Primary Production (farms)

Legislation
Organic production at the primary production level is regulated by the Administrative Order No. 697 of 16th July 2000 on Organic Farming. This Executive Order conforms with the European Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 on organic production.

However, with the accept of the EU-Commission Denmark by Administrative Order No. 821 of 31st August 2000 has laid down certain stricter production provisions compared to the Council Regulation. In Denmark this means for example that all livestock, with the exception of poultry, must be reared organic for at least 12 months to be sold as organic products. This prevents non-organic piglets to be taken in.

If standards between countries are not equivalent, the Plant Directorate by request is able to conduct an additional inspection. However, extra inspection has to be paid for.

Practice
A farmer wishing to convert to organic farming must obtain authorization from the Plant Directorate. The Danish Plant Directorate inspects the farm at least once in the growing season. In addition 25% of the organic farms are chosen random for inspection each year. All authorized organic farms submit a report each year. This forms the basis for the inspection. An inspection report is prepared during the visit and forms the basis for continued authorization. Non-compliance with the rules will result in a form of sanction against the farmer.

When new suppliers of organic animals contact Friland A/S the organic status of the supplying farm must  be documented to the inspectors at the abattoir through a copy of the latest farm control report. If the authorization is taken away from a supplier the inspectors at the abattoir will be informed through the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.