Regional Act No. 54 on animal products obtained through organic methods.

The present Regional Act makes provision on animal products, non transformed animal products and products destined to human consumption containing ingredients of animal origin obtained through organic methods. Organic operators which produce, prepare or import for marketing purposes the above-mentioned products must inform the Regional Council specifying which organism shall control their products. Article 3 deals with inspections to be carried out by recognized organisms on the production, preparation and imports of zootechnical products obtained through organic methods. Such control organisms must transmit annually to the Regional Council an inspection plan and submit to the Agricultural and Forestry Department a report indicating the species and quantity of products that have been checked. Further inspections shall be carried out by the Region (art. 3, par. 5). Three Annexes are attached to the Regional Act. Annex A, consisting of three Titles, lays down the methods and principles governing zootechnical organic production. Title I concerns animal farming intended for the production of meat, milk and eggs. Artificial fertilization is permitted. However, embryo transfer practices as well as any kind of enmbryo or genetic manipulation is forbidden. Moreover, the use of natural or synthetic substances to improve production and interfering in normal animal development is prohibited. This Title regards also animal feeding, which must be based on fodder and feedstuffs obtained through organic cultures. Colouring substances and mineral elements may not be used. Further provisions contained in Title I refer to breastfeeding, vaccination, hygienic conditions of the premises and equipment, certification of animal products (with particular regard to minimum farming periods for obtaining certificates, as regards, among others, bovine milk, ovine milk, eggs and meat). Title II of Annex A sets out rules in matter of organic production of packaged milk and milk derivatives. Milk must come from organic farms. The following treatments are allowed: pasteurization, sterilization, homogeneization, filtration, centrifugation and curdling. Further provisions regard salt, conservation, ferments as well as labelling and packaging requirements. Title III of Annex A lays down provisions relating to organic apiculture, taking into particular account: (a) location of apiaries (minimum distances to comply with); (b) bee farming; (c) feeding through honey and pollen of organic origin; (d) honey extraction; (e) honey packaging; (f) pollen and royal jelly production. Honey pasteurization and sterilization are prohibited. Annex B to this Regional Act defines the minimum control requirements as per articles 8 and 9 of Regulation 2092/91/EEC. Annex C regulates inspection on recognized control organisms.