Organic status safe in event of a shut-in

As the UK prepares for the possibility of a ban on outdoor poultry, Defra has announced that organic status will not be lost should this happen.

With EU officials so far failing to reach agreement on how organic flocks will be affected by such a move, as an interim measure Defra says that “in common with several other EU Member States the UK takes the view that the organic status of poultry flocks would not be affected as a result of measures which operators were required to take under the law to restrict access to open-air runs as a precaution against avian influenza.” But all other requirements of the organic standards would have to be met, adds Defra.

The government says the position will be reviewed in light of further discussions in Europe. Also, the free range status of organic flocks will be subject to the arrangements previously announced where marketing status can be retained for up to 12 weeks if birds are housed.