Organic Farming Ordinance
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Section 1 General Provisions
Art. 6 Principle of total organic production
Organic farming methods must be used throughout the entire organic holding.
Art. 7 Exceptions to the principle of total organic production
1 Areas where permanent crops are not grown organically is permitted on an organic holding provided that proof of ecological performance in accordance with Articles 11–25 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 October 2013 (DPO) is provided for these areas. 2 Areas where permanent crops are grown organically is permitted on a non-organic holding provided that proof of ecological performance in accordance with Articles 11–25 of the DPO is provided for the part of the holding which is not farmed organically. 3 Areas where permanent crops are grown in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 must remain the same for a minimum of five years. 4 Production of a permanent crop described in letters a–i of Article 22 paragraph 1 of the Agriculture Terminology Ordinance of 7 December 1998 on a holding must be either totally organic or totally non-organic. 5 The certification body may on application recognise a production facility in a non-organic agricultural holding as an independent organic holding
Art. 7 — Amended by No I of the O of 29 Oct. 2014, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 3969). Para. 1 — SR 910.13 Para. 1 — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 2 — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 4 — SR 910.91 Para. 5 let. f — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6083). Para. 6
Section 2 Conversion
Art. 8 Normal conversion
1 Holdings which have changed over to organic production are considered to be conversion holdings for two years. A conversion period of two years applies to agricultural acreage, including that which is added to the organic holding. 1 January applies as the conversion date. 1bis The certification body may authorise a shorter conversion period for mushroom growing and the production of endives and sprouts. 1ter The EAER may issue provisions on the requirements for the conversion of algae reproduction and aquaculture facilities. 2 The provisions of this Ordinance shall be complied with during conversion. 3 At the start of conversion, the producer and certification body shall together lay down all the measures which must be taken to ensure that the provisions of this Ordinance can be permanently complied with and verified. 4 A new conversion in accordance with paragraph 1 is not required if compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance on areas already farmed organically becomes tempor
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the O of 14 Nov. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (AS 2007 6181). Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the O of 7 Dec. 1998 (AS 1999 399). Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6083). Para. 1ter — Inserted by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687). Para. 4 — Inserted by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687). Para. 4 — SR 910.13 Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the O of 6
Art. 9 Conversion in stages
1 If immediate total conversion involves unacceptably high risks, an organic holding growing vines, fruit, vegetables or ornamental plants may convert to organic production in stages. The entire holding must be fully converted within five years, with the exception of holdings referred to in Article 7 paragraph 1. 2 The certification body shall decide whether to authorise conversion in stages. 3 In particular, the following conditions must be met: a binding conversion plan is drawn up with a detailed description of the conversion stages and a timetable; any contamination of organic parcels with unauthorised agrochemicals is avoided; areas farmed in different ways are clearly marked out; d. products produced under different methods are harvested and stored separately; e. proof of ecological performance in accordance with Articles 11–25 of the DPO is provided for areas not farmed organically; f. a sample is taken each year for analysis of the residues in organically produced products; g.
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6083). Para. 3 let. e — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 3 let. e — SR 910.13 Para. 3 let. g — Amended by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 4 — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6083). Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug.
Section 3 Plant Production
Art. 10 Fertility and biological activity of the soil
1 The fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be maintained and, if possible, increased. To this end, the following measures in particular shall be taken: the soil shall be cultivated in such a way that it maintains sustainable productivity due to its physical, chemical and biological properties; biological diversity shall be encouraged; crop rotation, crop shares, use of grazing land and soil cultivation shall be planned in such a way that crop rotation problems, soil erosion, runoff and leaching of nutrients and plant protection products are avoided; in land cultivation, soil cover shall be sufficient to ensure that soil erosion, and losses of nutrients and plant protection products are kept to the minimum; the intensity of the production of fodder crops shall be varied and adapted to the location. 2 Organic plant production shall be practised in living soil in connection with the subsoil and bedrock. 3 Cultivation methods in which plants that do not naturally grow in wat
Para. 1 — Term in accordance with Annex 2 No 6 of the Plant Protection Products Act of 23 June 1999, in force since 1 Aug. 1999 (AS 1999 2045). This modification has been made throughout the text. Para. 2 — Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009 (AS 2009 6317). Amended by No I of the O of 2 Nov. 2022, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2022 738). Para. 3 — Inserted by No I of the O of 2 Nov. 2022, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2022 738). Para. 4 let. d — Inserted by No I of the O of 2 Nov. 2022,
Art. 11 Plant protection
1 Pests, diseases and weeds must be controlled by a combination of different measures, in particular the following: a choice of appropriate species and varieties; appropriate crop rotation; c. physical cultivation procedures; d. thermal procedures where steaming of the soil is restricted to market gardening under cover and production of seedlings; e. promotion and protection of natural enemies of pests through provisions favourable to them (e.g. hedges, nesting sites, release of predators). 2 The EAER shall specify authorised plant protection products and instructions for their use. Substances which are not of plant, animal, microbial or mineral origin and are not identical to their natural form shall only be authorised if their conditions of use preclude any contact with the edible parts of the plant. This applies without prejudice to the authorisation procedure laid down in the Plant Protection Products Ordinance of 18 May 2005. 3 Plant protection products may only be used in the cas
Para. 1 let. c — Amended by No I of the O of 2 Nov. 2022, in force since 1 Jan. 2023 (AS 2022 738). Para. 2 — [AS 2005 3035, 4097, 5211; 2006 4851; 2007 821 No III, 1469 Annex 4 No 54, 1843 4541, 6291, 2008 2155, 4377 Annex 5 No 11, 5271; 2009 401 Annex No 3 2845; 2010 2101. AS 2010 2331 Art. 84]. See now: the O of 12 May 2010 (SR 916.161). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317).
