How to fulfill EU requirements to feed organic laying hens 100% organic ingredients.

From December 2017 onward, including non-organic protein sources in diets for organic poultry will no longer be allowed in the EU. Moreover, in the EU the use of synthetic amino acids in organic diets is prohibited. The main dietary challenge in European organic egg production is to fulfill the protein requirement, especially the methionine (Met) requirement of the hens. Currently available Met-rich ingredients are discussed. There are options to fulfill the requirement of 100% ingredients of organic origin, but if the practical, economical, and footprint issues are taken into account, the list of options is very small.