Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (repealed)Show full title

[F1 B. LIVESTOCK AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS FROM THE FOLLOWING SPECIES: BOVINE (INCLUDING BUBALUS AND BISON SPECIES), PORCINE, OVINE, CAPRINE, EQUIDAE, POULTRY. U.K.

[F1 1. General principles U.K.

1.1. Livestock production forms an integral part of many agricultural holdings practising organic farming. U.K.

1.2. Livestock production must contribute to the equilibrium of agricultural production systems by providing for the nutrient requirements of crops and by improving the soil's organic matter. It can thus help establish and maintain soil-plant, plant-animal and animal-soil interdependence. As part of this concept, landless production ( ‘ production hors sol ’ ) is not in conformity with the rules of this Regulation. U.K.

1.3. By utilising renewable natural resources (livestock manure, legumes and fodder crops), the cropping/stockfarming system and the pasturage systems allow soil fertility to be maintained and improved in the long term and contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture. U.K.

1.4. Organic stockfarming is a land-related activity. Except where authorised by way of exception in this Annex, livestock must have access to a free-range area and the number of animals per unit of area must be limited to ensure integrated management of livestock and crop production on the production unit, so minimising any form of pollution, in particular of the soil and of surface and ground water. The number of livestock must be closely related to the area available in order to avoid problems of over-grazing and erosion and to allow for the preading of livestock manure so that any adverse effect on the environment can be avoided. Detailed rules on the use of livestock manure are set out in Section 7. U.K.

1.5. In organic stockfarming, all livestock on one and the same production unit must be reared in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation. U.K.

1.6. However, livestock not reared in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation may be present on the holding provided they are reared on units where the buildings and parcels are separated clearly from the units producing in accordance with the rules of this Regulation, and a different species is involved. U.K.

1.7. By derogation from this principle, livestock not reared in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation can use, for a limited period of time each year, the pasturage of units complying with this Regulation, provided that such animals come from extensive husbandry (as defined in Article 6(5) of Regulation (EC) No 950/97 (1) or, for other species not mentioned in that Regulation, the number of animals per ha corresponding to 170 kg of Nitrogen per year/hectare as defined in Annex VII of this Regulation) and provided that other animals which are subject to the requirements of this Regulation are not present on this pasturage at the same time. This derogation must be authorised beforehand by the inspection authority or body. U.K.

1.8. By way of a second derogation from this principle, animals reared in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation may be grazed on common land, providing that: U.K.

(a)

the land has not been treated with products other than those allowed for in Annex II of this Regulation, for at least three years;

(b)

any animals which use the land concerned, which are not subject to the requirements of this Regulation, are derived from extensive production, as defined in Article 6(5) of Regulation (EC) No 950/97; or, for other species not mentioned in that Regulation, the number of animals per ha corresponding to 170 kg of Nitrogen per year/hectare as defined in Annex VII of this Regulation;

(c)

any livestock products produced by animals reared in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation, whilst using this land, shall not be regarded as being from organic-production, unless adequate segregation from other animals not complying with the requirements of this Regulation, can be proved to the satisfaction of the inspection authority or body.

2. Conversion U.K.

2.1. Conversion of land associated with organic livestock production U.K.

2.1.1. Where a production unit is converted, the whole area of the unit used for animal feed must comply with the rules on organic farming, using the conversion periods established in part A of this Annex relating to plants and plant products. U.K.

2.1.2. By derogation from this principle, the conversion period may be reduced to one year for pasturages, open air runs and exercise areas used by non-herbivore species. This period may be reduced to six months where the land concerned has not, in the recent past, received treatments with products other than those referred to in Annex II of this Regulation. This derogation must be authorised by the inspection authority or body. U.K.

2.2. Conversion of livestock and livestock products U.K.

2.2.1. If livestock products are to be sold as organic products, the livestock must be reared according to the rules laid down in this Regulation for at least: U.K.

• 12 months in the case of equidae and bovines (including bubalus and bison species) for meat production, and in any case at least three quarters of their lifetime,

• six months in the case of small ruminant and pigs; however, during a transitional period of three years expiring on 24 August 2003 , the period for pigs shall be four months,

• six months in the case of animals for milk production; however, during a transitional period of three years expiring on 24 August 2003 , the period shall be three months,

• 10 weeks for poultry for meat production, brought in before they are three days old,

• six weeks in the case of poultry for egg production.

2.2.2. By derogation from paragraph 2.2.1 and for the constitution of a herd or flock, calves and small ruminants for meat production can be sold as organically reared during a transitional period expiring 31 December 2003 , provided that: U.K.

• they come from extensive husbrandry,

• they are reared in the organic-production unit until the time of sale or slaughter, for a minimum period of six months for calves and two months for small ruminants,

• the origin of the animals complies with the conditions expressed in the fourth and fifth indents of paragraph 3.4.

2.3. Simultaneous conversion U.K.

2.3.1. By derogation from paragraphs 2.2.1, 4.2 and 4.4 if there is simultaneous conversion of the complete production unit, including livestock, pasturage and/or any land used for animal feed, the total combined conversion period for both livestock, pasturage and/or any land used for animal feed, shall be reduced to 24 months subject to the following conditions: U.K.

(a)

the derogation applies only to the existing animals and their offspring and at the same time also to the land used for animal feed/pasturage before starting the conversion;

(b)

the animals are mainly fed with products from the production unit.

3. Origin of the animals U.K.

3.1. In the choice of breeds or strains, account must be taken of the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions; their vitality, and their resistance to disease. In addition, breeds or strains of animals shall be selected to avoid specific diseases or health problems associated with some breeds or strains used in intensive production (e.g. porcine stress syndrome, PSE Syndrome, sudden death, spontaneous abortion, difficult births requiring caesarean operations, etc.). Preference is to be given to indigenous breeds and strains. U.K.

3.2. Livestock must come from production units which comply with the rules on the various types of livestock production laid down in Article 6 and in this Annex. Throughout their life, this system of production must be applied. U.K.

3.3. By way of a first derogation, subject to the prior approval by the inspection authority or body, livestock existing on the livestock production unit, not complying with the rules of this Regulation can be converted. U.K.

3.4. [F2 By way of a second derogation, when a herd or flock is constituted for the first time and organically reared animals are not available in sufficient numbers, non-organically reared livestock may be brought into an organic livestock production unit, subject to the following conditions: U.K.

• pullets for the production of eggs must not be more than 18 weeks old,

• poultry for meat production must be less than three days old,

• young buffalo for breeding purposes must be less than six months old,

• calves and foals for breeding purposes must be reared according to the rules of this Regulation as soon as they are weaned and in any case they must be less than six months old,

• lambs and kids for breeding purposes must be reared according to the rules of this Regulation as soon as they are weaned and in any case must be less than 60 days old,

• piglets for breeding purposes must be reared according to the rules of this Regulation as soon as they are weaned and they must weigh less than 35 kg.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2277/2003 of 22 December 2003 amending Annexes I and II to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance).

3.5. [F2 This derogation, which must be authorised beforehand by the inspection authority or body, applies for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2004 .] U.K.

3.6. [F2 By way of a third derogation, the renewal or reconstitution of the herd or flock shall be authorised by the control authority or body when organically reared animals are not available, and in the following cases: U.K.

(a)

high mortality of animals caused by health or catastrophic circumstances;

(b)

pullets for egg production no more than 18 weeks old;

(c)

poultry for meat production less than three days old;

(d)

piglets for breeding purposes, as soon as they are weaned, of a weight less than 35 kg.

Cases (b), (c) and (d) are authorised for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2004 .]

3.7. In the case of pigs, pullets and poultry for meat production, this transitional derogation will be re-examined before the date of expiry to see if there are grounds for an extension to this deadline. U.K.

3.8. By way of a fourth derogation, subject to a maximum of 10 % of adult equine or bovine (including bubalus and bison species) livestock and 20 % of the adult porcine, ovine and caprine livestock, livestock may be brought in, as female (nulliparous) animals, from non organic-production stockfarms per year, for supplementing natural growth and for the renewal of the herd or flock, when organically reared animals are not available, and only when authorised by the control authority or body. U.K.

3.9. The percentages laid down in the above derogation shall not apply to production units with less than 10 equine or bovine animals, or with less than five porcine, ovine or caprine animals. For these units, any renewal as mentioned above shall be limited to a maximum of one animal per year. U.K.

3.10. [F2 These percentages may be increased, up to 40 % following the opinion and agreement of the inspection authority or body, in the following special cases: U.K.

• when a major extension to the stockfarm is undertaken,

• when a breed is changed,

• when a new livestock specialisation is developed,

• when breeds are in danger of being lost to farming. Animals of those breeds must not necessarily be nulliparous.]

3.11. By way of a fifth derogation, males for breeding may be brought in from non organic-production stockfarms provided that the animals are subsequently reared and always fed in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation. U.K.

3.12. Where livestock comes from units not complying with the present Regulation, in accordance with the conditions and restrictions set out in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.11 above, the periods laid down in paragraph 2.2.1 must be observed if the products are to be sold as being from organic production and during these periods all the rules set out in this Regulation must be complied with. U.K.

3.13. Where livestock is obtained from units not complying with this Regulation, special attention must be paid to animal health measures. The inspection authority or body may apply, depending on local circumstances, special measures, such as screening tests, and quarantine periods. U.K.

3.14. The Commission will present a report by 31 December 2003 concerning the availability of originally reared livestock with a view to presenting a proposal, if appropriate, to the Standing Committee aimed at ensuring that all organic meat production should come from animals that were born and raised on organic-production holdings.] U.K.

4. Feed U.K.

[F1 4.1. Feed is intended to ensure quality production rather than maximising production, while meeting the nutritional requirements of the livestock at various stages of their development. Fattening practices are authorised in so far as they are reversible at any stage of the rearing process. Force-feeding is forbidden. U.K.

4.2. Livestock must be fed on organically produced feedingstuffs. U.K.

4.3. [F2 Furthermore, livestock must be reared in accordance with the rules set out in this Annex, using feed from the unit or, when this is not possible, using feed from other units or enterprises subject to the provisions of this Regulation. Moreover, in the case of herbivores, except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance, at least 50 % of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, be produced in cooperation with other organic farms.] U.K.

4.4. Up to 30 % of the feed formula of rations on average may comprise in-conversion feedingstuffs. When the in-conversion feedingstuffs come from a unit of the own holding, this percentage can be increased to 60 %. [F3 These figures shall be expressed as a percentage of the dry matter of feedingstuffs of agricultural origin.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F3 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 223/2003 of 5 February 2003 on labelling requirements related to the organic production method for feedingstuffs, compound feedingstuffs and feed materials and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (Text with EEA relevance).

4.5. The feeding of young mammals must be based on natural milk, preferably maternal milk. All mammals must be fed on natural milk for a minimum period, depending on the species concerned, which shall be three months for bovines (including bubalus and bison species) and equidae, 45 days for sheep and goats and 40 days for pigs. U.K.

4.6. Where relevant, Member States shall designate areas or regions where transhumance (including movements of animals to grazing areas in mountains) is practicable, without prejudice to the provisions on the feeding of livestock laid down in this Annex. U.K.

4.7. Rearing systems for herbivores are to be based on maximum use of pasturage according to the availablity of pastures in the different periods of the year. At least 60 % of the dry matter in daily rations is to consist of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage. Nevertheless, the inspection authority or body can permit a reduction to 50 % for animals in dairy production for a maximum period of three months in early lactation. U.K.

4.8. [F2 By way of a derogation from paragraph 4.2, for a transitional period expiring on 24 August 2005 , the use of a limited proportion of conventional feedingstuffs is authorised where farmers can show to the satisfaction of the inspection body or authority of the Member State that they are unable to obtain feed exclusively from organic production. The maximum percentage of conventional feedingstuffs authorised per year is 10 % in the case of herbivores and 20 % for other species. These figures shall be calculated annually as a percentage of the dry matter of feedingstuffs from agricultural origin. The maximum percentage authorised of conventional feedingstuffs in the daily ration, except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance, must be 25 % calculated as a percentage of the dry matter.] U.K.

