BR reports on the EU debate on mandatory organic grazing and exemptions

A recent report by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) focuses on the future of the organic grazing requirement in the European Union. This follows a decision by the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture, which is intended to allow greater flexibility regarding the grazing requirement for organic farms under certain conditions. The debate primarily concerns farms in the agriculture sector that, due to their location or structural conditions, are unable to guarantee direct access to pasture land.

Stricter interpretation of the EU Organic Regulation from 2025

The background to this is the stricter interpretation of the EU Organic Regulation due to come into force in 2025. Under this, cattle, sheep and goats on organic farms must have access to genuine pasture land during the grazing season. According to the Bavarian State Parliament (BR), in Bavaria alone more than 300 farms have already given up their organic status or switched to conventional farming because they were unable to meet the requirements. Supporters of the proposed changes see this as a necessary adaptation to regional circumstances, whilst critics warn that it will lead to a watering down of organic standards.

A complex assessment of the situation is required

Prof. Dr Dr Eva Zeiler, Professor of Ecological Animal Production Systems at the Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Systems, is contributing to the discussion from a technical perspective. The current debate highlights just how complex it is to strike a balance between animal welfare, ecological requirements and the structural conditions of agricultural holdings. The final decision on possible exemptions is still pending and will be taken in further negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Member States.

• Back to list