Introduction
The superior economic benefit in agricultural systems and production units where organic food is obtained, depends essentially on investment to optimize production quality, and on the ability to approve the standards established in inspections and certifications in accordance with international standards to be applied in the production, processing and export of organic food.
In member countries of the European Union, as well as in the United States of America and Japan, the demand for organic products in the markets is increasing every day.
There are rules that define the requirements in the production, processing and marketing of organic products, which must be met when you want to obtain the certification that allows the export and import of organic food.
The certification and inspection of organic food production, as well as of the organic food processing and packaging industry for export, is generally carried out by independent bodies that have been granted authorization to certify compliance with international standards applicable to organic food.
International organizations
International standards that apply to the production, processing, packaging, marketing, import and export of organic food have been established by organizations in countries such as the European Union, the United States and Japan.
In the United States, regulations for organic production systems were established in the National Organic Program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in Japan through the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) of the Ministry of Agriculture Forests and Fisheries (MAFF), and in the European Union through the standards of the European Economic Community (EEC) Community).
Most of the international NOP, JAS and EEC standards are similar and equivalent to each other, and are governed by the ISO 65 and EN45011 quality systems. Both ISO 65 and EN45011 systems are similar and equivalent to each other.
The certification and inspection of organic production systems in developing countries have been carried out mainly directly through the personnel of international organizations, which generates high costs that are onerous for small producers who wish to export organic products to the Union. European, Japan and the United States.
On the other hand, inspection and certification by foreign agents creates new dependencies in developing countries, which is undesirable in local development policies.
However, inspection and certification through local entities is now possible in some of the developing countries, within an international cooperation framework where the operating conditions for local organizations that wish to carry out certification and inspection of production systems are described. organic, in accordance with the authorization of the respective international organizations (NOP, JAS, EEC).
In some cases, it is possible to request the requirements for the export of organic food directly from the national governmental entities in charge of agricultural development.
EEC Regulation 2092/91
Regulation EEC 2092/91 on organic agriculture in Europe, and its indications for the labeling of organic agricultural products, takes effect from January 1993, and is defined as a directly applicable law that shows the minimum requirements for organic food production systems. circulating in the Member States of the European Union.
This regulation includes rules for the production, processing, import, export and labeling of organic agricultural products.
On September 25, 2000, the regulation was modified adding 31 additional rules, livestock production was included among the organic products allowed, and genetic engineering was prohibited in all organic foods.
The same regulation indicates that organic production must take place in production units that are totally separated in space and organization from conventional production units.
However, in developing countries, the proximity between organic and conventional production systems is sometimes frequent and inevitable, especially in rural communities where small production areas are part of the same land cultivated by several people.
This presents an inadmissible risk that limits the application of international rules for organic food production systems and their export.
In this sense, articles 6 and 7, and annexes I, II, VII and VIII of this regulation, indicate in detail the rules for organic agriculture in this sense.
The regulation is extensive and detailed, so only its fundamental characteristics are shown here, and some data from articles and chapters of the regulation for consultation on specific information.
Conversion Periods in Vegetable Production
In vegetable production when the cultivation form changes from conventional to organic, the conversion period is of great importance.
In annual crops a conversion period of two years is required for the first harvest after two years to be considered organic.
In perennial crops a period of three years is required for the first harvest after three years to be considered organic.
However, in some cases, annual and perennial crops may be marketed after a twelve-month period, reporting the conversion period, which normally begins at the end of the inspection contract established between producer and inspection body.
The inspection must be permanent. The conversion period allows producers to satisfy part of the requirements in the agricultural production of organic products.
The same regulation establishes the need to respect and apply regulatory measures to maintain and improve soil fertility in the production of organic food.
In tropical and subtropical regions, soil productivity can be improved by avoiding erosion; effecting crop rotation; sowing legumes, and incorporating manure and plant material in the soil. Annex II A of the regulation indicates the requirements related to the fertilization and conditioning of soils in organic production systems.
In organic agriculture, pathogens in crops are mainly avoided through biological and physical prevention and control.
The types of control allowed are listed in Annex II B, but the use of agrochemicals is totally prohibited. The conversion period may be shorter, but this depends on the previously existing crop and the decision of the inspection entity.
In this sense, prior to export, the competent authority in the European Union must be informed about the reduction in the conversion period.
