Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilDangos y teitl llawn

2. Requirements for algae U.K.

In addition to the general production rules laid down in Articles 9, 10, 11 and 15, and where relevant in Section 1 of this Part, the rules laid down in this Section shall apply to the organic collection and production of algae. Those rules shall apply mutatis mutandis to the production of phytoplankton.

2.1. Conversion U.K.

2.1.1. The conversion period for a production unit for algae collection shall be six months. U.K.

2.1.2. The conversion period for a production unit for algae cultivation shall be a period of six months or one full production cycle, whichever is the longer. U.K.

2.2. Production rules for algae U.K.

2.2.1. The collection of wild algae and parts thereof is considered as organic production provided that: U.K.

(a)

the growing areas are suitable from a health point of view and are of high ecological status as defined by Directive 2000/60/EC, or are of equivalent quality to:

• the production zones classed as A and B in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1), until 13 December 2019, or

• the corresponding classification areas set out in the implementing acts adopted by the Commission in accordance with Article 18(8) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, from 14 December 2019;

(b)

the collection does not affect significantly the stability of the natural ecosystem or the maintenance of the species in the collection area.

2.2.2. The cultivation of algae shall take place in areas with environmental and health characteristics at least equivalent to those outlined in point 2.2.1(a) in order to be considered organic. In addition the following production rules shall apply: U.K.

(a)

sustainable practices shall be used in all stages of production, from the collection of juvenile algae to harvesting;

(b)

to ensure that a wide gene-pool is maintained, the collection of juvenile algae in the wild shall take place on a regular basis so as to maintain and increase the diversity of indoor culture stock;

(c)

fertilisers shall not be used, except in indoor facilities, and only if they have been authorised pursuant to Article 24 for use in organic production for this purpose.

2.3. Algae cultivation U.K.

2.3.1. Algae culture at sea shall only utilise nutrients naturally occurring in the environment, or from organic aquaculture animal production, preferably located nearby as part of a polyculture system. U.K.

2.3.2. In facilities on land where external nutrient sources are used, the nutrient levels in the effluent water shall be verifiably the same, or lower, than the inflowing water. Only nutrients of plant or mineral origin authorised pursuant to Article 24 for use in organic production may be used. U.K.

2.3.3. Culture density or operational intensity shall be recorded and shall maintain the integrity of the aquatic environment by ensuring that the maximum quantity of algae which can be supported without negative effects on the environment is not exceeded. U.K.

2.3.4. Ropes and other equipment used for growing algae shall be re-used or recycled where possible. U.K.

2.4. Sustainable collection of wild algae U.K.

2.4.1. A once-off biomass estimate shall be undertaken at the outset of algae collection. U.K.

2.4.2. Documentary accounts shall be maintained in the unit or premises and shall enable the operator to identify and the control authority or control body to verify that the collectors have supplied only wild algae produced in accordance with this Regulation. U.K.

2.4.3. Collection shall be carried out in such a way that the amounts collected do not cause a significant impact on the state of the aquatic environment. Measures such as collection technique, minimum sizes, ages, reproductive cycles or size of remaining algae shall be taken to ensure that algae can regenerate and to ensure that by-catches are prevented. U.K.

2.4.4. If algae are collected from a shared or common collection area, documentary evidence produced by the relevant authority designated by the Member State concerned shall be available showing that the total collection complies with this Regulation. U.K.

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 206).