Why to undergo organic certification

The entire production chain from the agricultural producer up to the exporter and importer has to be inspected by independent and neutral bodies (‘certification bodies’) that are operating according to specific guidelines.
The advantages of certification agency are that it acts as a trust building system between farmers and customers, helps in authentication of the product, enables transparency and strengthens the position of the primary producer and helps in market promotion of product.

Tags: Organic Certification | Organic Consultancy | Organic Farming

Certification Process

The following is a simplified description of the route to organic certification :

• Choose a certification body that meets the need.
• Apply for and fill in all requested documents. The same will have to be returned for review of the certification authority.
• An inspection assignment is drawn up contracting the inspector for a site visit.
• An inspection costing (quote) is drawn up by the inspector and submitted to the applicant.
• Agreement between the parties is reached.
• The actual inspection/verification takes place.
• A certification decision is reached by the certification committee based on the documentation prepared during inspection.
• A contract is then entered into between the applicant and the certification body with regard to the status achieved.

Possible outcomes:

1. Full organic status
2. Full organic status with condition
3. Organic in conversion
4. Organic in conversion with conditions
5. Denial for certification

Tags: Organic Certification | Organic Consultancy | Organic Farming