European organic rule changes worry UK poultry producers

A proposed change to European Union organic feed regulations that would require poultry to be fed a 100% organic diet has the UK’s National Farmers Union expressing its concern.
The move to 100% organic diets for poultry may result in nutritionally unbalanced rations and has the potential to adversely affect bird welfare and performance, said the NFU. A second EU Commission-proposed amendment would require that 50% of feed for monogastrics, like poultry, and 80% of ruminant feed be from own holding or region, in line with the wording of Article 14 (d) (i) of Council Regulation 834/2007. The NFU said it has concerns that this will impose considerable strain on the organic poultry, dairy and livestock industries.
The organic feed regulations are scheduled to go into effect in January 2012.