Organic certification is the certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, food processors, retailers and restaurants. Lesser known partners are certification for organic textiles (or Organic clothing) that include certification of textile products made from organically grown fibers.
Requirements vary from country to country (List of countries with organic farming rules), and generally involve a set of production standards for growth, storage, processing, packaging and delivery that include:
- avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs (eg fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives), irradiation, and use of sewage;
- avoiding genetically engineered seeds;
- the use of agricultural land that has been free of banned chemicals for several years (often, three or more);
- for livestock, adhere to special requirements for feeding, housing, and breeding;
- keep records of production and detailed sales records (audit trail);
- to maintain strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products;
- undergo regular on-site inspections.
In some countries, certification is overseen by the government, and commercial use of the term organic is legally restricted. Certified organic producers are also subject to agricultural regulations, food safety and other government regulations that apply to uncertified producers.
Certified organic foods are not always free of pesticides, because certain pesticides are allowed.
Video Organic certification
Destination
Organic certification addresses the growing world demand for organic food. It is intended to ensure quality and prevent fraud, and to promote trade. While such certification is not necessary in the early days of the organic movement, when small farmers will sell their products directly in the farmer's market, as the organic gets more popular, more and more consumers are buying organic food through traditional channels, such as supermarkets. Thus, consumers must rely on third party regulatory certification.
For organic producers, the certification identifies approved product suppliers for use in certified operations. For consumers, "certified organic" serves as a product guarantee, similar to "low fat", "100% whole grain", or "no artificial preservatives".
Certification basically aims to organize and facilitate the sale of organic products to consumers. Individual certification bodies have their own service marks, which can act as branding to consumers - the certifier can promote a high value of consumer recognition from his logo as a marketing advantage for the producer.
Maps Organic certification
Method
Third party
To certify agriculture, farmers are usually asked to engage in a number of new activities, in addition to normal farming operations:
- Learn organic standards, which include in detail what is and is not allowed for every aspect of agriculture, including storage, transportation, and sales.
- Compliance - agricultural facilities and production methods must conform to standards, which may include modifying facilities, sources and changing suppliers, etc.
- Documentation - complete documents required, detailed agricultural history and current arrangements, and usually includes soil and water test results.
- Planning - a written annual production plan must be submitted, detailing everything from seed to sale: seed sources, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities, harvesting methods, storage locations, etc..
- Examination - annual in-farm inspections are required, with physical tours, checks, and oral interviews.
- Costs - annual inspection/certification costs (currently starting at $ 400- $ 2,000/year, in the US and Canada, depending on the agency and size of the operation). There are financial aid programs for eligible certified operations.
- Recording - daily written agricultural and marketing records, which cover all activities, should be available for review at any time.
In addition, a brief or abrupt examination can be performed, and special tests (eg soil, water, plant tissue) may be requested.
For the first agricultural certification, the soil must meet basic requirements to be free from the use of illicit substances (synthetic chemicals, etc.) for several years. Conventional plantations must adhere to organic standards for this period, often two to three years. This is known as being in transition . Transitional plants are not considered fully organic.
Certification for non-farm operations follows a similar process. The focus is on the quality of materials and other inputs, as well as the processing and handling conditions. Transport companies will be required to specify the use and maintenance of their vehicles, storage facilities, containers, and so on. A restaurant will have its place inspected and its suppliers verified as certified organic.
Participatory
The Participatory Guarantee System (SJP) is an alternative to third party certification, especially tailored to local markets and short supply chains. They can also complete third-party certification with private labels that provide additional assurance and transparency. PGS enables the direct participation of producers, consumers and other stakeholders in:
- default options and definitions
- development and implementation of certification procedures
- certification decision
The Participatory Guarantee System is also referred to as "participatory certification".
