1. Introduction

The reliability and transparency of organic farming are among the most critical factors for consumers. One of the most debated issues in this context is parallel production. The simultaneous implementation of both organic and conventional production within the same enterprise raises concerns such as the risk of product mixing and the erosion of consumer trust. However, regulations allow limited parallel production under certain conditions, particularly in the case of perennial crops, research areas, or specific propagation materials. Within this framework, parallel production stands out as an important practice that must be carefully managed in the development of organic farming.

2.Parallel Production According to Regulations

 Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Farming No. 27676, Article 9(1)(ç)

In an enterprise, products produced by the organic farming method and conventional products of the same species and variety, or those not easily distinguishable from them, cannot be produced together. However:

1. In the case of the production of perennial crops:

• The operator undertakes to convert the entire enterprise to organic production within a maximum five-year plan,
• Measures are taken to ensure that the products harvested from each unit are kept in separate places,
• The authorized body is notified at least 48 hours before the harvest of each product,
• Immediately after the completion of the harvest, the operator informs the authorized body of the exact quantity and distinguishing features of the products obtained and confirms that the necessary measures have been taken to keep these products separate from others,
• In such cases, the conversion plan referred to in the first paragraph of this subparagraph and the measures undertaken by the operator shall be approved by the authorized body, and the conversion plan shall be confirmed each year.

2. In the case of areas intended for agricultural research, areas used for official education, or where seeds, vegetative propagation material, and transplant material will be produced, provided that the conditions set out in the second, third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of subparagraph (1) are met,

1. In the case of pastures used for grazing.

In the above-mentioned cases, the simultaneous production of the same product by both organic and conventional methods within the same enterprise is permitted.

EU Organic Farming Regulation No. (EU) 2018/848
By way of derogation from point (b) of paragraph 7, in the case of perennial crops which require a cultivation period of at least three years, different varieties that cannot be easily differentiated, or the same varieties, may be involved, provided that the production in question is within the context of a conversion plan, and provided that the conversion of the last part of the area related to the production in question to organic production begins as soon as possible and is completed within a maximum of five years.

In such cases:

(a) the farmer shall notify the competent authority, or, where appropriate, the control authority or the control body, of the start of harvest of each of the products concerned at least 48 hours in advance;

(b) upon completion of the harvest, the farmer shall inform the competent authority, or, where appropriate, the control authority or the control body, of the exact quantities harvested from the units concerned and of the measures taken to separate the products;

(c) the conversion plan and the measures to be taken to ensure the effective and clear separation shall be confirmed each year by the competent authority, or, where appropriate, by the control authority or the control body, after the start of the conversion plan.

United States National Organic Program (NOP)

In USDA NOP regulations, there is no article explicitly titled “parallel production”; the issue is addressed under the framework of “split operation” (organic + non-organic production within the same operation) and through provisions on preventing commingling:

• Definition (Split Operation): 7 CFR Part 205 includes the definition of “split operation” (the production/processing of organic and non-organic products within the same operation).
• Mandatory separation and barriers in the Organic System Plan (OSP): 7 CFR §205.201(a)(5) requires that, in split operations, management practices and physical barriers to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products must be described in the OSP.
• Commingling prevention standard:7 CFR §205.272 requires the implementation of measures to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products and contact with prohibited substances.

Official guidance (Handbook) side

• NOP 5025 – “Commingling and Contamination Prevention”: Guidance document on preventing commingling and contamination; it frames separation and control measures to be applied in split/parallel situations. (Even if it does not directly use the word “parallel,” it addresses the same need in practice.)
• AMS “Guide for Organic Crop Producers” (2012): Explicitly uses the term “parallel production” and explains that it is a sub-case of “split production,” emphasizing precautions in harvesting, labeling, separate storage, and recordkeeping. (This is a guidebook, not legally binding.)

3.Conclusion

Although parallel production is defined in different ways across various countries’ regulations, it essentially pursues the same objective: preventing the mixing of organic and conventional products and safeguarding consumer confidence. Türkiye and the EU grant limited flexibility particularly in the case of perennial crops and within the framework of conversion plans, while U.S. legislation addresses the issue under the concept of “split operation,” based on provisions regarding separation, barriers, and prevention of commingling. In this context, parallel production, while in some cases an inevitable practice for the development of organic farming, is a process that necessarily requires transparency, record-keeping, effective separation, and the diligent implementation of control mechanisms.