Art. 11a Spray test
The requirements on the spray test and the rinse water tank for power take-off or self-propelled equipment used for plant protection have to be accomplished according to Annex 1 figure 6.1 DPO. Demeter holdings which only use their equipment to apply biodynamic preparations are exempt.
Art. 11a — Inserted by No I of the O of 26 Nov. 2003 (AS 2003 5347). Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). SR 910.13
Art. 12 Fertilisation
1 Where possible, organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure and compost must come from the holding itself. 2 The EAER shall specify the fertilisers that are authorised and the instructions for their use. Mineral nitrogen fertilisers may not be used. 3 Fertiliser requirements have to be proved on the basis of a nutrient balance according to Article 13 DPO and the requirements according to Annex 1 number 2 DPO. 4 The quantity of nutrients applied per hectare (own farmyard manure and manure from other farms, bought fertilisers) may, under the most favourable valley conditions, correspond to no more than 2.5 livestock manure units (LMU). It shall be graded according to soil load capacity, altitude and topographical conditions. If maximum values laid down by the Canton under water pollution control legislation are lower, these apply. 5 Suitable products based on microorganisms or plants such as biodynamic preparations, and mineral powders may be used to activate compost or soil. 6 Farmyar
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317). Para. 3 — SR 910.13 Para. 3 — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 6 — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000 (AS 2000 2491). Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145).
Art. 13 Seeds, plants and plant propagating material
1 Seeds, plants and plant propagating material must come from organic holdings. 2 In the case of seeds, the mother plants, and in the case of plant propagating material, the parent plants must have been cultivated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter for at least a generation or for the duration of two plant cycles in the case of perennial crops. 3 In derogation from paragraph 1, plant material which has been propagated in-vitro and certified in accordance with the Seeds Ordinance of 7 December 1998 may be used. 3bis … 4 This applies without prejudice to the requirements of the Seeds Ordinance.
Para. 3 — SR 916.151 Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 Dec. 1998, in force since 1 Jan. 1999 (AS 1999 399). Para. 3bis — Inserted by No I of the O of 26 Nov. 2003 (AS 2003 5347). Repealed by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687).
Art. 13a Use of non-organic seeds and non-organic plant propagating material
1 Any person who wishes to use non-organic seeds or non-organic plant propagating material must provide evidence that: no suitable organically produced seeds or organic plant propagating material are available; or no one is able to deliver the seeds or the propagating material before sowing or planting, although they were ordered in good time. 2 Valid evidence under paragraph 1 must be provided using the details on availability in the information system described in Article 33a. 3 If, according to the details in the information system described in Article 33a, the variety users wish to procure is not available as organic seeds or organic plant propagating material, but other varieties of the same species are available, users may use non-organic seeds or non-organic plant propagating material only if they can explain why none of the organic varieties of the same species are suitable in particular for the relevant agronomic and pedoclimatic conditions, and why none of the species has the
Art. 13a — Inserted by No I of the O of 26 Nov. 2003 (AS 2003 5347). Amended by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687).
Art. 14 Collection of wild plants and wild algae
1 Collection of edible wild plants and plant parts which grow naturally in forests and on agricultural land are deemed to be production within the context of organic farming if: this land has not been treated with unauthorised products for three years preceding collection; and collection does not prejudice the stability of the natural environment and the conservation of species in the collection area. 2 The collection area must be geographically defined. 3 The collection process must be thoroughly documented. 4 The inspection procedure for organic holdings shall be applied as appropriate. 5 The EAER may issue further provisions on the requirements for gathering wild algae and the applicable inspection procedure.
Art. 14 — Amended by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687). Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687).
Section 4 Livestock Production
Art. 15 Requirements for livestock farming
1 Bovine species, including bubalus and bison species, equine species, sheep, goats, porcine species and poultry shall be kept in accordance with the provisions on regular outdoor exercise of Article 75 DPO and the requirements according to Annex 6 DPO. The provisions on particularly animal friendly housing systems of Article 74 DPO and the requirements of Annex 6 DPO apply to the keeping of rabbits. 2 The EAER may issue additional regulations for: livestock housing; stock-keeping and breeding; grazing and outdoor runs. 3 Rules for stockfarming may also be issued for the other categories of livestock.
Art. 15 — Amended by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 1 — SR 910.13 Para. 1 — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 Nov. 2001, in force since 1 Jan. 2002 (AS 2001 3542).
Art. 15a Tethering
1 It is not permitted to keep animals tethered. 2 In agreement with the certification body, however, the following may be kept tethered: individual animals for a limited period for reasons of safety or animal welfare; b. animals of the bovine species, provided the provisions on regular outdoor exercise laid down in Article 75 DPO are complied with. 3 ...
Art. 15a — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 2 let. b — Amended by Annex 9 No 14 of the Direct Payments Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4145). Para. 2 let. b — SR 910.13 Para. 3 — Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, with effect from 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317).
Art. 15b Summer pasture
1 If animals are put to summer pasture, the requirements of Articles 26–33 DPO must be complied with. If possible, the summer pasture must be on organic holdings. 2 If animals are not put to summer pasture on organic holdings, it must be ensured that the products manufactured in accordance with this Ordinance are labelled as organic only if a guarantee of a separate goods flow can be provided.
Art. 15b — Inserted by No I of the O of 7 Nov. 2001 (AS 2001 3542). Amended by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687). Para. 1 — SR 910.13
Art. 16 Principles of livestock feeding
1 The fodder must meet the physiological nutritional requirements of the livestock at various stages of their development and must be intended to ensure quality production rather than maximising production. 2 Force-feeding and keeping of livestock under conditions which could lead to anaemia is not permitted.
Art. 16 — Amended by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491).
Art. 16a Feedingstuffs
1 The EAER 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. 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. 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 EAER may make provision that a limited percentage of non-organic animal feedingstuffs may be purchased. 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
Art. 16a — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 31 Oct. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6353). Para. 3 let. b — Amended by No I of the O of 31 Oct. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6353). Para. 4 — Amended by No I of the O of 31 Oct. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6353). Para. 5 — Amended by No I of the O of 31 Oct. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6353). Para. 6 — Amende
Art. 16b Specific rules for nutrition
1 Ruminants must receive at least 60 per cent of fodder dry matter in the form of roughage, fresh or dried fodder or silage. 2 The feeding of young mammals must be based on natural milk, preferably maternal milk. All mammals must be fed for a minimum period on natural milk. The minimum period depends on the animal species. It shall be three months for bovines (including bubalus and bison species) and equines, 35 days for sheep and goats and 40 days for pigs. 3 For poultry, the feed formula used in the fattening stage must consist of 65 percent grain and grain legumes (their products and by-products) as well as oil seeds (their products and by-products).
Art. 16b — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491).
Art. 16c Reproduction
1 The health and productivity (life output) of livestock and the quality of livestock products must be promoted by the selection of suitable breeds and breeding methods. 2 Reproduction of livestock must be based on natural methods. 3 Artificial insemination is permitted. Other forms of artificial or otherwise influenced reproduction (e.g. embryo transfer) are not permitted. They may be used with the prior written agreement of the certification body if this is necessary to preserve endangered genetic resources. Affected animals and their products may not be marketed with any reference to organic farming. 4 No livestock produced from embryo transfer shall be brought in, with the exception of animals of the bovine species in a rearing contract with a non-organic holding. In this case, the animals must return to the original holding after a period laid down in the contract. Animals from embryo transfer which were already kept on the holding before conversion of the holding may still be kep
Art. 16c — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the O of 10 Nov. 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4891). Para. 4 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 Nov. 2001, in force since 1 Jan. 2002 (AS 2001 3542).
Art. 16d Animal health
1 Disease prevention must be based on the following principles: a. selection of suitable breeds or strains; b. application of animal husbandry practices appropriate to the requirements of each species, encouraging strong resistance to disease and the prevention of infections; c. the use of high-quality feed, together with regular exercise (pasture, outdoor run, outdoor climate area) to encourage the natural immunological defence of livestock; d. ensuring an appropriate density of livestock, thus avoiding overstocking and any resulting animal health problems. 2 If an animal becomes sick or injured, it must be treated immediately, if necessary in isolation, and in suitable housing. 3 The use of veterinary medicinal products in organic stockfarming shall comply with the following principles: a. Phytotherapeutic products (e.g. plant extracts, excluding antibiotics, or plant essences), homeopathic products (e.g. plant, animal and mineral substances) and trace elements and products laid down
Art. 16d — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 3 let. c — Amended by No I of the O of 29 Oct. 2014, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 3969). Para. 7 — Repealed by No I of the O of 26 Oct. 2011, with effect from 1 Jan. 2012 (AS 2011 5309). Para. 9 — Amended by No I of the O of 12 Nov. 2008, in force since 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5823).
