In the UK, responsibility for the implementation of organic standards falls to the UK Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS). The Board of UKROFS has considered how best to put the new EU Standards for organic livestock and livestock products into effect and the purpose of the letter is to seek views on the Board's proposals. It is intended that the new Standards will come into effect at the end of August 2000.
In considering how to proceed, the UKROFS Board has taken into account recommendations put to it by the Organic Livestock Standards Liaison Group (OLSLG). The OLSLG comprised representatives of the six organic inspection bodies (the Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA), the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G), the Organic Food Federation (OFF), the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) and the Soil Association (SA)) together with representatives of other bodies active in the organic sector such as the National Farmers Union
Attached to the letter is a draft of the Standards the Board proposes to implement together with a note setting out particular issues on which the UKROFS Board seeks comments. Consultees are asked to return any comments they may have on the particular issues identified by the Board, on other issues arising from the draft Standards or on the consultation generally by 15 May 2000.
The Standard can be seen at: http://www.maff.gov.uk/corps/consexer/ukrofs/consdoc.htm