Alternative certification options
The word organic is the center of the certification process (and marketing of organic food), and this is also questioned by some. Where organic law exists, manufacturers can not use the term legally without certification. To pass the legal requirements for this certification, alternative certification approaches, using currently undefined terms such as "original" and "natural", appear. In the US, motivated by the costs and legal requirements of certification (as of October 2002), the private farmer-to-peasant association, Certified Growing Naturally, offers a non-profit alternative ecolabel labeling program for small farms grown using the USDA Organic method but not part of the program Organic USDA Certified. "
In the UK, the interests of small-scale farmers using "natural" growth methods are represented by the Foodome Food Association, which emits symbols based largely on peer-to-peer trust and inspection.
Organic certification and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Organic certification, as well as fair trade certification, has the potential to directly and indirectly contribute to the achievement of some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are the eight international development objectives established after the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000, with all countries members of the United Nations are committed to helping achieve the MDGs by 2015. With the growth of ethical consumerism in developed countries, imports of environmentally friendly and certified products from poor communities in developing countries have increased, which can contribute to the achievement of the MDGs. A study by Setboonsarng (2008) revealed that organic certification substantially contributes to MDG1 (poverty and hunger) and MDG7 (environmental sustainability) by means of premium prices and better market access, among others. The study concludes that for this market-based development scheme to expand the impact of poverty, public sector support in aligning standards, building the capacity of certifiers, developing infrastructure development, and innovating alternative certification systems will be required.
International food standards
The Body of Codex Alimentarius of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization was established in November 1961. The Commission's primary aim is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practice in international food trade. Codex Alimentarius is recognized by the World Trade Organization as an international reference point for dispute resolution on food safety and consumer protection. One of their goals is to provide proper food labeling (common standards, guidelines on nutrition labeling, guidelines on labeling claims).
United States
In the United States the situation is undergoing the FDA's own Food Security Modernization Act.
Area variation
In some countries, organic standards are formulated and overseen by governments. The United States, European Union, Canada and Japan have comprehensive organic legislation, and the term "organic" can only be used by certified manufacturers. Being able to put the word "organic" on food products is a valuable marketing advantage in the consumer market today, but it does not guarantee that the product is completely organic. Certifications are meant to protect consumers from abuse of the term, and make organic purchases easy. However, the organic labeling made possible by the certification itself usually requires explanation. In countries without organic laws, government guidelines may or may not exist, while certification is handled by non-profit organizations and private companies.
Internationally, equality negotiations are ongoing, and several agreements already exist, to harmonize inter-country certification, facilitate international trade. There are also international certification bodies, including members of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) working for harmonization efforts. Where formal agreements do not exist between countries, organic products for export are often certified by the institutions of the importing countries, which may establish permanent foreign offices for this purpose. In 2011 IFOAM introduced a new program - the IFOAM Standard Family - which seeks to simplify harmonization. Its vision is to establish the use of a single global reference (COROS) to access standard quality rather than focusing on bilateral agreements.
Certcost is a research project that conducts research and prepares reports on organic food certification. The project is supported by the European Commission and is active from 2008-2011. The website will be available until 2016.
North America
United States
In the United States, "organic" is a labeling term for food or agricultural products ("food, feed or fiber") that have been produced in accordance with the USDA's organic regulations, which set standards that "integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that drive the source cycle power, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. "USDA standards recognize four types of organic production:
- Plants: "Plants grown for harvest as food, animal feed, or fiber used to add nutrients to the fields."
- Livestock: "Animal that can be used in food production, fiber, or feed."
- Processed/multi-ingredient products: "Handled and packaged items (eg minced carrots) or combined, processed, and packaged (eg bread or soup)."
- Wild plants: "Plants from growing sites that are not cultivated."
Organic farming operations must ultimately maintain or improve soil and water quality, and conserve wetlands, forests, and wildlife.
In the US, the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 "requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make National List of Substances and Prohibited Substances identifying usable synthetic substances, and unusable non-synthetic substances, in the production and handling of organic operation. "
Also in the US, the Secretary of Agriculture announces the rules that establish the National Organic Program (NOP). The final rule was published in the Federal Register in 2000.
