Arla’s Organic stance turns sour

Arla’s 30th July statement concerning its No Stance on organic feed derogations   is certainly causing a stir and could soon turn sour on the European Giant.

The main bone of contention is the words “Please be aware that Arla’s position is that this (the no stance on utilising a derogation) will also include exemptions for the feeding of non-organic forage to dairy young stock”. 

So, on the one hand the two organic certification bodies viz OF&G and the Soil Association are willing to issues derogations under the EU regulations but Arla are saying that’s not good enough for us.

Ironically the Soil Association certify Arla for its organic milk intake!

For the man in the street feeding non-milking young stock non-organic feed on welfare grounds when fodder is short is unlikely to be of concern.

Arla may have to revisit   this decision because some of its organic suppliers are clearly unhappy as are the two organic certification Authorities.

It’s a complicated area and includes things like TB derogations. Question is will Arla stick 2 fingers up and say to O F & G and the Soil Association stuff your regulations, we are doing our own thing crisis or no crisis.  For some organic farmers it’s just adding pressure to what’s set to be a very difficult and extremely expensive Autumn and Winter.