Significant changes announced to GB Organic Standards

Published on : 5 Dec 2025

Jeff Vergerson, organic consultant and co-opted member of the BFREPA Board

Earlier this year Defra consulted on two long-standing GB derogations: the current derogation permitting up to 5% non-organic protein in poultry diets, and the allowance for non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks old to be brought onto organic layer farms.

BFREPA responded strongly in support of the continued extension of both derogations, given their critical importance to the sector. Defra has now extended both derogations to 31 December 2026. However, they have limited the scope of non-organic protein to young poultry under 30 weeks of age. As a result, any poultry over 30 weeks must be fed a fully 100% organic diet. This change comes into force on 1 January 2026 albeit Defra are currently considering a transition period to allow for moving older birds from 95% organic feed to 100% organic feed and will confirm the details soon. Poultry under 30 weeks can continue to receive up to 5% non-organic protein in their diets until 31 December 2026, and the derogation allowing non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks to enter organic layer farms also remains in place until the end of 2026.

The reason for this shift is linked to the ‘dynamic alignment’ with the EU currently being scoped and implemented by the GB government.

Jeff Vergerson, organic consultant and co-opted member of the BFREPA Board, said: “BFREPA has expressed its concerns around the pace of change and the impact that this will have on-farm. BFREPA has questioned whether this is practical, as well as the potential implications for bird welfare.”

The requirement for layers over 30 weeks to be fed a fully organic diet presents a particular pinch point for layer farmers who mill their own feed on-farm. Many producers routinely purchase raw materials such as peas, beans and potato protein on a forward basis, often for many months ahead and well into 2026, meaning orders will already extend beyond the planned end date of the derogation. BFREPA has raised this concern with Defra, along with the risks associated with changing feed raw materials mid-flock. Adjusting formulations – particularly where there is no organic equivalent available, such as organic potato protein – can lead to behavioural and performance issues, including an increased risk of injurious feather pecking. This is especially concerning in the organic sector, where intact beaks are required. Digestive upsets can quickly translate into stressed hens, compromised welfare and reduced productivity.

Given these challenges, and the growing anxiety among members, particularly smaller producers who mix on-farm, BFREPA has asked Defra for additional time and a longer transition period extending beyond January.

BFREPA continues to lobby Defra, who are aware of the pressures on the sector and are actively exploring options. BFREPA remains optimistic that some form of flexibility will be offered, but at the time of writing (3 December), nothing has yet been confirmed and the move to a 100% organic diet for layers over 30 weeks remains scheduled for January.

BFREPA will communicate any updates in The Ranger and via the BFREPA Members’ WhatsApp Group. The Control Bodies will also issue guidance on any confirmed changes.