Livestock Production
From the year 2000, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, equines, birds, rodents, bees and deer are included in the regulation among organic products (appendix 1B / 1C), and the requirements regarding the periods are indicated livestock conversion, purchases, food, medicines and rearing conditions.
The same regulation establishes that organic livestock farming systems should preferably form part of organic agricultural production units, and be separated from conventional farming systems. It is stated that in conventional agricultural production systems, animals generate conventional excrement, which could sometimes be used in organic crops, but only in accordance with the requirements mentioned in annexes IA # 2.1 and IIA of the regulation.
In general, the amount of livestock per hectare is restricted according to Annex VII, in order to guarantee as much as possible the most convenient production cycles for the recovery of soils, flora and fauna, as well as to avoid damage to the environment.
The purpose of jointly operating organic farming and livestock systems is to maintain and increase the fertility of the soils and, in this way, to ensure that agricultural production is sustainable in the long term.
In ecological farming systems, nitrogen fertilization per hectare does not exceed 170 kg per hectare per year (Annex 1B # 7), this including organic and conventional fertilizers (Annex IIA).
Annex IB # 2 indicates the conversion periods for all breeds and species of animals, except bees, which are mentioned in annex IC # 2.
Livestock products from animals in organic production systems will carry a label that demonstrates their origin as organic food, as long as all the requirements regarding the conversion periods indicated in annexes IB # 2.2 and 2.3 have been met. The conversion period for bees is one year (Annex IC # 2).
The Organic Agriculture Regulatory Council considers that only under restrictive conditions it would be possible to authorize the purchase of livestock from conventional farms to start the livestock conversion period.
In organic livestock systems, animals must be acquired from organic farms, as indicated in Annex IB # 3.
However, as previously stated, it is feasible in some cases to authorize the purchase of livestock from conventional farms when there is no organic livestock on the market, especially when it comes to birds such as chicken for fattening, which should not take more than 3 days. old, and cocks for egg laying whose age is not more than 18 weeks.
Livestock Feeding
Livestock must be fed organic products.
According to Annex IB, feed for livestock should preferably come from organic crops produced in the same organic production unit where the animals are located.
Up to 30% on average of the feed ration for livestock, calculated on a dry matter basis, could come from agricultural crops that are in the conversion period, which means that the crops must have at least 12 months in the conversion period prior to harvest.
However, when livestock feed comes from the same organic production unit in the process of conversion, up to 60% on average of the food ration calculated in dry matter is allowed, coming from the crops in conversion period within the same organic production unit where the cattle are found.
In addition, conventional foods listed in Annex II, parts C and D, could be used up to a limit of 10% in herbivorous animals, or 20% in other types of animals, but no genetically engineered food should be supplied in the ration modified (cf. chapters 2.1 and 1.4).
Apiaries
The apiaries (Annex IC) must be located in such a way that within a radius of 3 kilometers the vegetation is mainly organic or from farms that are extensively managed (Annex IC # 4.2B), and contamination from any source should be avoided.
During hibernation, bees should be supplied with sufficient amounts of honey and pollen for their feeding. For artificial feeding of bees during winter, only organic sugar or molasses can be used if necessary.
In some cases, when there is not enough honey, pollen, sugar and organic molasses, conventional sugar could be used, as long as it does not come from genetically modified cane crops (cf. chapter 2.1 1.4).
Treatment of Diseases in Animals
Disease prevention is especially important in organic production livestock systems. However, when animals become ill, the following should be considered:
1. The Organic Production Regulatory Council prohibits the preventive use of chemically synthesized allopathic medicines.
2. Phytotherapy and homeopathy should be the first option in the treatment of diseases.
3. Chemically synthesized allopathic medications will be the last option, under the supervision and responsibility of a veterinarian.
4. Substances that promote the growth and performance of animals, as well as hormones and similar substances for the control of reproduction, such as those used for the induction and synchronization of estrus, are prohibited.
5. The period between the last supply of veterinary allopathic medicines in animals and the production of organic food from animals treated with allopathic medicines, should be double what is normally required according to the regulations for the conventional production of foods.
6. If the amount of allopathic treatments prescribed in the organic food regulation is exceeded, the animals in question may not be sold as organic.
7. Animals subject to organic certification regulations, to which allopathic medicines have been supplied, must start their conversion period again or be sold as conventional non-organic products. The exceptions in this regard are: vaccines and antiparasitic treatments, as well as mandatory programs. for eradication of diseases.
