Two key derogations supporting the organic poultry sector in Great Britain have been extended until at least July 2027, but the NFU says producers still lack the long-term certainty needed for business planning.
The derogations had been due to expire on 31 December 2026. They allow poultry producers to use a maximum of 5% non-organic protein feed for birds under 30 weeks of age, while organic egg producers can use non-organically reared pullets up to 18 weeks of age.
The NFU has welcomed the extension but is pressing Defra for greater clarity and longer-term certainty, along with appropriate transition periods if UK organic rules are dynamically aligned with EU legislation.
The July 2027 timeline is understood to align with the Government’s ambition for dynamic alignment with EU organic regulations. However, the future of the pullet derogation remains particularly uncertain, as it is not currently included in EU organic legislation.
The NFU said there are currently no fully organic commercial pullet-rearing systems operating at the scale needed to supply the UK organic egg sector.
It added that organic egg businesses can need to plan placements and pullet orders up to two years ahead, making uncertainty around the derogations difficult for producers.