New organic feed rules for 2026 confirmed by Defra

New organic poultry and pig feed rules will apply across Great Britain from 1 January 2026 after Defra confirmed changes to long-standing derogations.

Defra said it had amended and extended the current derogation that allows up to 5% non-organic protein in organic pig and poultry feed.

But under the revised rules, the allowance will apply only to layers under 30 weeks of age and pigs under 35kg.

Any birds above 30 weeks and pigs over 35kg will be required to receive 100% organic diets from 1 January 2026.

See also: Poultry firm fined £50k over unguarded feeder death

The department’s response follows its April 2025 consultation on two derogations that were due to end on 31 December 2025: feeding up to 5% non-organic protein in organic pig and poultry diets, and the use of non-organically reared pullets for egg production up to 18 weeks of age.

Defra confirmed that the derogation for non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks has been fully extended until 31 December 2026.

In its submission to the consultation, the NFU urged Defra to fully extend both measures, highlighting their importance for animal welfare and feed formulation.

The union said allowing up to 5% non-organic protein “remains vital for providing balanced diets and protecting animal welfare”, noting that some ingredients “cannot currently be sourced from organic ingredients”.

The NFU raised particular concern about limiting the 5% protein provision to poultry under 30 weeks, stating that “balanced nutrition is essential throughout a bird’s life, not just in its early stages”.

The policy change brings Great Britain’s rules in line with the EU, where similar limits apply until at least 31 December 2026.

The NFU said it will continue pressing Defra to maintain existing allowances where needed to support organic egg and poultry meat producers.