Activities of Stefan ECK related to 2014/0100(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products, amending Regulation (EU) No XXX/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [Official controls Regulation] and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
Amendments (48)
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Furthermore, organic production is a system that contributes to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the CAP, and promotes sustainable agricultural production and species appropriate husbandry. That is why, measures financially supporting organic production have been introduced under the CAP, most recently under Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council14 , and in particular strengthened in the recent reform of the legal framework for rural development policy as established by Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 . __________________ 14 Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608). 15 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The organic farming sector in Europe has rapidly developed in the past years not only in terms of the area used for organic farming but also of number of holdings and of overall organic operators registered in the Union.
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) The organic products of animal origin vary considerably across the Union due to the present exceptions to higher animal welfare standards in organic farming, especially as regards the associated farming practices for animals.
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55 a (new)
Recital 55 a (new)
(55 a) In the past, higher animal welfare standards expected from organic products have not always been applied in practice. It should be ensured that consumers in the Union who buy products of animal origin, including food, will be able to trust that the food labelled as organic meets the highest production, including animal welfare, standards.
Amendment 166 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Organic production is the best form of humane and sustainable agriculture meaning high animal welfare standards for chickens, laying hens, pigs, cows and rabbits allowing them to have a better, longer and stress-free life, mainly with outdoor access and a balanced diet.
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Payments for the conversion to or maintenance of organic farming shall encourage the farming sector to answer the society's increasing demand for the use of environmentally friendly farming practices and high animal welfare standards.
Amendment 315 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point 3 – point d
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point 3 – point d
(d) the choice of breeds shall be appropriate to ensure a high standard of animal welfare and shall contribute to the prevention of any suffering and to avoiding the need for the mutilation of animals, such as dehorning, disbudding and castration.
Amendment 316 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Proper application and enforcement of breeding rules shall be facilitated, where appropriate, through rural development support and the Action plan for the future of Organic Production in the European Union.
Amendment 339 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 6
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 6
1.7.6. Tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited, unless for individual animals for a limited period of time, and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons. Competent authorities may authorise cattle in micro-enterprises to be tethered if it is not possible to keep the cattle in groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements, provided they have access to pastures during the grazing period, and at least twice a week access to open air areas when grazing is not possible.
Amendment 341 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 7
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 7
1.7.7. DThe duration of transport of livestock shall be minimised to a maximum of 8 hours for mammals and 4 hours for poultry and rabbits.
Amendment 347 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 8 a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 8 a (new)
1.7.8a. The most appropriate methods for stunning the animals before slaughter should be applied without exemption to ensure that humane ways of inducing a state of insensibility will be applied which will last until death is confirmed.
Amendment 359 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 11 a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 – point 11 a (new)
1.7.11a. Any surgical procedures, when necessary, shall be carried out by a veterinary surgeon. Wherever practicable, non-surgical alternatives and advice concerning the use of appropriate breeds and keeping practices shall be applied to address specific concerns associated with raising uncastrated (entire) males and horned animals.
Amendment 364 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point 7 a (new)
1.7a. The adoption of detailed rules to improve organic production of livestock species, like poultry, pigs and bovines including sows and calves as well as rabbits is highly recommended.
Amendment 366 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 1 a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 1 a (new)
2.1.1a. In order to prevent the likelihood of injuries resulting from horned breeds, breeds that are naturally polled shall be chosen where practicable. Dehorning shall only be allowed when necessary on welfare grounds, such as when horned animals are born in a polled breed.
Amendment 369 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 2 –point e
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 2 –point e
(e) rearing systems for bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall be based on maximum use of grazing pasturage according to the availability of pastures in the different periods of the year. Breeds shall be chosen based on their local adaptability to grazing conditions and their suitability with regard to other diet provisions, including requirements for roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage. Where higher percentages of roughage are not possible, the following minimum rules shall apply whilst respecting the nutrition, health and welfare requirements of the breeds: At least 60 % of the dry matter in daily rations of bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall consist of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage. A reduction to 50 % for animals in dairy production for a maximum period of three months in early lactation shall be allowed;
Amendment 370 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 3 – point c a (new)
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 1 – point 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) the tethering of cattle, bovine, and ovine animals shall be prohibited at all times, including periods when grazing is not possible. Exceptions shall only be granted for individual animals for a limited period of time in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons.
Amendment 400 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 4 – point 7
Annex II – part II – paragraph 2 – point 2 – point 4 – point 7
Live plucking of poultry shall be prohibited. The mutilation of poultry, including castration and break trimming, shall be prohibited. Surgical procedures shall only be allowed in rare instances, on a case-by-case/individual basis and only for valid animal welfare considerations/reasons. When such instances occur, pain and suffering must be prevented by means of adequate anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia. The procedures shall be carried out only at the most appropriate age by a veterinary surgeon. Wherever practicable, non- surgical alternatives, including the use of appropriate breeds and keeping practices shall be applied to address specific concerns associated with raising uncastrated (entire) males.
Amendment 403 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 2 – point d
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 2 – point d
(d) wild caught fish, including those fishes used for fishmeals, oil from whole fish stemming from wild fisheries and wild fish used for breeding or as cleaner fish, shall not be used in organic production. On an exceptional basis, where alternative sources are not reasonably available and the conditions are adapted to the species' needs, wild caught or non-organic aquaculture animals may be brought into a holding with a view to improving the suitability of genetic stock. Such animals shall be kept under organic management for at least three months before they may be used for breeding.
Amendment 408 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 4– point 1 – point j
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 4– point 1 – point j
(j) for biological control of ectoparasites preference shall be given to the use of cleaner fish only where the conditions are adapted to the species' needs. Use of wild caught fish as cleaner fish should not be used in organic production in accordance with point (d) of paragraph 4.1.2.1 of this Annex.
Amendment 410 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 5 – point 3 a (new)
Annex II – part III – paragraph 4 – point 4 – point 1 – point 5 – point 3 a (new)
4.1.5.3a. Only the most suitable species and breeds shall be used at all times. The farming of solitary and predatory fish species, for which solitude and hunting requirements cannot be met in captivity, shall be prohibited.
Amendment 587 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) choice of breeds having regard to the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their resistance to disease or health problems; the practice of site-adapted and land- related livestock production; the application of animal husbandry practices, which enhance the immune system and strengthen the natural defence against diseases, in particular including regular exercise and permanent access to open air areas and access to pastureland, where appropriate;
Amendment 1053 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d a (new)
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d a (new)
Amendment 1055 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d b (new)
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d b (new)
(db) Information on breeds used in organic farming shall be kept in a dedicated database that shall be set up to support transparency on the use of and information on the availability of breeds, including their adaptability to local conditions.
Amendment 1056 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d c (new)
Annex II – part II – point 1.3.3 – point d c (new)
(dc) Proper application and enforcement of proper breeding rules shall be facilitated, where appropriate, through rural development support and the organic action plan.
Amendment 1094 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.5.1.1
Annex II – part II – point 1.5.1.1
1.5.1.1. Disease prevention shall be based on animal welfare, breed and strain selection, husbandry management practices, high quality feed and exercise, appropriate stocking density and adequate and appropriate housing maintained in hygienic conditions.
Amendment 1108 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.6.2
Annex II – part II – point 1.6.2
1.6.2. Housing for livestock shall not be mandatory in areas with appropriate climatic conditions to enable animals to live outdoors. Livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas, preferablyincluding pasture, whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this, unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of Union legislation. Animals shall have access to shelters or shady areas to protect them from adverse weather conditions. Closed confinement systems shall not be permitted.
Amendment 1111 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.3
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.3
1.7.3. The lLivestock shall have permanent access to open air areas, preferably pasture, whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of Union legislation. Whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground do not allow access to pasture, livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas allowing the animals to exercise, except when temporary restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of Union legislation.
Amendment 1113 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.6
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.6
1.7.6. Tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited, unless for individual animals for a limited period of time, and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons. Competent authorities may authorise cattle in micro-enterprises to be tethered if it is not possible to keep the cattle in groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements, provided they have access to pastures during the grazing period, and at least twice a week access to open air areas when grazing is not possible.
Amendment 1125 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.8
Annex II – part II – point 1.7.8
1.7.8. Any pain, stress and suffering shall be kept to a minimum during the entire life of the animal, including at the time of slaughter.
Amendment 1152 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) in cases where bBovine, ovine and caprine animals 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 areas during the wintshould have permanent access to open air areas during the winter months, for at least a few hours a day, whenever mconths may be waivedditions allow;
Amendment 1159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.2 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) rearing systems for bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall be based on maximum use of grazing pasturage according to the availability of pastures in the different periods of the year. Breeds shall be chosen based on their local adaptability to grazing conditions and their suitability with regard to other diet provisions, including requirements for roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage. At least 60 % of the dry matter in daily rations of bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall consist of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage. A reduction to 50 % for animals in dairy production for a maximum period of three months in early lactation shall be allowed;
Amendment 1162 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) The tethering of cattle, bovine and ovine animals shall be prohibited at all times, including periods when grazing is not possible. Exceptions shall only be granted for individual animals for a limited period of time in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons.
