Certification

What is Certified Organic?

Organic produce is grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms, with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices.

Organic systems are an innovative method of farming and production focused on soil and land health, and balanced eco-systems. Social justice is usually a consideration in these types of production systems.

Organic certification takes a holistic approach to food production and handling, and the whole system is linked – Soil. Plants. Animals. Food. People. Environment. Health.

Organic certification is when a third party (a certification body) reviews the organic system to a set of standards for organic production and processing.

The certification body approves systems of organic production and allows the producer or processor to apply the certification logo to their product at point of sale. This certification can give the consumer confidence that products they buy meet a set of internationally recognised standard for organic production.

There are some variations in organic standards, best practice standards usually encompass social justice and environmental protection as well as organic production methods and integrity during transit and processing.

The Australian Department of Agriculture oversees a National Standard for organic and biodynamic produce, and accredits Australian organic certification bodies

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/organic-bio-dynamic/certifying-org

Six certifying bodies operate within Australia and in the Asia Pacific region

NASAA Certified Organic – www.nasaa.com.au

AUSQUAL – www.ausqual.com.au

Australian Certified Organic – www.aco.net.au

Bio Dynamic Research Institute – www.demeter.org.au

Organic Food Chain – www.organicfoodchain.com.au

Safe Food QLD – www.safefoodqld.gov.au

The internationally recognised peak body for organic production

International Federation for Organic Agricultural Movements – www.ifoam.bio

Most countries/regions have their own accrediting system for organic product

USDA NOP – www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification