In addition to numerous farmers, representatives from associations, politics, control, advice and research also took part.
The aim of the event was to present the opportunities and challenges with regard to the implementation of the new EU organic regulation in Europe from a practical, advice and control perspective, to illuminate areas of interpretation of the new legal regulations and to show possible solutions and perspectives for practice.
Background
With the “Green Deal”, the European Commission is committed to the goal of making agriculture in Europe more environmentally friendly. A central aspect of the concept is to increase the proportion of organic land in the Union territory to 25% by 2030. At the same time, the new Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and its implementing regulations will come into force on January 1, 2022. In the EU member states, adjustment steps are required at the national level regarding the legal regulations for organic production, the implementation of which is associated with 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 together with neighboring European countries, with a focus on the legal innovations caused by the new EU organic regulation.
Speakers from Austria and neighboring Central European countries provided insight into the current status of work to implement the new legislation for animal husbandry and pasture management and, in addition to research contributions on animal welfare and site-adapted pasture husbandry, also presented aspects of occupational safety and traffic safety.
On June 10, 2021, an EU forum on the EU strategy for organic farming was held together with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, with a view to possible perspectives of the new EU organic regulation for producers.
In addition to specialist lectures on the further development of organic agriculture on the European market, in accordance with the Green Deal and the Organic Action Plan, a final panel discussion discussed practical solutions that are in line with Union law and take regional circumstances into account.
Conclusion
The online conference made it possible to discuss possible implementation strategies for the future of organic agriculture together with other member states and to show viable paths, particularly with regard to pasture management. The need for regionally adapted implementation of European legal requirements with company-specific flexibility was clearly emphasized. The well-being of people and animals and the creation of fair competitive opportunities on the market are essential factors for the successful further development of organic agriculture in Europe.
Link to documents and lectures
Link to the lecture “Animal Welfare and Pasture Management” by Dr. Elfriede Ofner-Schröck ( HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein):
Link to the lecture “Site-adapted pasture solutions ... necessary” by Prov.-Doz. Dr. Andreas Steinwidder ( HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein):
