit a plan to the Soil Association explaining the ratio of organic to non-organic birds being bought and what is being done to ensure a supply of organic birds in future.