“Unless sufficient quantities derived from organic production are unavailable.” That’s the key phrase in fresh changes to Britain’s organic rulebook, giving farms some breathing space from 1 January 2026. The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were made on 21 October and laid before Parliament on 22 October, with the measures applying across England, Wales and Scotland.

For egg producers, the headline shift is straightforward but important. Where organically reared pullets can’t be sourced, non‑organic pullets of not more than 18 weeks of age may be brought into an organic flock for egg production until 31 December 2026, provided control‑body conditions are met. For producers in North Yorkshire, Northumberland and Cumbria who routinely book pullets months ahead, this buys time - but it also raises the bar on record‑keeping to show genuine shortages rather than convenience purchasing.

Pig and poultry units get a parallel concession on protein. If farms cannot obtain 100% organic protein feed, they may use up to 5% non‑organic protein feed during the 2026 calendar year - but only for piglets up to 35kg and poultry up to 30 weeks old. That tighter scope matters for North West weaner units and broiler growers alike: it protects younger stock while keeping pressure on the supply chain to deliver organic protein at scale.

Food processors in the region should also take note. High‑acyl gellan gum (E418) remains permitted in processed organic foods, but from 2026 it should be sourced from organic production - and only where sufficient organic quantities are unavailable may a non‑organic alternative be used. Dairies, bakeries and drinks makers across the North that rely on gellan for texture and stability will need supplier assurances and clear audit trails to keep organic status watertight.

The changes sit within long‑standing EU‑derived rules that Britain still follows for organics (Council Regulation 834/2007 and Commission Regulation 889/2008), which government has been updating since leaving the EU. Earlier this year, ministers also pushed out transitional dates on related marketing standards to 2027, signalling a phased approach rather than a cliff‑edge for compliance.

Defra’s farming minister Dame Angela Eagle signed off the instrument. Since taking on the food security and rural affairs brief in September, she has been fronting policy affecting farm supply chains - a point not lost on producers looking for steadier planning horizons across the North.

What does this mean on farm from January? First, talk to your control body (Soil Association Certification, OF&G or your equivalent) before placing orders. For pullets, keep dated evidence of enquiries to organic suppliers, responses received, and delivery lead times. If you must bring in non‑organic birds, confirm ages at delivery, housing standards on arrival and any conversion requirements in writing. Certification officers will look for a clear paper trail showing you tried and failed to source organic stock.

On feed, tighten documentation with your mill or merchant. Keep formulations, invoices and supplier statements that show organic protein was unavailable in the volumes or timescales needed. The 5% allowance is a cap, not a target, and only applies to piglets up to 35kg and poultry up to 30 weeks - keep ration sheets and livestock records aligned with those limits to avoid headaches at inspection.

Processors using gellan gum should review product specifications now. Ask for certificates showing E418 is from organic production; if not, obtain written confirmation of unavailability and keep batch‑level evidence. Small Northern brands selling into supermarkets will need to ensure label claims match ingredient realities through 2026, especially where co‑packers are involved.

For devolved nations, consent from the Scottish and Welsh Governments is recorded alongside the instrument, mirroring the approach taken with earlier organic and marketing‑standards SIs this year. For mixed family farms straddling the border counties, that clarity matters: one set of Great Britain rules, one set of expectations from certification bodies.

Defra has not published a separate regulatory impact assessment with this SI, stating no significant impact is expected. Even so, the practical work sits with farmers and processors: documenting supply gaps, booking earlier with pullet rearers, stress‑testing protein supply, and making sure every exception used in 2026 is justified on paper.

The timetable is tight. With the rules commencing on 1 January 2026 and some allowances expiring on 31 December 2026, the North’s producers have a single season to stabilise supply lines and prove compliance. Use the remainder of the year to lock in orders, tidy records and brief staff - and keep your control body in the loop at every step.