Organic certification for vertical farms

14.7.2022

Question for written answer  E-002588/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

In point 1.2 of Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007[1], the following is stated in relation to organic plant production: ‘Hydroponic production, which is a method of growing plants which do not naturally grow in water with their roots in a nutrient solution only or in an inert medium to which a nutrient solution is added, is prohibited.’ Specifically, that means that sustainable vertical farming cannot be granted organic certification.

• 1.Does the Commission consider it appropriate that vertical farms using hydroponics as a method of growing plants cannot be awarded organic certification simply because they do not use soil?
• 2.Does the Commission plan to adapt the legislation so that, in future, vertical farms can be granted organic certification?

• [1] OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 1.