§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the implications for competition between UK and other EU producers of the removal of the derogation on flock size and stocking density on pre-1999 organic egg producers; [186580]
(2) what representations she has received concerning the decision to remove the derogation on flock size and stocking density for organic egg producers in production in 1999; and if she will make a statement. [186581]
§ Mr. BradshawIn July we wrote to the industry seeking their views on the expiry of the derogation. 21 responses were received from a variety of industry representatives, including the National Farmers Union, individual producers, producers associations, organic certification bodies and multiple retailers.
After careful consideration of all the representations received and taking account of the interests of the organic poultry sector as a whole, I have decided that organic poultry producers should be allowed to continue to benefit from this derogation, which permits stocking densities and flock sizes higher than normally permitted in respect of livestock producing holdings with existing buildings constructed before 24 August 1936W 1999, until 31 December 2010. This will put UK producers on an even footing with those in the rest of the European Union.