USDA Organic Certification confirms that livestock or handling facilities (whether in the United States or internationally) comply with the USDA's organic regulations. Animal Husbandry or Handling Facility may be certified by a private, foreign, or State entity, whose agents are accredited by the USDA (an accredited agent registered on the USDA website). Any farm or business that provides more than $ 5,000 annually in organic sales must be certified. Agricultural land and businesses earning less than $ 5,000 per year are "excluded," and must follow all the requirements as specified in USDA regulations except for two conditions:
- Exception surgeries do not need to be certified to "sell, label, or represent" their products as organic, but may not use the USDA organic seal or label their products as "certified organic." Free operation can follow the optional certification if they want to use USDA organic seal.
- Exception operations are not required to have system plans documenting certain practices and substances used in the production or handling of their organic products
Excluded operations are also prohibited from selling their products as materials for use in other producers or certified organic products, and may be required by buyers to sign a statement confirming compliance with USDA's organic regulations.
Before an operation can sell, label or represent their product as "organic" (or use the USDA organic seal), the operation must undergo a 3-year transition period in which the land used to produce raw organic commodities should be left unlawfully treated.
The operation seeking certification must first apply for an organic certification to a USDA-accredited certification agency including the following:
- A detailed description of the certification seeking operation
- History of substance used on land for the previous 3 years
- List of organic products grown, grown, or processed
- The "Organic System Plan (OSP)" is written outlining practices and substances intended to be used during organic production in the future.
- Non-farm handlers (and farms with livestock and/or crops that also process products) must complete the Organic Handling Plan (OHP), and also include product and label profiles for each product
The certification agent then reviews the application to confirm that the operating practices follow the USDA regulations, and schedule checks to verify compliance with OSP, record keeping, and regulatory compliance as a whole
Inspection During the field visit, the inspector observes on-site practice and compares it with OSP, looks for possible contamination by illicit substances (or potential contamination risks), and takes the land, tissues, or product samples as needed. In agricultural operations, the inspector will also inspect the fields, water systems, storage areas, and equipment, assess pest and weed management, inspect feed production, purchase records, livestock and their living conditions, and records of veterinary management practices. For processing and handling facilities, the inspector evaluates the reception, processing, and storage areas for organic and finished products, and assesses any potential hazards or points of contamination (from "sanitary systems, pest management materials, or non-organic processing aids"). If the facility also processes or handles non-organic materials, the inspector will also analyze the steps available to prevent repetition.
If written applications and operational checks are successful, the certification agent will issue an organic certificate to the applicant. The producer or handler must submit updated applications and OSP, pay the recertification fee to the agent, and undergo annual yearly inspection to receive the recertification each year. Once certified, producers and handlers can have up to 75% of their organic certification costs replaced through the USDA's USDA Certified Organic Cost-Sharing Program.
The federal law defines three levels of organic food. Products made entirely of certified organic ingredients, methods, and processing aids can be labeled "100% organic" (including certified agricultural commodities that have been certified), while only products with at least 95% of organic material can be labeled "organic" the non-organic used should be included in the National Register exclusion). Under these two categories, no inorganic agricultural material is allowed when organic materials are available. Both categories can also display the "USDA Organic" seal, and must include the name of the certification agent in the information panel.
The third category, containing at least 70% organic material, can be labeled "made with organic material", but may not display the USDA Organic seal. The remaining agricultural materials should be produced without excluded methods, including genetic modification [14], irradiation, or application of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, or biosolids. The non-agricultural materials used should be allowed on the National Register. Organic materials should be marked in the ingredients list (for example, "organic dill" or with an asterisk indicating organic status). In addition, the product may also display the logo of the certification body that approved them.
Products made with less than 70% organic materials can not be advertised as "organic", but may include each such organic ingredient in a product material statement. Also, the USDA material of the plant can not be genetically modified.
Animal feed is only eligible to be labeled as "100% Organic" or "Organic."
The alcohol product is also subject to the rules of the Tax and Trade of Alcohol and Tobacco. Any additional use of sulphite in wine made with organic wines means that the product is only qualified for the category "made with" label and therefore can not use USDA organic seal. Wine labeled as made with other organic fruits can not be added sulphite into it.
Organic textiles are made labeled organic and use USDA organic seal if the finished product is certified organic and manufactured in accordance with USDA organic regulations. If all special fibers are used in an organic certified product, the label can declare the percentage of organic fiber and identify organic matter.
