1 The Department shall lay down which feedingstuffs are permitted and how feedingstuffs are used.
2 It may prohibit the use of certain feed additives and processing aids, and certain processing methods.84
3 In derogation from the principle laid down in Article 3 letter c, it may authorise feed additives and processing aids which have been produced using genetically modified organisms if:
- a.
- they cannot be replaced by other substances; and
- b.
- they are not available on the market manufactured in any other way.85
4 The purchase of feedingstuffs to supplement the holding's own feed stocks is permitted. Purchases must be from organically produced crops and if possible from the same region. For the purposes of harmonisation with the relevant EU legislation, the Department may make provision that a limited percentage of non-organic animal feedingstuffs may be purchased.86
5 The addition of feedingstuffs from conversion holdings is permitted on average up to a maximum of 30 per cent of the ration of individual categories of production animal, as dry matter. If this feedingstuff is from the holding itself, the amount may be 60 per cent, and, where this is a conversion holding, 100 per cent.87
6 In case of proven fodder yield losses, especially due to exceptional weather conditions, the directly affected livestock farmer may use non-organic fodder for a limited period with the prior written agreement of the certification body, provided that the livestock farmer is able to satisfy the certification body that insufficient organic fodder is available. If whole areas are affected by fodder yield losses, FOAG may also grant permission for the area.88
7 Fodder ingredients must be left natural and fodder preparation methods used must be as natural and energy-saving as possible. Feedingstuffs may not contain any traces of genetically modified organisms or of secondary products of genetically modified organisms which proportionally are higher than the maximum levels for unavoidable impurities laid down in legislation on feedingstuffs.
8 Animals in nomadic herds and animals put out to summer pasture may temporarily graze on non-organically farmed areas. The amount of fodder consumed, as dry matter, may not exceed 10 per cent of the total annual fodder intake.89
9 The proportion of non-organically grown fodder may amount to 10 per cent of the total fodder consumption for retired horses.90