4.9. [F4 By derogation from paragraph 4.8. when forage production is lost or when restrictions are imposed, in particular as a result of exceptional meteorological conditions, the outbreak of infectious diseases, the contamination with toxic substances, or as a consequence of fires, the competent authorities of the Member States can authorise for a limited period and in relation to a specific area, a higher percentage of conventional feedingstuffs where such authorisation is warranted. Upon approval by the competent authority, the inspection authority or body shall apply this derogation to individual operators. Member States will inform each other and the Commission on the derogations they have granted.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F4 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 473/2002 of 15 March 2002 amending Annexes I, II and VI to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs, and laying down detailed rules as regards the transmission of information on the use of copper compounds.

F5 4.10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F5 Deleted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2277/2003 of 22 December 2003 amending Annexes I and II to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance).

4.11. Roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage must be added to the daily ration for pigs and poultry. U.K.

4.12. Only products listed in Annex II, Part D, sections 1.5 and 3.1 can be used as additives and processing aids, respectively, in silage. U.K.

4.13. Conventional feed materials of agricultural origin can be used for animal feeding only if listed in Annex II, Part C, section 1 (feed materials from plant origin), subject to the quantitative restrictions imposed in this Annex, and only if they are produced or prepared without the use of chemical solvents. U.K.

4.14. Feed materials from animal origin (whether conventional or organically produced) can only be used if listed in Annex II, Part C, section 2, and subject to the quantitative restrictions imposed in this Annex. U.K.

4.15. No later than 24 August 2003 , Part C, sections 1, 2, 3 and Part D of Annex II will be reviewed with the aim of removing, in particular, conventional feed materials of agricultural origin produced organically in sufficient quantity in the Community. U.K.

4.16. In order to satisfy nutritional requirements of livestock, only products listed in Annex II, Part C, section 3 (feed materials from mineral origin), and part D, sections 1.1 (trace elements) and 1.2 (vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having a similar effect), can be used for animal feeding. U.K.

4.17. [F2 Only products listed in Annex II, part D, sections 1.3 (enzymes), 1.4 (microorganisms), 1.5 (preservatives), 1.6 (binders, anti-caking agents and coagulants), 1.7 (antioxidant substances), 1.8 (silage additives), 2 (certain products used in animal nutrition) and 3 (processing aids in feedingstuffs) can be used in animal feeding for the purposes indicated in respect to the abovementioned categories. Antibiotics, coccidiostatics, medicinal substances, growth promoters or any other substance intended to stimulate growth or production shall not be used in animal feeding.] ] U.K.

4.18. Feedingstuffs, feed materials, compound feedingstuffs feed additives, processing aids for feedingstuffs and certain products used in animal nutrition must not have been produced with the use of genetically modified organisms or products derived therefrom.] U.K.

[F1 5. Disease prevention and veterinary treatment U.K.

5.1. Disease prevention in organic livestock production shall be based on the following principles: U.K.

(a)

the selection of appropriate breeds or strains of animals as detailed in Section 3;

(b)

the application of animal husbandry practices appropriate to the requirements of each species, encouraging strong resistance to disease and the prevention of infections;

(c)

the use of high quality feed, together, with regular exercise and access to pasturage, having the effect of encouraging the natural immunological defence of the animal;

(d)

ensuring an appropriate density of livestock, thus avoiding overstocking and any resulting animal health problems.

5.2. The principles set out above, should limit animal-health problems so that they can be controlled mainly by prevention. U.K.

5.3. If, despite all of the above preventive measures, an animal becomes sick or injured, it must be treated immediately, if necessary in isolation, and in suitable housing. U.K.