Organic certification mandates that certification inspectors should be able to complete "tracking back" and "mass balance audits" for all materials and products. A trace-back audit confirms a track record from the time of purchase/production to the final sale. Mass balance audits verify that enough organic products and materials are produced or purchased to match the amount of products sold. Each ingredient and product must have a set number of lots to ensure the existence of an appropriate audit trail.
Some of the earliest organizations to implement organic certification in North America are the California Certified Organic Farmers, established in 1973, and the voluntary standards and certification programs popularized by Rodale Press in 1972. Some retailers have their stores certified as organic handlers and processors to ensure organic compliance is maintained throughout the supply chain until delivered to consumers, such as Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers, a Colorado-based 60-year-old chain.
USDA Violations Organic regulations carry fines up to $ 11,000 per violation, and may also result in suspension or withdrawal of agricultural or business organic certificates.
Once certified, USDA organic products may be exported to countries currently engaged in organic trade agreements with the US, including Canada, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan, and require no additional certification as long as the terms of the agreement are met.
Canada
In Canada, certification is conducted at the federal level by 30 June 2009. Compulsory certification is required for agricultural products that are represented as organic in import, export and inter-provincial trade, or that bear the federal organic logo. In Quebec, the provincial law provides government oversight of organic certification in the province, through the Quebec Accreditation Council ( Conseil D'Accrà ©  © ditation Du QuÃÆ'  © bec ). Only products that use at least 95% of organic material in production are allowed to bear the Canadian organic logo. Products between 70-95% can say they have xx% of organic material, but they do not meet the requirements to bear the certified logos. The transition from conventional farming operations to organic operations took producers up to three years to receive organic certification, during which time the product could not be marketed as an organic product, and producers would not receive a premium price on their goods during this time. Cattle, sheep and goats are the only animals allowed to be diverted to organic, under Canadian rule. They have to undergo organic management for a year before their products can be considered certified organic.
Europe
Public organic certification
EU countries obtain comprehensive organic legislation with the implementation of EU-Eco-regulation 1992. Supervision of certification bodies is handled at the national level. In March 2002, the European Commission issued an EU wide label for organic food. It is mandatory throughout the European Union since July 2010. and has become mandatory after a two-year transition period.
In 2009, a new logo was chosen through design competition and online election. The new logo is a green rectangle showing twelve stars (from the European flag) placed in such a way that they form a leaf shape in the wind. Unlike previous labels, no words are presented on labels that raise requirements for translations that refer to organic food certification.
The new EU organic label has been implemented since July 2010 and has replaced the old European Organic label. However, manufacturers who have printed and ready to use packaging with old labels are allowed to use it within the next 2 years.
The development of an EU organic label was developed based on Denmark's organic food policy and the rules behind the Danish organic food label that currently holds the highest level of recognition among its users in the world of 98% each and 90% believe the label. The current EU organic label is intended to signal to consumers that at least 95% of the ingredients used in processed organic foods come from organic origin and 5% are considered acceptable margin of error.
Organic organic certification
In addition to the EU-Eco-regulation public organic certification regulation in 1992, there are various private organic certifications available:
- Demeter International is the largest certification organization for biodynamic farming, and is one of the three dominant organic certifiers. Demeter Biodynamic certification is used in more than 50 countries to verify that biodynamic products meet international standards in production and processing. The Demeter certification program was established in 1928, and is thus the first ecological label for organically produced food.
- Bio Suisse founded in 1981 is an umbrella organization of Swiss organic farmers. International activities are mainly focused on imports into Switzerland and do not support export activities.
- The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a personal standard for Organic clothing for the entire post-harvest process (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of clothing and home textiles made with organic fibers (such as organic cotton, organic wool, etc.). This includes environmental and social criteria. Founded in 2002, this standard is used in more than 68 countries and is supported by USDA and IFOAM. Ingredients should be at least 95% organic, certified by "recognized international or national standards." If the material is 70% organic, it can be labeled as "made with organic."
