Catastrophic circumstances
Article 47
The competent authority may authorise on a temporary basis: (a) in the case of high mortality of animals caused by health or catastrophic circumstances, the renewal or reconstitution of the herd or flock with non-organic animals, when organically reared animals are not available; (b) in case of high mortality of bees caused by health or catastrophic circumstances, the reconstitution of the apiaries with non-organic bees, when organic apiaries are not available; (c) the use of non-organic feedingstuffs for a limited period and in relation to a specific area by individual operators, when forage production is lost or when restrictions are imposed, in particular as a result of exceptional meteorological conditions, the outbreak of infectious diseases, the contamination with toxic substances, or as a consequence of fires; (d) the feeding of bees with organic honey, organic sugar or organic sugar syrup in case of long lasting exceptional weather conditions or catastrophic circumstances, which hamper the nectar or honeydew production. Upon approval by the competent authority, the individual operators shall keep documentary evidence of the use of the above exceptions. Member States shall inform each other and the Commission on the exceptions they have granted under point (c) of the first subparagraph within 1 month from its approval.