Defra has amended and extended a key derogation for organic pig and poultry producers, allowing the continued use of up to 5% non-organic protein in feed, but with tighter limits from January 2026. The National Farmers’ Union has welcomed the extension while warning that the changes must be kept under close review to safeguard bird health and welfare.
The amended derogation, which had been due to expire on 31 December 2025, will now run until 31 December 2026. However, from 1 January 2026 the allowance to include up to 5% non-organic protein will apply only to poultry under 30 weeks of age and to pigs weighing under 35kg. Birds and pigs above these thresholds will be required to receive 100% organic diets.
The changes follow Defra’s response to a consultation launched in April 2025 on the future of two long-standing organic derogations. Alongside the protein allowance, the consultation also covered the use of non-organically reared pullets for egg production. Defra has confirmed that this second derogation, which allows non-organic pullets to be used up to 18 weeks of age, has been fully extended until the end of 2026.
The NFU said it had lobbied strongly for a full extension of both measures and understands that Defra is now working with organic certification bodies to help producers comply with the amended rules from the start of 2026. The union stressed that the continued use of limited amounts of non-organic protein remains vital to deliver balanced diets and protect animal welfare, particularly as some key ingredients, such as maize gluten, are not currently available from organic sources.
In its consultation response, the NFU raised particular concerns about restricting the protein derogation to younger poultry, arguing that balanced nutrition is essential throughout a bird’s entire life and not just during the early stages. The union also reiterated the critical importance of the pullet derogation, noting that UK organic egg producers currently rely almost entirely on non-organically reared pullets because there are no organic breeding flocks operating in Great Britain. Without this flexibility, the NFU warned that organic egg production would struggle to function effectively.
While acknowledging the benefit of extending both derogations, the NFU said it remains concerned about the narrowing of the protein allowance and has urged Defra to monitor the impact closely and act swiftly if negative consequences emerge for bird health or welfare. The union added that any members with concerns should contact their organic certification body or NFU CallFirst for advice.