In addition to numerous farmers, representatives from associations, politics, inspection, advisory services, and research also participated.
The event aimed to present the opportunities and challenges of implementing the new EU Organic Regulation in Europe from the perspectives of practical application, advisory services, and inspection, to illuminate areas of interpretation within the new legislation, and to highlight solutions and perspectives for practical application.
Background:
With the "Green Deal," the European Commission commits to making agriculture in Europe more environmentally friendly. A key aspect of this concept is increasing the share of organic farmland in the Union to 25% by 2030. In parallel, the new Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and its implementing provisions will enter into force on January 1, 2022. This necessitates adjustments to the legislation governing organic production in the EU Member States at the national level, the implementation of which presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly with regard to organic animal husbandry.
Event Program:
On June 9, 2021, a technical dialogue took place at the national level in cooperation with neighboring European countries, focusing on the legal changes introduced by the new EU Organic Regulation.
Speakers from Austria and neighboring Central European countries provided insights into the current status of work on implementing the new legislation for animal husbandry and pasture management. In addition to research contributions on animal welfare and site-adapted grazing practices, they also presented aspects of occupational and traffic safety.
On June 10, 2021, an EU forum on the EU strategy for organic farming was held jointly with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, focusing on the potential prospects of the new EU Organic Regulation for producers.
Besides expert presentations on the further development of organic farming in the European market, in line with the Green Deal and the Organic Action Plan, a concluding panel discussion explored practical solutions that comply with EU law and take regionally specific conditions into account.
Conclusion:
The online conference successfully facilitated discussions with other member states on potential implementation strategies for the future of organic farming and, in particular, identified viable approaches to pasture management. The need for regionally adapted implementation of European legal requirements, with farm-specific flexibility, was clearly emphasized. The well-being of both people and animals, and the creation of fair competitive opportunities in the market, are essential factors for the successful development of organic farming in Europe.
Link to documents and presentations
Link to the lecture “Animal Welfare and Pasture Management” by Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck (HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein):
Link to the presentation “Site-adapted grazing solutions … necessary” by Prof.-Doz. Dr. Andreas Steinwidder (HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein):
