The certification body responsible for around 70 percent of Ukraine’s organic grain has suspended activity following the detection of pesticides. The UK’s feed mills source between 50 and 100 percent of their materials from the Ukraine, so the suspension of a major certification body has caused consternation.

The situation affects mainly, wheat, maize, sunflower and peas. On Wednesday, UK certifier the Soil Association announced that it is working with feed mills, raw ingredient suppliers, and other certifiers to ensure that organic livestock producers are not affected by the suspension.

Though the Soil Association said that suppliers are looking elsewhere on the global market to meet demand, there is evidence that some feed mills will be more affected than others, with the potential for shortages of certain ingredients.

In the meantime, the Association recommended farmers work with their feed supplier and nutritional advisors to ensure that the diet they are supplied meets animals’ nutritional needs.

The organic association is holding a meeting on 30th June for all those with a stake in feed supply, with the aim of addressing the challenges the situation may raise. All feed mills have been invited to the meeting.

More information from the Soil Association