8. Systematic operations such as tail cutting on sheep, or beak cutting on chickens, are prohibited.
9. The type of accommodation for bovines, pigs, small ruminants and birds, must guarantee the good management, comfort and humane treatment of the species (Annex IB # 8). Annex VIII of the Organic Food Regulatory Council indicates the dimensions of the accommodation for the various species of animals.
10. It is forbidden to tie animals. However, in some cases restricting their movements could be allowed for reasons of safety for humans and protection of animals (Annex IB # 8).
11. In apiaries, in case of infestation with Varroa Jacobsoni, the permitted substances are: formic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, menthol, camphor and thymol. For the pest control, cleaning and disinfection the products indicated in Annexes IIB and E. The combs should be built primarily with natural materials, and the wax for new combs should preferably come from organic farms. Destruction of bees during harvests is prohibited.
12. Animals should have access to well-ventilated places.
13. The use of genetically modified organisms and their derivatives in livestock is prohibited (chapter 2.1 1.4).
Organic Food Processing
The rules for organic food processing are found in Article 5 and Annex VI of the Regulatory Council (EEC).
All ingredients that are used in the processing of organic food must come from organic production systems. Only when an organic ingredient is not available, it would be possible to use a conventional ingredient during the process, but in accordance with the maximum limits indicated in the regulation.
The decisive factor in obtaining organic certification is the ratio of organic to conventional ingredients during processing. Annex VI part C of the regulation lists the conventional ingredients allowed when there is no availability of organic for the process.
In this sense, it should be noted that in the labels for certified organic products, the percentage of conventional products used in the process is mentioned, which can be used in quantities from 5% (article 5, paragraph 3) to 30% (article 5, paragraph 5a).
Annex VI of the regulation indicates not only about conventional products allowed (annex VI part C), but also about products that do not have an agricultural origin (annex VI part A), as well as the aid allowed during the process (Annex VI part B).
During organic food processing, only a very limited number of non-agricultural substances are allowed in the ingredients used in the processes (Annex VI, part A), among which are some food additives, colored extracts and natural flavors, purified water, salt and preparations with microorganisms.
The ingredients that for technological reasons can be used during the process of organic raw materials for food are indicated in Annex VI part B. In the preparation of organic foods, the use of genetically modified organisms is prohibited (cf. chapter 2.1 1.4).
The application of ion radiation (ionization) is prohibited in organic foods and their ingredients, but in this sense there is an exception for the preparation of organic wine (Annex VI). The conditions for the preparation of organic food of animal origin are found so far in Annex VI part C.
Genetic engineering
The use of genetic engineering is prohibited in organic production systems. The term "genetically modified organisms" (Article 2 Regulatory Council 90/220), is defined as a biological entity capable of reproducing and transferring genetic material.
A genetically modified organism is one that has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally, either through crossing or recombination.
Some examples of genetically modified organisms are: herbicide resistant soybean varieties, and insect resistant BT maize. Likewise, derivatives of genetically modified organisms are prohibited in organic production.
This refers to any substance, whether produced or obtained through genetically modified organisms, even if the organic product does not contain it (article 4 # 13).
For example, lecithin obtained from genetically modified soy is considered to be derived from a genetically modified organism (Annexes IIA, IIB, IIC and IID) (Annex VI parts A, B and C.
Control
Articles 8 and 9, as well as Annex III describe the requirements for registration and inspection of organic production, and the manner of application (cf. Chapter 3). In the European Union, Member States are responsible for the implementation of the regulation for organic products.
Representatives of the Member States of the European Union meet regularly in Brussels to discuss difficulties in implementing regulations for organic production systems.
Also to define when the inspections of organic products must be carried out by public or private organizations.
In Spain and Denmark the inspections of organic products are carried out mainly by government entities, while in most of the Member States of the European Union an inspection system has been chosen where governments influence only partially, which means that inspection is approved by private entities that are supervised by competent authorities.
A private inspection entity resident in Europe, can apply for admission to competent authorities in the European Union to carry out inspection of organic production systems, as long as the private entity has an approved control system that meets the quality requirements that they are expressed in the EN45011 standard.