5.4. The use of veterinary medicinal products in organic farming shall comply with the following principles: U.K.

(a)

Phytotherapeutic (e.g. plant extracts (excluding antibiotics), essences, etc.), homeopathic products (e.g. plant, animal or mineral substances) and trace elements and products listed in Part C, section 3 of Annex II, shall be used in preference to chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics, provided that their therapeutic effect is effective for the species of animal, and the condition for which the treatment is intended;

(b)

If the use of the above products should not prove, or is unlikely to be, effective in combating illness or injury, and treatment is essential to avoid suffering or distress to the animal, chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics may be used under the responsibility of a veterinarian;

(c)

The use of chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics for preventive treatments is prohibited;

5.5. In addition to the above principles, the following rules shall apply: U.K.

(a)

the use of substances to promote growth or production, (including antibiotics, coccidiostatics and other artificial aids for growth promotion purposes) and the use of hormones or similar substances to control reproduction (e.g. induction or synchronisation of oestrus), or for other purposes, is prohibited. Nevertheless, hormones may be administered to an individual animal, as a form of therapeutic veterinary treatment;

(b)

veterinary treatments to animals, or treatments to buildings, equipment and facilities, which are compulsory under national or Community legislation shall be authorised, including the use of immunological veterinary medicinal products when a disease has been recognised as present in a specific area in which the production unit is located.

5.6. Whenever veterinary medicinal products are to be used the type of product must be recorded clearly, (including an indication of the active pharmacological substances involved) together with details of the diagnosis; the posology; the method of administration; the duration of the treatment, and the legal withdrawal period. This information is to be declared to the inspection authority or body before the livestock or livestock products are marketed as organically produced. Livestock treated must be clearly identified, individually in the case of large animals; individually or by batch, in the case of poultry and small animals. U.K.

5.7. The withdrawal period between the last administration of an allopathic veterinary medicinal product to an animal under normal conditions of use, and the production of organically produced foodstuffs from such animals, is to be twice the legal withdrawal period or, in a case in which this period is not specified, 48 hours. U.K.

5.8. With the exception of vaccinations, treatments for parasites and any compulsory eradication schemes established by Member States, where an animal or group of animals receive more than two or a maximum of three courses of treatments with chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics within one year (or more than one course of treatment if their productive lifecycle is less than one year) the lifestock concerned, or produce derived from them, may not be sold as being products produced in accordance with this Regulation, and the livestock must undergo the conversion periods laid down in Section 2 of this Annex, subject to the agreement of the inspection authority or body. U.K.

6. Husbandry management practices, transport and identification of livestock products U.K.

6.1. Husbandry practices U.K.

6.1.1. In principle, the reproduction of organically reared livestock should be based on natural methods. Nevertheless artificial insemination is permitted. Other forms of artificial or assisted reproduction (for example embryo transfers) are prohibited. U.K.

6.1.2. Operations such as attaching elastic bands to the tails of sheep, tail-docking, cutting of teeth, trimming of beaks and dehorning must not be carried out systematically in organic farming. Some of these operations may, however, be authorised by the inspection authority or body, for reasons of safety (for example dehorning in young animals) or if they are intended to improve the health, welfare or hygiene of the livestock. Such operations must be carried out at the most appropriate age by qualified personnel and any suffering to the animals must be reduced to a minimum. U.K.

6.1.3. Physical castration is allowed in order to maintain the quality of products and traditional production practices (meat-type pigs, bullocks, capons, etc.) but only under the conditions set out in the last sentence of the paragraph 6.1.2. U.K.

6.1.4. Keeping livestock tethered is forbidden. Nevertheless, by derogation from this principle, the inspection authority or body, can authorise this practice for individual animals upon justification by the operator, that this is necessary for safety or welfare reasons, and that such tethering is only for a limited period of time. U.K.

6.1.5. By derogation from the provisions laid down in paragraph 6.1.4, cattle can be tethered in buildings already existing before 24 August 2000 , provided that regular exercise is provided and rearing takes place in line with animal welfare requirements with comfortably littered areas as well as individual management. This derogation which must be authorised by the inspection authority or body shall apply for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2010 . U.K.

6.1.6. By a further derogation, cattle in small holdings can be tethered if it is not possible to keep the cattle in groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements, provided they have at least twice a week access to pastures, open air runs or exercise areas. This derogation, which must be authorised by the inspection authority or body, shall apply to holdings which meet the requirements of natural rules concerning organic production of livestock effective until 24 August 2000 , or in the absence thereof of private standards accepted or recognised by the Member States. U.K.

6.1.7. Before 31 December 2006 , the Commission will present a report on the implementation of the provisions of paragraph 6.1.5. U.K.

6.1.8. Where livestock are reared in groups, the size of the group must depend upon their stage of development and the behavioural needs of the species concerned. The keeping of livestock in conditions, or on a diet, which may encourage anaemia, is prohibited. U.K.

6.1.9. For poultry, the minimum age at slaughter shall be: U.K.

• 81 days for chickens,

• 150 days for capons,

• 49 days for Peking ducks,

• 70 days for female Muscovy ducks,

• 84 days for male Muscovy ducks,

• 92 days for Mallard ducks,

• 94 days for guineafowl,

• 140 days for turkeys and roasting geese.

Where producers do not apply these minimum slaughter ages, they must use slow-growing strains.

6.2. Transport U.K.

6.2.1. Transport of livestock must be carried out so as to limit the stress suffered by the animals in accordance with the relevant national or Community legislation in force. Loading and unloading must be carried out with caution and without the use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the animals. The use of any allopathic tranquilliser, prior to and during transport, is prohibited. U.K.

6.2.2. During the period leading up to and at the time of slaughter, livestock must be handled in such a way that stress to the animals is reduced to a minimum. U.K.

6.3. Identification of livestock products U.K.

6.3.1. Livestock and livestock products are to be identified at all stages of their production, preparation, transport and marketing. U.K.

7. Livestock manure U.K.

7.1. The total amount of manure, as defined in Directive 91/676/EEC (2) , applied on the holding may not exceed 170 kg of Nitrogen per year/hectare of agricultural area used, the amount specified in Annex III of the abovementioned Directive. Where necessary, the total stocking density shall be reduced to avoid exceeding the limit expressed above. U.K.

7.2. To determine the appropriate density of livestock referred to above, the livestock units equivalent to 170 kg of Nitrogen per year/hectare of agricultural area used for the various categories of animals shall be set out by the competent authorities of the Member States, taking, as a guideline, the figures laid down in Annex VII. U.K.

7.3. Member States shall communicate to the Commission and to the other Member States, any deviation from these figures and provide the reasons justifying such changes. This requirement relates only to the calculation of the maximum number of livestock for the purposes of ensuring that the limit of 170 kg of Nitrogen from manure per year/hectare is not exceeded. It is without prejudice to the stocking densities for animal health and welfare purposes laid down in Section 8 and in Annex VIII. U.K.

7.4. Organic-production holdings may establish cooperation [F6 exclusively] with other holdings and enterprises, which comply with the provisions of this Regulation, with the intention of spreading surplus manure from organic production. The maximum limit of 170 kg of Nitrogen from manure per year/hectare of agricultural area used, will be calculated on the basis of all of the organic-production units involved in such a cooperation. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F6 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 473/2002 of 15 March 2002 amending Annexes I, II and VI to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs, and laying down detailed rules as regards the transmission of information on the use of copper compounds.

7.5. Member States may establish lower limits than those specified in paragraphs 7.1 to 7.4, taking into account the characteristics of the area concerned, the application of other nitrogen fertilisers to the land and the nitrogen supply to the crops from the soil. U.K.

7.6. Storage facilities for livestock manure must be of a capacity to preclude the pollution of water by direct discharge, or by run-off and infiltration of the soil. U.K.

7.7. To ensure sound fertiliser management, the capacity of such storage facilities for livestock manure must exceed the storage capacity required for the longest period of the year in which any application of fertiliser to the land is either inappropriate (in accordance with the codes of good agricultural practice established by Member States) or when such application is prohibited, in cases where the production unit is located within a designated nitrate vulnerable zone. U.K.