Czech Republic
Following private agencies certifying organic products: KEZ, o. p. s. (CZ-BIO-001), ABCert, AG (CZ-BIO-002) and BIOCONT CZ, s. r. Hi. (CZ-BIO-003). These bodies provide process controls related to the issuance of the original certificate. Compliance control (for (ES) no directive 882/2004) is provided by government agencies ÃÆ'Å¡KZÃÆ'Å¡Z (Central Institute for Agricultural Inspection and Testing). "9" | Source: "Information on organic results from the Czech Ministry of Agriculture"
French
In France, organic certification was introduced in 1985. It has formed a green-and-white logo "AB - agricultural biologique." Certification for label AB meets EU regulations for organic food. The certification process is overseeing a public institution ("Agence franÃÆ'§aise pour le dÃÆ'  © veloppement et la promotion de l'agriculture biologique" commonly abbreviated as "Agence bio") established in November 2001. The actual certification authority includes a number of different institutions such as Aclave, Agrocert, Ecocert SA, Qualità ©  © France SA, Ulase, SGS ICS.
German
In Germany the national label was introduced in September 2001 following the political campaign trail "Agrarwende" ( large shift of agriculture ) led by minister Renate KÃÆ'¼nast of the Green party. The campaign began after the outbreak of mad cow disease in 2000. The effects on agriculture are still challenged by other political parties. "Bio" -the national label in the form of green-black-and-white heel has gained wide popularity - in 2007 there were 2,431 companies with 41708 certified products. The popularity of this label extends to neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and France.
In German-speaking countries there are older non-governmental organizations that have issued labels for organic food long before the advent of EU organic food regulations. Their labels are still widely used because they significantly outperform EU regulatory requirements. Organic food labels like Demeter's "demeter" have been used since 1928 and these labels are still considered the highest standards for organic food in the world. Other active NGOs include Bioland (1971), Biokreis (1979), Biopark (1991), Ecoland (1997), Ecovin (1985), GÃÆ'¤a e.V. (1989), Naturland (1981) and Bio Suisse (1981).
Greek
In Greece, organic certification is available from eight (8) organizations approved by the EU. The main ones of them are BIOHELLAS and DIO (Greek: ????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??? ireland
In Ireland, organic certification is available from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, Demeter Standards Ltd. and Organic Trust Ltd.
Swiss
In Switzerland, products sold as organic must comply with the minimum with Swiss organic regulations (Rule 910.18). Higher standards are required before a product can be labeled with the Bio Suisse label.
Swedish
In Sweden, organic certification is handled by KRAV (agriculture) organizations with members such as farmers, processors, traders and consumers, welfare and environmental welfare interests.
United Kingdom
In the UK, organic certification is handled by a number of organizations, regulated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the largest of which is the Association of Soils and Organic Farmers and Farmers. While the UK certification body is required to meet the minimum EU organic standards for all member countries; they may choose to certify standards that exceed the minimum, as is the case with the Land Association.
Agricultural land converted to produce certified organic foods has seen a significant evolution in EU15 countries, increasing from 1.8% in 1998 to 4.1% in 2005. For the current EU25 country but statistics report an overall percentage of only 1, 5% in 2005. But statistics show a larger organic food turnover in some countries, reaching 10% in France and 14% in Germany. In France, 21% of the available vegetables, fruits, milk and eggs are certified as organic. Figures for 2010 show that 5.4% of German farmland has been converted to produce certified organic foods, such as 10.4% of Swiss farmland and 11.7% of Austrian agricultural land. Non-EU countries have adopted many European certification regulations for organic food, to increase exports to EU countries.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
In Australia, organic certification is conducted by several organizations accredited by the Department of Agriculture's Biosecurity Department (Australia), formerly the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, under the National Standards for Organic and Biodynamic Produce. All claims regarding the organic status of products sold in Australia are covered by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
In Australia, the Australian Organic Federation is the top body for the organic industry in Australia and is part of the Legislative Working Group of the Government Organic Advisory Commission that sets organic standards.
