What does 20% conventional fodder mean for organic farms?

The FOAG has exceptionally authorised organic farms to cover up to 20 per cent of their total fodder needs (calculated on a dry basis) with non-organic food. If a company needs 100 tonnes of dry matter fodder, it can buy up to 20 tonnes from conventional sources. This quota has been set in such a way as to preserve the biological character of the production while ensuring business continuity during the 2026 drought.

How long is the UFAG waiver valid?

The derogation is in force from 24 August 2026 and remains in force until 31 December 2026. It is a temporary measure limited to calendar year 2026. In 2027, unless otherwise directed by the FOAG, the organic rules will revert to the standard regime, which requires 100 percent certified organic fodder.

Can I also use pasture on conventional surfaces?

Yes. Within the limit of 20 percent of the requirement, grazing on areas managed by conventional methods is also allowed. This flexibility allows for easier management during the certified organic forage shortage period, while maintaining the overall integrity of the company's organic certification.

What documents and records do I need to keep?

You must document purchases of conventional fodder and keep them within the 20 percent annual limit (dry matter). The FOEN requires traceability: it keeps the procurement documentation and adapts the company records to clearly indicate the proportion between organic and conventional fodder. Contact your organic certification body for specific procedural details.

Does the exemption also apply to cereals and supplements?

No. The derogation specifically concerns raw fodder (grass, hay, silage) for animals consuming raw fodder on organic farms. It does not extend to cereals, concentrates or other dietary supplements. These remain subject to standard organic rules, which require full organic certification.

Drought: exemption for organic farms on the purchase of feed (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Dry Alpine pasture during Switzerland's 2026 drought, with brown grass and Alpine valley landscape

The FOAG authorises up to 20% of conventional feed for organic farms due to drought 2026. Derogation valid until the end of the year.

Context

In a nutshell

Temporary exemption: organic can use 20% conventional foods
Reason: drought 2026 throughout Switzerland with forage losses
Expiry date: valid for the entire calendar year 2026
Source: FOEN, in force since 24 August 2026

Key facts

What: Exceptional authorisation for organic farms to buy up to 20% of conventional feed
When: 24 August 2026 – 31 December 2026
Where: All of Switzerland
Who: Federal Office of Agriculture (FOAG)
Percentage: 20% of the total fodder requirement in dry matter
Base: Organic Farming Ordinance

Bern, 24 August 2026 — The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) has decided to activate a derogation from the rules on organic production for the whole of the current year. The aziende agricole biologiche in Svizzeras will be able to purchase up to 20 percent of conventional animal feed in order to address the shortage of raw fodder caused by prolonged summer drought.

The decision responds to an emergency situation that occurred throughout Switzerland: the summer of 2026 caused significant yield losses in the fields, touching grass, hay and silage. For many organic farmers, the decline in fodder production poses significant organisational and economic challenges.

The regulatory framework of the derogation

The Organic Farming Ordinance already provided for derogation mechanisms for extraordinary situations. The FOAG considered that the summer weather conditions justified the use of

Operational details

The consequences on business management

The drought affected the availability of fresh fodder in all Swiss regions, causing a reduction in yield in both lowland and mountainous areas. For organic farms, which traditionally cannot resort to conventional feed, this situation had created a dilemma: fill the shortage with organic food at potentially higher prices, or risk food shortages in animals.

The ability to purchase up to 20 percent conventional fodder is a relief valve for the 2026 season. This percentage has been calibrated in order to allow companies to complete their needs without upsetting the principles of organic production.

Comparison before and after the waiver

Prior to UFAG authorization, organic farms had to source 100 percent of their raw fodder from certified organic sources, even if this resulted in higher costs or limited availability due to drought. After the derogation came into force on August 24, 2026, companies can cover up to 20 percent of their needs with conventional feed, reducing pressure on organic markets and facilitating management continuity.

Impact on company margins

The ability to use conventional feed for a significant portion allows farmers to reduce production costs in a compromised season.

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Key points

How to operate the derogation: procedures and limits

The specific instructions of the FOAG were published on 24 August 2026, attached to the official statement. Organic farms that intend to take advantage of the derogation must document the appeal, recording purchases of conventional fodder and keeping them within the limit of 20 percent of the total annual dry substance.

Again, the fodder must come from legitimate and traceable sources: the FOAG requires that the procurement documentation be maintained. The derogation covers roughage (grass, hay, silage) and allows grazing on conventional surfaces. It does not extend to other animal feeds (supplements, cereals, concentrates) outside the specified scope.

Measurement Deadlines and Validity

The waiver remains in effect until December 31, 2026. It is not automatically renewable: any extensions will depend on climate change and further evaluations by the FOAG. Companies that have already planned procurement based on the old rules need to reconsider their sourcing strategy in the short term.

Recommended Next Steps

Organic farmers should contact their organic certification body to clarify the application details of the derogation. Then check how the measure affects farm profitability and connect with organic breeders' associations and agricultural cooperatives to

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Source: admin.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 20% conventional fodder mean for organic farms?: The FOAG has exceptionally authorised organic farms to cover up to 20 per cent of their total fodder needs (calculated on a dry basis) with non-organic food. If a company needs 100 tonnes of dry matter fodder, it can buy up to 20 tonnes from conventional sources. This quota has been set in such a way as to preserve the biological character of the production while ensuring business continuity during the 2026 drought.
How long is the UFAG waiver valid?: The derogation is in force from 24 August 2026 and remains in force until 31 December 2026. It is a temporary measure limited to calendar year 2026. In 2027, unless otherwise directed by the FOAG, the organic rules will revert to the standard regime, which requires 100 percent certified organic fodder.
Can I also use pasture on conventional surfaces?: Yes. Within the limit of 20 percent of the requirement, grazing on areas managed by conventional methods is also allowed. This flexibility allows for easier management during the certified organic forage shortage period, while maintaining the overall integrity of the company's organic certification.
What documents and records do I need to keep?: You must document purchases of conventional fodder and keep them within the 20 percent annual limit (dry matter). The FOEN requires traceability: it keeps the procurement documentation and adapts the company records to clearly indicate the proportion between organic and conventional fodder. Contact your organic certification body for specific procedural details.
Does the exemption also apply to cereals and supplements?: No. The derogation specifically concerns raw fodder (grass, hay, silage) for animals consuming raw fodder on organic farms. It does not extend to cereals, concentrates or other dietary supplements. These remain subject to standard organic rules, which require full organic certification.