The official admission of private entities for the inspection of organic products is only valid for the Member States of the European Union where such admission is requested. For example, an organic inspection body in Germany could operate in Austria only when its admission in both countries is approved.
These admissions are not valid for organic certification in countries that are not members of the European Community. Conditions for inspection in developing countries are expressed in Chapter 2.1.2., And Annex III describes in detail the inspection requirements for organic production systems, processors and importers of organic food.
Non-member countries of the European Union
Article 11 of the regulation (CR EEC 94/92) contains instructions regarding the importation of organic products from countries that are not members of the European Union, and provides an overview on the registration of developing countries.
In this sense, countries that are not members of the European Union, but that have clearly demonstrated that their production methods and inspection measures are equivalent to those indicated in the regulation, could be included in the list of exporters of organic foods.
But when a country has not been admitted to the list, the import-export procedure is required to be subject to Article 11, 6 of the Regulatory Council on import permits (chapter 2.1 2.2).
On January 14, 1992 the registration possibilities for developing countries were inserted in regulation EEC 94/92. Currently only six non-member countries of the European Union are on the list:
1. Argentina (inspection entities: ARGENCERT and OIA).
2. Australia (inspection entities: AQUIS, BDRI, BFA, OVAA, OHGA, NASAA).
3. Israel (inspection entities: plant protection and inspection services).
4. Czech Republic (inspection entities: ministry of agriculture, kez ops).
5. Hungary (inspection entities: BIOKONTROLL HUNGARIA, SKAL).
6. Switzerland (inspection entities: BIO INSPECTA AG, IMO, SQS). The inclusion of these countries has been classified as temporary.
The prerequisite for registration of a non-member country of the European Union in relation to the production of organic food is that the country in question has legislation equivalent to that of the Organic Agriculture Regulatory Council.
In other words, the legislation must include international standards for organic food.
Then the non-member country of the European Union may request its registration before the diplomatic representation in Brussels. Within six months after the submission of the application for entry and registration, the required technical documentation will be delivered and submitted to the European Commission, provided it is written in one of the official languages of the European Union.
The requirements in relation to the documentation are indicated in article 2, paragraph 2 of regulation EEC 94/92, which include the following:
- Type and estimated quantity of agricultural products and food to be exported to the European Community under article 11 of the regulation.
- Specific information about the applied production methods. In other words, the principles expressed in regulation EEC 2091/91.
- The forms of inspection that are carried out, and the types of organization and implementation in the systems, the data of the authority responsible for the inspection, and the list with information on the organic production systems, exporters and growing areas, as well as reports prepared by international experts in organic food (EEC94 / 92).
After the documentation review, a site inspection is carried out by experts from the European Union. This inspection is repeated after the non-member country of the European Community has been accepted.
It is important that in third countries the certification systems are similar to those that exist in the European Community.
Establishing inspectors in developing countries, who have obtained the respective recognition from the European Community, in relation to import requirements (Article 11, 6), would be a convenient action for the registration of third countries in the list of exporters.
When the registration is issued, in accordance with regulation EEC345 / 92, and after the inspection has been carried out and the conversion period has been respected, then the organic products may be exported to the European Union.
The importer in the European Union must take part in the control procedures within the Member State of the European Community to which he belongs.
Import Permits
In accordance with article 11, paragraph 6 of regulation EEC2092 / 91, organic food importers in the European Union request authorization for the import of organic products from non-registered countries. This must be done before organic food is marketed in the European Community with reference to its organic origin.
It must be demonstrated that the organic food products that are imported were produced in accordance with said regulation, or through equivalent standards accepted in the European Union, and the equivalent inspection and registration measures must be equally effective and permanent to those indicated in the regulation EEC2092 / 91.
Once the inspection body has decided that organic products meet all the requirements for their import, then the importer can apply for an import permit from the competent authority in the European Union.
Even the importing company itself must submit its systems to an inspection, in case it has not been previously inspected.
In addition, the European importing company must demonstrate that organic products have been produced, processed and exported in compliance with regulation EEC2092 / 91 or its equivalents (NOP, JAS), and justify any deviation that may exist in this regard, from the exporting country.
The inspection body must confirm its approval in relation to said products, and guarantee the continuous application of the regulations in the exporting country.
In addition to the import request, copies of documents such as contracts between the inspection entity in the exporting country and the producers or cooperatives, or between the processing company and the exporter must be added.
Also copies of inspection records are frequently requested to grant import permission to organic products from countries that are not members of the European Community.
As of July 01, 1999, the inspection entities in countries not members of the European Community are required to certify their knowledge in relation to the quality standards EN45011 and ISO GUIDE 65 respectively (cf. chapter 3.4).
The EN45011 and ISO GUIDE 65 quality standards are the internationally recognized standards that define the way in which inspections should be carried out. Inspection and certification bodies must be shown to have certified knowledge of such quality standards.
The authority responsible for the import, may decide on the granting or denial of the import permit, and in case there are doubts about it, the committee of representatives in the European Community may be used to decide. Import permits are generally valid for one year.
During that year the importer will be able to acquire the quantity of organic products indicated in the import permit. The import permit must be accompanied by the certificate that is issued for organic food.
U.S
The regulation for organic products in the United States establishes that imports of organic food in that country can be marketed under the name of "Organic Crops", as long as there is a prior national government agreement between the exporting country and the United States., or that there is recognition of equivalence between the organic certification and inspection systems between both countries.
In this case, the organic inspection and certification authorities in the United States will examine possible differences in equivalencies.
For the import of organic in the United States, the rules contained in article 11, 6 of the regulation in the European Union are not necessary, but the ISO GUIDE 65 and NOP standards.
Food Code
The Food Code (Codex Alimentarius) is the collection of internationally recognized standards (ALINORM) in relation to food, presented uniformly for all countries.
The Food Code Commission prepares the different chapters of the Code, and worldwide, governments vote on the content of these chapters. The Food Code Commission works under the mandate of FAO and WHO.
The Food Code is not a mandatory regulation, but internationally it should be consulted as a guide and reference in the elaboration of national regulations that can coincide and harmonize internationally.
The Code not only tends to guarantee the protection of consumers against fraud and deception, but also facilitates international trade. In 1999, the Food Code Commission published the guide for the production, processing, labeling and trade of organic food (CAC / GL 32-1999).
This guide to the Food Code allows evaluating the equivalences required for organics, for this reason the guide turns out to be an indispensable instrument for the preparation and evaluation of local entities that certify organic foods, as well as to establish legislation and regulations in this regard in developing countries.
The structure and content of the Food Code is similar to the Regulation of the Organic Production Regulatory Council. Section 1 of the Code defines the overview.
Section 2 indicates the labeling regulations and the Regulation of the Organic Production Regulatory Council.
This Food Code defines that organic foods must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, and that only certain non-agricultural ingredients (annex 2, table 3) and help during the process (annex 2, table 4) can be used (cf. chapter 2.1 1.3).
Section 3 indicates that conventional agricultural ingredients can be used, only when there are no organic ingredients (section 3.4). Section 4, together with Annex 1 and 2 define the standards in the production and processing of organic food.
The requirements in the organic inspection and certification systems are established in Section 6 and Annex 3. Section 7 of the Code indicates the fundamental standards for the importation of organic food.
Inspection and Certification (Basic Concepts)
The inspection and certification of organic food can be carried out directly by entities to which the European Union, the United States or Japan have issued the corresponding authorization (cf. chapter 3.1.1), and Co-Certification is also feasible (cf. chapter 3.1.2), and Local Certification (cf. chapter 3.1.3).
Direct Certification
Direct certification to small producers, cooperatives, processors and exporters of organic food is carried out directly through accredited entities in the European Union, the United States or Japan. These international entities could also hire local personnel for direct certification.
In the import permit, the data of the certifying agency must be mentioned. The body of inspectors will confirm the equivalences for certification in accordance with regulation CR EEC 3457/92.
Co-Certification
In the case of Co-Certification, inspectors who are not recognized in the importing country, can operate in co-certification, either nationally or internationally, jointly and under the supervision of the certifying agency for organic food.
Local Certification
The local inspection and certification can be carried out through agencies resident in the exporting country, operating without capital from international organizations, or with a participation of international capital below 50%.
They make decisions independently and are recognized in importing countries.
Inspection
Starting in 1998, the inspection authorities in the European Union established compulsory supervision of all inspection bodies active in third countries, in accordance with article 11, 6.
International supervision by competent authorities in the European Community, the United States and Japan, must be approved and verified by the inspection bodies in third countries, which must undergo the necessary audits.
