EU Organic Farming
Regulation
Reference guide on legislation applicable to organic agricultural production, covering the European framework.
European Legislation
European Union · Organic Farming Regulation
Comprehensive regulatory framework in force since 1 January 2022
Main regulation in force: Since 1 January 2022, Regulation (EU) 2018/848 is the base text governing all organic production and labelling in the EU, replacing the previous Regulation (EC) 834/2007. It is directly applicable in all Member States.
Base Regulation · Production and Labelling
Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Lays down rules on organic production and labelling. Defines the general and specific principles of organic production: prohibition of GMOs, restriction of external inputs, detailed rules for seeds, livestock, aquaculture, wine, algae, and processed production. Requires that at least 95% of agricultural ingredients be of organic origin to use the EU logo. Introduces the group operator certification system. Most recent consolidated revision: March 2025.
Implementing Regulation · Authorised Substances
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165
Authorises products and substances for use in organic production and establishes their lists. Includes lists of fertilisers, soil conditioners, pesticides, food additives, and processing aids permitted in organic production.
Delegated Regulation · Certification Criteria
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1698 and amendment (EU) 2025/2651
Establishes criteria for the accreditation of control bodies. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2651 of October 2025 introduces amendments to the accreditation criteria applicable to those bodies.
Labelling · Pet Food
Regulation (EU) 2023/2419 — Labelling of organic pet food
Establishes specific labelling requirements for pet food produced in accordance with the organic standards of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
Implementing Regulation · Records and Certificates
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2119
Establishes the records and declarations required from operators and groups of operators. Details record-keeping requirements, issuance of electronic certificates, and declarations to be submitted to control authorities and bodies.
Pending Proposal · Dec. 2025
COM(2025) 780 final — Proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2018/848
The Commission proposes amendments aimed at three objectives: (1) clarifying rules on imports under the equivalence regime following the Herbaria II case; (2) extending beyond December 2026 the equivalence recognition with 11 third countries to avoid trade disruptions; (3) reducing regulatory complexity with an estimated saving of €47.8 million per year for operators and administrations.
European Action Plan · 2021–2026
The Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production (2021–2026) sets out 51 actions across three strategic pillars. In 2026 the Commission will launch a consultation to update the Plan, aligning it with the CAP 2028–2034 and the Bioeconomy Strategy.
Pillar 1
Boosting demand for organic products and increasing consumer confidence.
Pillar 2
Increasing supply: encouraging conversion and expanding certified organic area.
Pillar 3
Improving the sustainability of organic production across the entire value chain.