Amendment 1163 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.3 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Annex II – part II – point 2.1.3 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
(bb) All housing shall provide permanent access to an open area allowing animals to exercise.
Amendment 1165 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.2.2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex II – part II – point 2.2.2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) eEquine animals shall have access to pasturage fore and grazing whenever conditions allowduring the times of the year when grass is available. At all other times, equine animals should have access to roughage and outdoor facilities that allow natural behavior;
Amendment 1166 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.2.2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex II – part II – point 2.2.2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 1193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 2 – section 2 – part 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Annex 2 – section 2 – part 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) exercise areas shall permit dunging and rooting by porcine animals. For the purposes of rooting different substrates can be usadditional manipulable material can be used, but access to soil and straw for rooting is required.
Amendment 1199 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
For poultry and their products to be considered organic, the production rules of this Regulation, including those pertaining to the origin of poultry, must have been applied for at least:
Amendment 1200 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex Annex II – part II – point 2.4.1 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Annex Annex II – part II – point 2.4.1 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) Fast growing poultry lines shall be forbidden.
Amendment 1203 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Poultry shall either be reared until they reach a minimum age or else shall come from slow-growing poultry strains as defined by the competent authoritycome from slow-growing poultry strains which meet set limited daily growth rates that are compatible with the minimum rearing ages for each species. WTherse slow-growing poultry strains are not used by the farmer tgrowth rates shall be set in this Regulation. The minimum age at slaughter shall be as follows:
Amendment 1226 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) poultry shall have access to an open air area, including pasture and/or woodland for at least one thirdhalf of their life. Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation and be provided with protective facilities allowing animals to hide and express scratching behaviour and permit fowlthem to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs;
Amendment 1228 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where poultry are kept indoors, including due to restrictions or obligations imposed on the basis of Union legislation, they shall have permanently have access to a veranda (outdoor run) as well as permanent access to sufficient quantities of roughage and suitable material in order to meet their ethological needs. Access restrictions to an outdoor run should only be possible due to bad weather conditions;
Amendment 1231 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.4 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
(iv) the external boundary of the house, i.e. including a possible veranda, shall have exit/entry pop-holes of a size adequate for the birds, and those pop-holes shall have a combined length of at least 4 m per 100 m² area of the house available to the birds. Where a veranda is present, tThe internal pop-holes between the house and the veranda shall have a combined length of 2 m per 100 m² area of the house. Twenty- four hour a day access to the veranda must be allowed;
Amendment 1253 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one thirdthe majority of their life. In particular, continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as early an age as practically possible, whenever physiological and physical conditions allow, except in the case of temporary restrictions imposed due to bad weather conditions or on the basis of Union legislation;
Amendment 1256 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation composed of a diverse range of plants and be provided with protective facilities and permit fowlin appropriate numbers, permitting poultry to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs. Protective facilities should allow animals to hide. The vegetation on the open-air area must be harvested and removed at regular intervals to reduce the potential for nutrient surpluses. The open air areas shall not extend beyond a radius of 150 m from the nearest pop-hole of the poultry house. However an extension of up to 350 m from the nearest pop-hole of the poultry house is permissible provided that a sufficient number of shelters and drinking troughs are evenly distributed throughout the whole open-air area with at least four shelters per hectare;
Amendment 1257 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Annex II – part II – point 2.4.6 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where poultry are kept indoors, including due to restrictions or obligations imposed on the basis of Union legislation, they shall have permanently have acces access to a veranda (outdoor run) as well as to sufficient quantities of roughage and suitable material in order to meet their ethological needs.
Amendment 1276 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.2.1 – point d
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.2.1 – point d
(d) Wild caught fish, including those fish used for fishmeal, oil from whole fish stemming from wild fisheries, and wild fish used for breeding or as cleaner fish, shall not be used in organic production. On an exceptional basis, where alternative sources are not reasonably available and the conditions are adapted to the species needs, wild caught or non- organic aquaculture animals may be brought into a holding with a view to improving the suitability of genetic stock. Such animals shall be kept under organic management for at least three months before they may be used for breeding.
Amendment 1283 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.4.1 – paragraph 1 – point j
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.4.1 – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) for biological control of ectoparasites preference shall be given to the use of cleaner fish only where the conditions are adapted to the species needs. Use of wild caught fish as cleaner fish should not be used in organic production in accordance with paragraph 4.1.2.1 d of this annex.
Amendment 1288 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.5.3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Annex II – part III – point 4.1.5.3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Only the most suitable species and breeds should be used at all times. The farming of solitary and predatory fish species, for which solitude and hunting requirements cannot be met in captivity, shall be prohibited.