8. Free range areas and livestock housing U.K.

8.1. General principles U.K.

8.1.1. Housing conditions for livestock must meet the livestock's biological and ethological needs (e.g. behavioural needs as regards appropriate freedom of movement and comfort). The livestock must have easy access to feeding and watering. Insulation, heating and ventilation of the building must ensure that air circulation, dust level, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentration, are kept within limits which are not harmful to the animals. The building must permit plentiful natural ventilation and light to enter. U.K.

8.1.2. Free-range, open-air exercise areas, or open-air runs must, if necessary, provide sufficient protection against rain, wind, sun and extreme temperatures, depending on the local weather conditions and the breed concerned. U.K.

8.2. Stocking densities and the avoidance of over grazing U.K.

8.2.1. Housing for livestock will not be mandatory in areas with appropriate climatic conditions to enable animals to live outdoors. U.K.

8.2.2. The stocking density in buildings shall provide for the comfort and well being of the animals which, in particular, shall depend on the species, the breed and the age of the animals. It shall also take account of the behavioural needs of the animals, which depend in particular on the size of the group and the animals' sex. The optimum density will seek to ensure the animals' welfare by providing them with sufficient space to stand naturally, lie down easily, turn round, groom themselves, assume all natural postures and make all natural movements such as stretching and wing flapping. U.K.

8.2.3. The minimum surface areas for indoor housing and outdoor exercise areas, and other characteristics of housing for different species and categories of animals, are laid down in Annex VIII. U.K.

8.2.4. The outdoor stocking density of livestock kept on pasturage, other grassland, heathland, wetland, heather, and other natural or semi-natural habitats, must be low enough to prevent poaching of the soil and over grazing of vegetation. U.K.

8.2.5. Housing, pens, equipment and utensils must be properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the build-up of disease carrying organisms. Only the products listed in Part E of Annex II can be used for such cleaning and disinfection of livestock buildings and installations. Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food must be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell and to avoid attracting insects or rodents. Only the products listed in part B, section 2, of Annex II can be used for the elimination of insects and other pests in buildings and other installations where livestock is kept. U.K.

8.3. Mammals U.K.

8.3.1. Subject to the provisions in paragraph 5.3, all mammals must have access to pasturage or an open-air exercise area or an open-air run which may be partially covered, and they must be able to use those areas whenever the physiological condition of the animal, the weather conditions and the state of the ground permit, unless there are Community or national requirements relating to specific animal health problems that prevent this. Herbivores, must have access to pasturage whenever conditions allow. U.K.

8.3.2. In cases where herbivores have access to pasturage during the grazing period and where the winter-housing system gives freedom of movement to the animals, the obligation to provide open-air exercise areas or open-air runs during the winter months may be waived. U.K.

8.3.3. Notwithstanding the last sentence of paragraph 8.3.1, bulls over one year old must have access to pasturage or an open-air exercise area or an open-air run. U.K.

8.3.4. By way of derogation from paragraph 8.3.1, the final fattening phase of cattle pigs and sheep for meat production may take place indoors, provided that this indoors period does not exceed one fifth of their lifetime and in any case for a maximum period of three months. U.K.

8.3.5. Livestock housing must have smooth, but not slippery floors. At least half of the total floor area must be solid, that is, not of slatted or of grid construction. U.K.

8.3.6. The housing must be provided with a comfortable, clean and dry laying/rest area of sufficient size, consisting of a solid construction which is not slatted. Ample dry bedding strewn with litter material must be provided in the rest area. The litter must comprise straw or other suitable natural material. The litter may be improved and enriched with any mineral product authorised for use as a fertiliser in organic farming in accordance with Part A of Annex II. U.K.

8.3.7. As regards the rearing of calves, from 24 August 2000 , all holdings, without derogation, must comply with Directive 91/629/EEC (3) laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves. The housing of calves in individual boxes is forbidden after the age of one week. U.K.