Art. 16e Zootechnical measures
1 Zootechnical procedures shall be kept to the minimum. They must be carried out by qualified personnel at the age most appropriate for the animal. 2 Procedures such as docking tails, clipping teeth and, in the case of poultry, beaks, toes and wings, castration, the dehorning of adult animals and the use of nose rings and the fitting of clips and wires in the nose ring for pigs is not permitted. 2bis In justified cases, the dehorning of adult animals for safety reasons is permitted, provided that it is conducted properly under anaesthetic by a veterinary surgeon and not during the months of May, June, July and August. 3 The following procedures may be carried out on individual animals: a. attaching elastic bands to the tails of sheep, if this is necessary to improve the health, welfare or hygiene of the livestock; b. dehorning of young animals, except for yaks, water buffalo and bison, under anaesthetic, if this is necessary for reasons of safety; c. castration in order to maintain the
Art. 16e — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317). Para. 2bis — Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317). Para. 3 let. b — Amended by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317). Para. 3 let. c — Amended by No I of the O of 27 Oct. 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 5859).
Art. 16ebis Practical trials relating to vaccination against sexual odour
1 For the period up to 31 December 2012, FOAG may authorise limited practical trials on organic holdings for vaccination against sexual odour, particularly for the purpose of researching questions relating to ethology, efficiency, profitability and product quality. 2 Applications for trials may be made by an independent scientific institution which has responsibility for the trial. The application shall set out the aims of the trial and the test methods together with the organic holdings and number of animals taking part. 3 The marketing history of the vaccinated animals must be fully documented through to the final vendor. The products concerned shall not be exported. 4 FOAG may lay down further requirements and conditions for the practical trials.
Art. 16ebis — Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Nov. 2009, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6317).
Art. 16f Origin of production animals
1 Only production animals which come from organic holdings may be kept. This does not apply to horses for riding and draught horses, hobby animals, and animals of the bovine species in rearing contract with a non-organic holding. In this case, the animals must return to the original holding after a period laid down in the contract. 2 Production animals which do not come from organic holdings, and which are brought in after conversion has begun, must be reared for the following periods in accordance with the rules of this Ordinance: a. equine and bovine species (including bubalus and bison species) for meat production for 12 months and at least three quarters of their lives; b. small ruminants and pigs for at least 6 months; c. milk-producing animals for at least 6 months; d. poultry for meat production, brought in when less than three days old, for at least 56 days; e. poultry for egg production for at least 6 weeks. 3 ... 4 When insufficient numbers of organically reared animals are a
Art. 16f — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491). Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 Nov. 2001, in force since 1 Jan. 2002 (AS 2001 3542). Para. 3 — Repealed by No I of the O of 10 Nov. 2004, with effect from 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4891). Para. 5 — Amended by No I of the O of 10 Nov. 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4891). Para. 6 — Amended by No I of the O of 10 Nov. 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4891). Para. 8 — Inserted by
Art. 16g Minimum age at slaughter for poultry
1 For poultry, the minimum age at slaughter shall be: 81 days for broilers; 49 days for Peking ducks; 70 days for female Muscovy ducks; 84 days for male Muscovy ducks; 92 days for mallards; 94 days for guineafowl; 140 days for turkeys and geese. 2 Producers who do not apply these minimum slaughter ages must use slow-growing strains.
Art. 16g — Inserted by No I of the O of 23 Aug. 2000, in force since 1 Jan. 2001 (AS 2000 2491).
Art. 16h Beekeeping and beekeeping products
1 The EAER may allow exceptions to the principle of total organic production and total organic conversion for beekeeping. 2 It may lay down further provisions regarding the feeding of bees, the siting of apiaries, animal health, the origin of the bees, identification and inspection, extraction, processing and storage of beekeeping products. 3 It may require that products produced in certain areas or regions may not be marketed with the reference to organic farming.
Art. 16h — Inserted by No I of the O of 7 Nov. 2001, in force since 1 Jan. 2002 (AS 2001 3542).
Section 5 Aquaculture
Inserted by No I of the O of 6 Nov. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 687).
Art. 16hbis
The EAER may issue provisions on: a. the requirements for the production and reproduction of algae produced in aquaculture; b. the requirements for the production, origin, livestock feeding and animal health of aquaculture animals and for animal husbandry practices; c. the applicable inspection procedures.