Update - New restrictions on the use of non-organic protein in pig and poultry diets in GB

This is a further update to our previous notification on 5th December regarding the change in the allowance to use up to 5% non-organic protein feed ingredients for organic pigs and poultry, when organic ingredients are not available.

This allowance has been extended from 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2026, but will only apply to young pigs less than 35kg and young birds less than 30 weeks old.

Defra have given guidance to organic Controls Bodies that allows us to recognise the challenges around changing diets of livestock and managing any transition to safeguard their health and welfare and have acknowledged that moving flocks and herds to the new requirements may not in all cases be possible by 1st January. However, they have stressed that changes should be put in place as soon as possible.

Please ensure you discuss the new requirements with your feed supplier so that they are aware of the requirements and contact us if you have any concerns.

For more information, please contact a Certification Officer in the Farming and Growing Team at farming.growing@soilassociation.org or 0117 914 2412.