Organic animal production in Estonia and in EU

Organic animal production in Estonia and in EU Principles of organic animal production Ragnar Leming Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences

Outline of presentation • Organic livestock production in Estonia and in Europe • Principles and legal definition of organic farming • Characteristics of organic livestock production

Organic Livestock in Estonia 2009 Allikas: Taimetoodangu Inspektsioon; ESA, PM põllumajandusturu korraldamise osakond

Organic Livestock in Estonia Cattle 2001 -2008

Organic Livestock in Estonia Sheep&Goats 2001 -2008

Characteristics of Organic Livestock Production in Estonia • More than 60% of organic farms are livestock farms • Grassland-based animals are most common (cattle, sheep, horses) • Pigs and poultry are mainly kept for own consumption • Problems areas in organic livestock: – Old tethering housing systems – Lack of knowledge and advise in animal health issues – Lack of processing facilities inhibits further development – Subsidy oriented farmers

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 Source: Fi. BL, 2006 90%of farms are livestock farms

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 88% of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 80%of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 Approx 64% of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 60% of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 11% of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic farming in the EU, 2005 8% of farms are livestock farms Source: Fi. BL, 2006

Organic animals in the EU 25 and main producing countries 2002 2003 2004 Animal category Major producing countries Bovine 1. 4 million 1. 56 million Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark Sheep 1. 71 million 1. 63 million 1. 8 million Italy, UK, Germany and France Pigs 553, 000 472, 000 493, 000 Austria, Germany, Denmark, France and UK Chicken (layers and broilers)* 16. 1 million 17. 3 million 18. 3 million France, UK, Germany and Denmark Source: Padel (2005) and Padel and Lowman (2005)

Area payments in organic farming (€/ha), 2003/4 Source: Stolze & Lampkin, 2006

Characteristics of Organic Livestock Production in EU • More than 50%? of organic farms are livestock farms • Grassland-based animals are most common (cattle, sheep) • Diversity of European livestock farming systems – – – Climate and land quality Intensive / extensive animal husbandry Different types of herds (mixed / specialised, sizes etc. ) Different levels of organisation (food chains /marketing) Different consumer preferences Huge variation in product and process quality Source: D. Younie, 2005

Definition of organic farming • Definition in terms of principles • Definition in legal terms

Definition of organic livestock farming (a): Some IFOAM principles of organic production • To give all livestock conditions of life with due consideration for the basic aspects of their natural behaviour • To create a harmonious balance between crop production & animal husbandry • To encourage & enhance biological cycles within the farming system • To interact in a constructive & life-enhancing way with natural systems and cycles • To produce food of high quality in sufficient quantity

Basic aims of organic livestock production • Maintenance of animal welfare • Focus on ’naturalness’ – – – Species-specific Appropriateness of genotype Ability to express natural behaviour Relationship between mother and offspring Flock/herd size Nutrition • Harmony with environment, humans, other animals • Production of healthy soil, healthy livestock, healthy food Source: D. Younie, 2005

Features of EU Regulation on organic livestock production • • • Feed: ’natural’ & species-specific Preventative health strategies Minimise veterinary drug inputs Access to range Housing: loose housing, bedding, space allocation • Later weaning Source: D. Younie, 2005 minimum

Features of EU Regulation on organic livestock production • • • Feed: ’natural’ & species-specific Preventative health strategies Minimise veterinary drug inputs 1991 R 2092 — EN — 01. 05. 2004 — 018. 002 — 29 Access to range Housing: loose housing, bedding, minimum space allocation • Later weaning 5. Disease prevention and veterinary treatment 5. 1. Disease prevention in organic livestock production shall be based on the following principles: (a) the selection of appropriate breeds or strains of animals as detailed in Section 3; (b) the application of animal husbandry practices appropriate to the requirements of each species, encouraging strong resistance to disease and the prevention of infections; (c) the use of high quality feed, together, with regular exercise and access to pasturage, having the effect of encouraging the natural immunological defence of the animal; (d) ensuring an appropriate density of livestock, thus avoiding overstocking

Features of EU Regulation on organic livestock production • • • Feed: ’natural’ & species-specific Preventative health strategies Minimise veterinary drug inputs Access to range Housing: loose housing, bedding, space allocation • Later weaning Source: D. Younie, 2005 minimum

Features of EU Regulation on organic livestock production • • • Feed: ’natural’ & species-specific Preventative health strategies Minimise veterinary drug inputs Access to range Housing: loose housing, bedding, minimum space allocation • Later weaning Source: D. Younie, 2005

Features of EU Regulation on organic livestock production • • • Feed: ’natural’ & species-specific Preventative health strategies Minimise veterinary drug inputs Access to range Housing: loose housing, bedding, space allocation • Later weaning Source: D. Younie, 2005 minimum

Greatest differences between organic and conventional systems? 4 Poultry 4 Pigs 4 Dairy 7? Beef 7? Sheep Source: D. Younie, 2005

Methods of Producing an Egg Conventional versus Organic

Principles of organic production Not to exhaust: • Land • Animals • Humans (and Farmers!)