The certifying entities must be part of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) (International Accreditation Forum), and the European Cooperation of Accreditation (ECA) respectively. Experts who work independently on behalf of certifying agencies must meet the following requirements:
- Theoretical and practical experience in the application of the regulations of the Regulatory Council. Approve the training course on quality standards ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 in an institution recognized by the International Accreditation Forum or the European Cooperation of Accreditation respectively. Present a statement indicating absolute independence on organic production systems subject to inspection.
Certifications and Inspections in Third Countries
Inspections will be carried out throughout the production chain, from the production and processing of organic food to its export, which must be demonstrated by means of inspection reports and the appropriate certification documentation.
The inspection begins with the description of the Organic Production Unit that is subject to the auscultation of its production systems, which must function totally independent and separated in space, technology and organization from the Conventional Production Units.
In the first inspection, the background of the Organic Production Unit is established, which serves as a guide to know in case some parts of the Production Unit system do not meet the requirements.
The inspection report is signed by the inspector and by the person responsible for the inspection in the Production Unit.
This report serves as the basis for the certification decision. In the following years during the conversion periods, inspections are conducted annually, to grant or renew Organic Production Certificates.
Certificates can also be issued to agricultural production units that are in the process of conversion to obtain organic certification.
In the case of processing and exporting companies, no conversion period is required, but they handle approved and certified organic products.
Small-scale producers in cooperatives must undergo an annual internal control. Said internal control must be introduced and executed in the cooperative. The typical documentation in internal control systems consists of:
1. The contracts between each producer and the cooperative.
2. The description of each and every one of the Production Units that produce organic food in the cooperative.
3. Internal inspection reports.
4. Documentation of the cooperative showing the sanctions that would be applied to producers who do not comply with the established norms.
The external inspection entity reviews the documentation and analyzes the effectiveness in applying the internal and external rules.
The inspection processes in the Organic Production Units depend, among other factors, on the quality of the internal control systems. The results of internal inspections that are regularly carried out on the basis of the production regulations must be carefully documented.
Quality Control ISO 65 and EN 45011
In May 1985, the European Council approved the New Approach to Technical Harmonization and Standardization, that is, the new agreement to approach technical quality standards, with the aim of expanding the areas of commerce in the European Community, and increase reliability in the quality of organic food and related services. This agreement allowed a new type of legislation based on international quality standards drawn up by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), which were transferred to the European Union in organizations such as CEN and CENLEC.
In 1995, the European Regulatory Council for Organic Agriculture. It establishes that as of January 01, 1998, the inspection bodies authorized to certify organic products must verify that they have absolute knowledge of the European Quality Standard EN 45011.
The EN 45011 standard corresponds to the ISO Guide 65 standard of the year 1996 that is used in the United States.
Both quality standards, ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 describe the requirements, structure and procedures for organic food certification entities, in order to ensure their operation constantly and efficiently. While the Regulatory Board uses the term "inspection body", in ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 the term "certification body" is used, both terms are synonyms.
In ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011, the term "product" is used in its widest sense, and also includes procedures. This is important because the certification of organic production systems is based on the evaluation of production procedures.
In this sense, it should be noted that not only the production systems must be certified, but also the inspection and certification bodies for organic products, which will be subject to ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 standards.
The ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 standards indicate that the decisions of the certifying entities must be impartial and non-discriminatory, which means that the conditions must be clear for each entity that requests organic inspection and certification, and the request for certification must also be made transparently.
In other words, the organizational structure by itself must offer impartiality in all cases.
Quality Control Systems
Good quality control must constantly avoid mistakes that increase costs.
In other words, quality control must be a dynamic process. A quality control system is a structured model that shows the organization and production processes to the organic product certification body. It is very important that all people involved in the organization and production fully understand the quality policies and implement them
. For coordination and implementation purposes, it is necessary to appoint a person in charge of quality control who will report directly to the person in charge of certification in the Production Unit. The quality policy must be transparent and compressible.
The quality policy will indicate, among other things, the specific inspection procedures compared to those of other suppliers, their purpose (eg consumer protection, process efficiency, avoiding errors.), How the quality policy defines the objectives to be achieved (eg optimization of processes, training.).
It is convenient to formulate the objectives in such a way that they can be measured. The quality policy should be regularly reviewed and updated if necessary.
