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

This is a reminder of 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 was 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 gave guidance to organic Controls Bodies that allowed us to recognise 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 must be put in place on farms by 9th April.

Feed suppliers are aware of the requirements and have been making amendments to their feeds intended for older pigs and poultry. It is important that farms with older organic pigs and poultry are working with their feed supplier to ensure compliant feed is on farm and that animals have been able to transition to the new feed by 9th April.

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