Organic feeds for livestock: the new European regulation from January 1st 2021

Abstract

This work analyzes the new regulation of organic feeding starting on January 1, 2021. After a brief introduction on the importance of European and Spanish organic livestock production, the main differential aspects of organic livestock feeding are discussed, in particular the conditions of use of raw materials and additives, as well as the distinctive labeling of organic feed and the control of these feedstuffs. It is concluded that the most limiting aspect in the development of European livestock is the availability of energy and protein feeds, in particular for pigs and poultry. Finally, in an annex, the conditions for the production of organic crops to obtain organic raw feeds are specified.