Organic agriculture continues to grow in popularity worldwide, driven by strong consumer demand, environmental concerns, and evolving food systems. According to the World of Organic Agriculture, published in 2025 by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM, organic agriculture is practised in almost 190 countries, and nearly 99 million hectares of agricultural land are managed organically by at least 4.3 million farmers.
In this context, the European Union is raising the bar with more harmonised rules under the EU Organic Regulation. Some new requirements for smallholder farmers, effective from January 2025, reshape how organic products, including imports, are certified, labeled, and brought to market.
Understanding these changes is essential for any business operating in organic supply chains, and in this article we will break down what’s new and how to turn compliance into opportunity.
Want someone with deep experience and connections in the EU to help guide your sustainability strategy? Get in touch!
The EU Organic Regulation
The EU Organic Regulation is the EU framework legislation laying down the rules for producing and labeling organic products within the EU. Effective since 1 January 2022, it ensures a consistent approach to organic farming across the member states, and guarantees fair competition for EU producers while boosting consumer confidence in organic products.
The Regulation covers a wide range of products, from agricultural products, aquaculture, to cork, salt, essential oils, cotton, and wool, and sets requirements for land management, use of inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides, as well as for labelling, and advertising of organic food and feed. More information on the EU Organic Regulation, including specific rules on types of products, are available on the European Commission’s website.
A New Compliance System
From 1 January 2025, requirements for organic imports into the EU have shifted significantly. After a transition period which ended on 31 December 2024, imports from most non-EU countries can no longer be considered “equivalent” to EU organic standards unless a formal agreement on equivalence is in place.
Equivalence meant that most operators in third countries were certified against equivalent standards, which were deemed to deliver similar outcomes to the EU’s. For example, producers could use different lists of permitted substances or follow alternative inspection procedures, as long as they were broadly aligned with EU organic principles.
This system of equivalence has now ended, unless a formal trade agreement on equivalence is in place. From 2025 onwards, all organic imports must fully comply with EU organic regulations, meaning non-EU producers are required to meet the same standards as EU farmers.This includes strict bans on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, detailed animal welfare provisions, and rules on crop rotation and soil fertility. This regulatory tightening will impact a wide range of imported organic goods, such as coffee, cocoa, rice, spices, bananas, coconut products, dried fruits and nuts, many of which are sourced from smallholder farmers across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The EU’s intention is to harmonise the standards that apply both within the Union and to imports. By eliminating the “equivalence” principle for most trading partners, the regulation introduces a level playing field for all operators and strengthens the credibility of the EU organic label.
A New Framework for Certification: Group of Operators
Another significant change under the new Regulation is the updated certification approach for smallholder farmers. The EU law introduces a new system that allows small producers to certify collectively under a defined structure known as a group of operators, structured around the following criteria:
- A maximum of 2,000 members.
- Registered as a legal entity, such as cooperative or association.
- All members must be either organic producers or in-conversion.
- Located within the same geographical region.
- The group must establish a common production system, including how they procure inputs, manage land, and maintain records.
- Registered with a control body to oversee compliance with EU organic regulations.
The changes to the EU Organic Regulation for Groups of Operators are designed to boost the integrity of organic products. By raising the bar on compliance and control, the EU aims to strengthen consumer trust and create a level playing field for all organic producers.
Challenges and Opportunities for Compliance
Under the new compliance regime, all organic smallholder farmers that serve European markets must restructure operations to maintain access. The path to compliance presents both challenges and opportunities:
- Currently certified smallholder groups will need to make significant legal and financial changes to align with the new Group of Operators system.
- As compliance costs rise and processes become more complex, some smallholder supply chains may no longer find the EU market viable or may risk losing their certification altogether.
- On the other hand, the new system ensures that all producers, including non-EU smallholder farmers, follow the same rules. This will benefit those who are already following strict organic practices and want fairer competition.
- The new framework will promote long-term adoption of truly sustainable and regenerative practices, benefiting soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
- The new system will enhance consumer trust and reward well-prepared producer groups.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
To avoid marginalising small producers and maintain the diversity of the organic market, coordinated support is essential:
- European companies and larger groups are encouraged to assist their supply chains with accessible training and material, legal advice, and adapted contracts.
- Subsidies to ease initial investment costs and legal restructuring should be considered.
- Flexibility in implementing some requirements may be necessary to avoid excluding producers already committed to organic practices.
With the new compliance system under the EU Organic Regulation, producers face not only new compliance challenges, but also potential opportunities to strengthen transparency and sustainable farming practices. Understanding how these changes may impact sourcing, certification, and long-term market access is essential. Ohana’s experts can help you navigate the latest requirements introduced by the EU Organic Regulation, providing clarity on the necessary adjustments and key changes to consider across your supply chain.