Quality Assessment
The ISO Guide 65 and EN 45011 quality standards establish the performance of internal reviews and audits of the quality systems.
The internal authorships are to check the functionality and efficiency of the quality systems implemented by certifying entities and put into practice, in order to solve errors and discover weak points in the Production Unit.
The requirements for carrying out internal audits on quality systems are described in detail in ISO Guide 10011 of 1990. And corrective measures are described in the SOP International Standards Manual.
Local Inspectors
Over time, inspection and certification activities in organic production systems may be carried out through local entities in developing countries.
This would guarantee a lower cost of certifications for small producers and cooperatives that want to export to the European Union, the United States and Japan.
In this way the undesirable dependency (Bio-Colonialism) that goes against development would be avoided. The requirements for local inspectors and certifiers will be in this same sense: independence and objectivity, internationally qualified personnel and establishment of a good inspection system.
Inspection entities are not allowed to carry out activities that could cause a conflict of interest, and for this reason the inspection and certification could not operate in a neutral and objective manner as established by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture. Agriclture Movements (IFOAM) that also considers the existing standards in the European Union, the United States and Japan, coinciding with those of the Food Code.
Legislation in Developing Countries
Some governments in developing countries are trying to make it easier for producers to access organic food markets in developed countries, that is, through legislation that includes regulations for organic agriculture.
However, the processes to formulate the legislation usually take too long, even though the essential part of the legislation is already described in the FAO Food Code, and the existing regulations in the European Union, the United States and Japan.
In this sense, the most important thing would be general acceptance among the parties that make up the national process, be they government representatives, producers, processors, exporters, importers and consumer protection institutions in developing countries.
It is stated that those involved should consider that the objective is to have greater transparency in the markets and consumer protection, but particularly a greater possibility of accessing international markets.
Organic Certification in Developing Countries (Examples)
In developing countries, organic inspection and certification activities may be carried out independently by national or local entities. Some examples are:
Egypt
The local entities COAE and ECOA in Egypt carry out inspections and certifications at the national level in the units of production, processing and export of organic food, even though there is still no legislation in this regard.
Argentina
The production of certified organic food in Argentina has been controlled by various official institutions since June 1992, and in January 1993 this country was accepted by the Regulatory Council for Organic Agriculture in Europe (CR EEC 3713/92). In this way, Argentine organic products certified by local entities ARGENCERT and OIA can be exported to the European Union without major problem.
Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Nicaragua
In March 1998, a group of organic product inspection entities constituted the BIOLATINA company that operates mainly in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Nicaragua.
So far, in none of these countries is there an official regulation for organic products.
Organic food is exported to the European Union at the request of importers. However, there are initiatives in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru to establish official regulations on organic production. The formation of the BIOLATINA company was promoted through the GTZ project for organic coffee.
In Bolivia, the company BOLICERT also seems to operate as a subsidiary of the Organic Agriculture Association AOPEB, which also has authorization to export to Europe through the import permit system (Article 11, 6).
Brazil
The INSTITUTO BIODINAMICO is the local organic products inspection entity that operates offering its services in Brazil for export to Europe through the import permit system (article 11, 6).
China
The ORGANIC FOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (OFDC) founded in 1994, operates as a local inspection entity under the Ministry of the Environment. OFDC's headquarters is located in Nanjing with several branches in China. Through OFDC it is possible to export organic products to Europe through the import permit system (article 11, 6).
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, legislation on organic products has been accepted by competent bodies in the European Union. In November 2001, a group of experts from the European Community carried out inspections of Costa Rican organic production units for inclusion in the chapter for third countries (Cf. chapter 2.1) of the Regulatory Council for Organic Agriculture.
The GTZ Group (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit) gave its support on organics in this country. The inspection entity named ECO-LOGICA is the one that operates in Costa Rica in relation to the inspection of organic production.
Mexico
The legislation on organic agriculture in Mexico is not yet equivalent with the rules established in the Food Code. The evaluation of the certifying entity CERTIMEX has been supported by the GTZ group. CERTIMEX is in the process of obtaining recognition from the European Community.
Perspective
The examples above show that in some cases it is possible for producers in developing countries to obtain the economic benefit and international recognition for the trade and export of organic food.
It is desirable that national organizations with extensive experience in organic production methods and programs share their experience with small producers, regarding the procedures and requirements for the inspection and certification of organic products.