Accreditation of the Department of Agriculture is a legal requirement for all organic products exported from Australia. Export Control (Organic Results Certification) Orders are used by the Department to assess organic certification bodies and recognize them as approved certification organizations. Approved certification organizations are assessed by the Department for both initial recognition and at least one year later to verify compliance.
In the absence of domestic regulations, DOA accreditation also serves as a 'de facto' benchmark for certified products sold in the domestic market. Regardless of the size and growth of the economic share "the organic industry in Australia remains largely self-regulated, there is no special law for standardizing domestic and state-fed organic food and labeling at the state or federal level as in the United States and European Union."
Australia-approved certification organization
The department has several approved certification organizations that manage the certification process of organic and bio-dynamic operators in Australia. This certification organization performs a number of functions on behalf of the Department:
- Assess organic and bio-dynamic operators to determine compliance with the National Standards for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Production and the requirements of importing countries.
- Publish a Quality Management Certificate (QM Certificate) to an organic operator to recognize compliance with export terms.
- Publish an Organic Certificate of Result (Export Documentation) for delivery of organic and bio-dynamic results exported.
By 2015, there are seven approved certification organizations:
- AUS-QUAL Pty Ltd (AUSQUAL)
- Organic Certified Australia (ACO)
- Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
- NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)
- Organic Food Chain (OFC)
- Queensland's Safe Food Production (SFQ)
- Organic-dynamic Tasmanian Manufacturer (TOP)
There are 2567 certified organic companies reported in Australia in 2014. They include 1707 major manufacturers, 719 processors and manufacturers, 141 wholesalers and retailers plus other operators.
Australia has no logo or seal to identify which products are certified organic, instead the logos of each certification organization are used.
China
In China, organic certification is managed by a government agency named Certification and Administration of Accreditation of the People's Republic of China (CNCA). While the implementation of certification work, including location checking, laboratory tests on soil, water, product quality is performed by China Quality Certification Center (CQC) which is the body of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Administration (AQSIQ). the certification procedures in China are carried out in accordance with the Chinese Organic Standard GB/T 19630.1-4--2011 issued in 2011. This standard has set standard procedures for the CQC Organic certification process, including applications, inspections, lab test procedures, certification and post-certification administration. Certificates issued by CQC are valid for 1 year.
There are 2 logos currently used by CQC to label products with Organic Certification, this is the Organic Logo and CQC Logo. No conversion to organic Logo now.
There are more than 19000 valid certificates and 66 organic certification bodies until 2018 in China.
India
In India, APEDA organizes certification of organic products according to the National Standard for Organic Production. "The NPOP standards for production and accreditation systems have been recognized by the European Commission and Switzerland as being equivalent to their country's standards.                                      With the recognition of this, India is accepted by importing countries. "Organic food products produced and exported from India are marked by the Indian Organic certification mark issued by APEDA. APEDA has recognized 11 certification inspection bodies, some of which are branches of foreign certification bodies, others are local certification bodies.
Japanese
In Japan, the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) was fully implemented as a law in April 2001. This was revised in November 2005 and all JAS certifications were requested for re-accreditation by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Singapore
Starting 2014, Agri-Food & amp; The Singapore Veterinary Authority does not have an organic certification process, but relies on international certification bodies; it does not track local producers claiming to have received organic certification.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, the Cambodian Organic Farming Association (CORAA) is the only organization authorized to certify organic agricultural products. It is a national private organization that works for the promotion of organic and sustainable agriculture in Cambodia. COrAA has developed organic and chemical-free farming standards and provides third party certification to manufacturers that follow this standard. In addition, COrAA's services include technical training for conversion from chemical/conventional to organic farming, marketing support, building organic awareness among the general public, and a platform for dialogue and cooperation among organic stakeholders in Cambodia.
Problem
Organic certification is not without criticism. Several opponents of the chemical-based agriculture and plant farming practices have also opposed formal certification. They see it as a way to encourage independent organic farmers out of business, and undermine the quality of organic food. Other organizations such as the Organic Trade Association work in organic communities to raise awareness of legislative issues and other related issues, and enable the influence and participation of organic supporters.
