Use of non-organic pullets and new restrictions on non-organic protein in pig and poultry diets

 Use of non-organic pullets and new restrictions on non-organic protein in pig and poultry diets

 

Use of non-organic pullets when organic birds are not available

The Organic regulation in GB which allows the use of non-organic pullets when organic birds are not available has been extended until 31st December 2026.

This means that until 31st December 2026, organic producers can continue to request permission to use non-organic pullets for egg production up to 18 weeks old if they can demonstrate that organic pullets are not available and where the birds have met organic requirements for feed and veterinary care from 3 days old.  

If you have already had permission granted for a batch of birds in 2026 there is no need for any further action for that batch.

For more information on applying for permission, please visit our website or contact a Certification Officer in the Farming and Growing Team at farming.growing@soilassociation.org or 0117 914 2412.

 

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

The Organic regulation in GB which, when organic ingredients are not available, allows the use of up to 5% non-organic protein feed ingredients for organic pigs and poultry has changed.

From 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2026, the 5% non-organic protein allowance will only apply to young pigs less than 35kg and young birds less than 30 weeks old.

We are awaiting confirmation from Defra on the length of the transition period that will be allowed for feed mills, supply chains, and farms to make the necessary changes and switch to 100% organic protein feed ingredients for older birds and pigs. We will send a further update with details as soon as we receive confirmation from Defra.

 

The changes are set out in The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales. These requirements are already in place in Northern Ireland.

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