The British Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently amended a derogation concerning organic poultry and pig farming, which historically permitted a maximum of 5% non-organic protein in animal feed.
The National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU) has voiced its approval regarding the extension of these derogations, yet has urged the government to monitor the situation rigorously.
The update stipulates that the allowance for non-organic protein is limited to young poultry under 30 weeks and pigs weighing under 35 kg, necessitating that larger animals receive exclusively organic diets from 1 January 2026.
Defra’s response to the April 2025 consultation outlined its intentions to extend two essential organic farming derogations for poultry and pig producers, originally set to expire on 31 December 2025.
- Permitting up to 5% non-organic protein in the diets of pigs and poultry.
- Utilization of non-organically reared pullets for egg production up to 18 weeks of age.
What Are the New Regulations?
Defra’s recent proposal seeks to extend both derogations until 31 December 2026, albeit with a narrowed scope for non-organic protein usage. From 1 January 2026, this derogation will apply solely to poultry under 30 weeks and piglets under 35 kg.
Consequently, any birds exceeding 30 weeks and pigs over 35 kg will require 100% organic feed starting from 1 January 2026, whereas the allowance for non-organic pullets remains intact until 31 December 2026.
NFU Statement: “Without this derogation, organic poultry production in Great Britain would not be able to effectively operate…”
NFU’s Concerns and Arguments
In its consultation feedback, the NFU advocated for a complete extension of both derogations. The organization stressed that allowing a modest 5% of non-organic protein is essential for balanced nutrition and animal welfare, as certain necessary ingredients, like maize gluten, cannot currently be sourced organically.
Moreover, the NFU expressed pressing concerns regarding the limitation of the protein derogation to young poultry, emphasizing the necessity of balanced nutrition throughout a bird’s life. The union also highlighted the vital role of using non-organically reared pullets for egg production, noting that UK organic producers currently rely heavily on this practice due to the unavailability of organic breeding flocks.
Without the derogation, the sustainable operation of organic poultry farming in Great Britain is in jeopardy. Although the NFU welcomed the continuation of these derogations, it remains vigilant about the narrowing of the organic protein feed derogation for older poultry. The NFU urges the government to keep this under review and to be ready to respond swiftly to any negative impacts on bird health and welfare.
Alignment with EU Standards
Great Britain appears set to align its organic regulations more closely with the EU. During the EU-UK summit in May 2025, both parties agreed that organic standards would be part of the forthcoming SPS negotiations, suggesting that Great Britain may adopt the EU’s principal organic regulation (2018/848).
Currently, EU regulations permit up to 5% non-organic protein until 31 December 2026, stipulating that poultry under 30 weeks may benefit from this allowance, while older birds must consume only organic feed. The recent changes in Great Britain’s regulations bring them in line with EU standards.
The NFU plans to persist in advocating for these allowances to remain as needed to support organic egg and poultry meat producers throughout Great Britain.