8.3.8. As regards the rearing of pigs, from 24 August 2000 , all holdings must comply with Council Directive 91/630/EEC (4) laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs. However, sows must be kept in groups, except in the last stages of pregnancy and during the suckling period. Piglets may not be kept on flat decks or in piglet cages. Exercise areas must permit dunging and rooting by the animals. For the purposes of rooting different substrates can be used. U.K.

8.4. Poultry U.K.

8.4.1. Poultry must be reared in open-range conditions and cannot be kept in cages. U.K.

8.4.2. Water fowl must have access to a stream, pond or lake whenever the weather conditions permit in order to respect animal welfare requirements or hygienic conditions. U.K.

8.4.3. Buildings for all poultry must meet the following minimum conditions: U.K.

• at least one third shall be solid, that is, not of slatted or of grid construction, and covered with a litter material such as straw, wood shavings, sand or turf;

• in poultry houses for laying hens, a sufficiently large part of the floor area available to the hens must be available for the collection of bird droppings;

• they must have perches of a size and number commensurate with the size of the group and of the birds as laid down in Annex VIII;

• they must have exit/entry pop-holes of a size adequate for the birds, and these pop-holes must have a combined length of at least 4 m per 100 m ² area of the house available to the birds;

• each poultry house must not contain more than:

  • 4 800 chickens,

  • 3 000 laying hens,

  • 5 200 guinea fowl,

  • 4 000 female Muscovy or Peking ducks or 3 200 male Muscovy or Peking ducks or other ducks,

  • 2 500 capons, geese or turkeys;

• the total usable area of poultry houses for meat production on any single production unit, must not exceed 1 600  m ² .

8.4.4. In the case of laying hens natural light may be supplemented by artificial means to provide a maximum of 16 hours light per day with a continuous nocturnal rest period without artificial light of at least eight hours. U.K.

8.4.5. Poultry, must have access to an open-air run whenever the weather conditions permit and, whenever possible, must have such access for at least one third of their life. These open-air runs must be mainly covered with vegetation be provided with protective facilities, and permit animals to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking and feeding troughs. U.K.

8.4.6. For health reasons, buildings must be emptied of livestock between each batch of poultry reared. The buildings and fittings are to be cleaned and disinfected during this time. In addition, when the rearing of each batch of poultry has been completed, runs must be left empty to allow vegetation to grow back, and for health reasons. Member States will establish the period in which runs must be empty and they will communicate their decision to the Commission and the other Member States. These requirements shall not apply to small numbers of poultry which are not kept in runs and which are free to roam, throughout the day. U.K.

8.5. General derogation on the housing of livestock U.K.

8.5.1. By way of derogation from the requirements set out in paragraphs 8.3.1, 8.4.2, 8.4.3 and 8.4.5 and the stocking densities laid down in Annex VIII, the competent authorities of the Member States may authorise derogations from the requirements of these paragraphs and of Annex VIII for a transitional period expiring on 31 December 2010 . This derogation can only be applied to livestock producing holdings with existing buildings, constructed before 24 August 1999 and in so far as these livestock buildings comply with national rules concerning organic livestock production, in force prior to that date, or in the absence thereof with private standards accepted or recognised by the Member States. U.K.

8.5.2. The operators benefiting from this derogation shall present a plan to the inspection authority or body, containing the arrangements which ensure, at the end of the derogation, compliance with the provisions of this Regulation. U.K.

8.5.3. Before 31 December 2006 , the Commission shall present a report on the implementation of the provision of paragraph 8.5.1.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1 Inserted by Council Regulation (EC) No 1804/1999 of 19 July 1999 supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs to include livestock production.

(1)

[F1 [F1 OJ L 142, 2.6.1997, p. 1 . Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2331/98 ( OJ L 291, 30.10.1998, p. 10 ).] ]

(2)

[F1 OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1 .

(3)

OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 28 . Directive as last amended by Directive 97/2/EC ( OJ L 25, 28.1.1997, p. 24 ).

(4)

OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 33 .]

Textual Amendments

F1 Inserted by Council Regulation (EC) No 1804/1999 of 19 July 1999 supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs to include livestock production.