Obstacles for small independent producers
Initially, in the 1960s to the 1980s, the organic food industry consisted of small, independent farmers, selling locally. Organic "certification" is a matter of trust, based on the direct relationship between farmers and consumers. Critics view regulatory certification as a potential barrier to entry for small producers, charging them with increased costs, documents, and bureaucracy
In China, due to government regulations, international companies wishing to market organic products must be independently certified. It was reported that "Australian food producers spend up to $ 50,000 to be certified organic by Chinese authorities to break the growing middle class market of Asian superpowers." While the certification process is described by manufacturers as "extremely difficult and very expensive", a number of organic producers have recognized the positive effect of finally gaining access to emerging Chinese markets. For example, figures from Australian organic baby formula and baby food producer Bellamy's Organic show export growth, to China alone, 70 percent annually since obtaining China certification in 2008, while similar producers have shown export growth of 20 percent to 30 per cent a year after certification
The peak of Australia's organic certification body, Australian Certified Organic, has stated that "many companies have to bet money because of the complicated, heavy and expensive process of getting Chinese certification." By comparison, equivalent certification costs in Australia are less than $ 2,000 (AUD), with costs in the United States as low as $ 750 (USD) for businesses of the same size.
Manipulative use of rules
Manipulation of certification rules as a way to mislead or deceive the public is a very real problem. Some examples create exceptions (allowing non-organic inputs to be used without loss of certification status) and standard creative interpretations to fulfill letters, but not intent, specific rules. For example, a complaint filed with the USDA in February 2004 against Bayliss Ranch, a food producer and its qualifying agent, alleges that tap water has been certified organic, and advertised for use in various water-based body treatments and food products, to label them "organic" under US law. Steam distillation plant extracts, which mainly consist of tap water introduced during the distillation process, are certified organic, and promoted as organic bases that can then be used in organic content claims. The case was dismissed by the USDA, because the products were actually only used in personal care products, where the department at that time did not pass the label control. The company then adjusts its marketing by removing references to using extracts in food products.
In 2013 the Australian Consumer Competition Commission says that water can no longer be labeled as organic water because, by organic standards, water can not be organic and it is misleading and deceptive to label any water.
Incorrect quality assurance
The label itself can be used to mislead many customers that organic-labeled foods are safer, healthier and more nutritious.
Standard erosion
Critics of formal certification are also afraid of erosion of organic standards. Equipped with a legal framework within which to operate, lobbyists can encourage favorable amendments and exclusions for large-scale production, producing "legally organic" products produced in a manner similar to conventional food today. Combined with the fact that organic products are now sold dominantly through high-volume distribution channels such as supermarkets, the concern is the growing market to support the largest producers, and this can lead to small-scale organic farmers being squeezed.
In the United States, large food companies have "taken a strong role in setting standards for organic food." Many of the standard board members come from large food companies. The more members of the company join, many nonorganic substances have been added to the National Register of acceptable materials. The United States Congress also plays a role in enabling exceptions to organic food standards. In December 2005, the 2006 agricultural allocation bill was passed with a rider enabling 38 synthetic materials for use in organic food, including food coloring, flour, sausage and hot-dog casings, hops, fish oil, chipotle chili, and gelatin; This allowed Anheuser-Busch in 2007 to have certified organic Wild Hop Lager "despite using hops grown with chemical fertilizers and sprayed with pesticides."
See also
References
Quotes and notes
General
- Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA National Organic Program: Final Regulation (7 CFR Part 205; Federal Register, Vol. 65, No. 246, 21 December 2000)
- OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Organic & amp; Food Standards (OC/PRO IS 350/150)
- Australian Organic Industry: Profile, 2004, [2] (pdf)
- European Commission: Organic Farming
- Organic Board of Ontario (Canada)
External links
- Organic Standard Database to compare EU regulations on organic farming, the National Organic Program (NOP) of the USA and guidelines for the production, processing, labeling and marketing of organically produced foods from Codex Alimentarius
- Organic Standard Database to compare EU regulations on organic farming with other countries' standards.
- PGS India - Decentralized Organic Farming Certification System
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments