Organic farming
Organic farming, also known as biological or ecological farming, is a system for the production and processing of natural agricultural products. The main goal is to obtain the highest quality food.
The techniques used are environmentally friendly and people-friendly, which restrict the use of synthetic chemicals (hormones, herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.).
Organic farming is not a trend or a modernity; it is the type of farming that has been practiced for thousands of years, until approximately the 1950s-60s. It is the way of growing food that has accompanied humanity throughout most of its existence.
Organic farming is based on something very simple: humans have been on Earth for millions of years, and during this time, we have been in contact with, breathing, eating, and drinking a series of food products that our bodies assimilate without any problem and quite naturally.
On the other hand, foods obtained from conventional farming may contain residual amounts of the synthetic chemicals used during their production and processing. The metabolism of these products in our bodies is not always known and raises concerns that should not be underestimated. Organic farming is the only one that guarantees healthy and natural products, free from all these new substances that can cause certain diseases and allergies.
"Organic farming is the only one that guarantees healthy and natural products"
REGULATORY RULES
There is a single legislation for all European countries, Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 of the European Commission (DOUE 2007.07.28). It is mandatory in all countries. This regulation ensures that organic products have been made following the rules of organic farming as outlined and that they have been monitored throughout their production, processing, packaging, and marketing.
LOGO AND LABELING
The labeling of products from organic farming must necessarily include the code of the inspection bodies responsible for examining and certifying organic operators.
This labeling system is designed to provide consumers in EU member states with confidence about the organic origin of the products they purchase. The EU logo has been created to increase awareness of organic products among consumers, similar to other national logos present on products sold in their own country.
The regulation on the use of organic logos is defined in the European Commission Regulation (CE) nº 271/2010 (DOUE 31-03-2010).
"The labeling system provides confidence about the organic origin of the products"
CONTROL AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES
When the EU organic logo is used on a product, it must always be accompanied by the code number of the control body or authority to which the economic operator responsible for the most recent production or processing operation is subject.
The general format of the code name is "AB-CDE-999", where AB is the ISO code of the country where the control is carried out, CDE is a term that links it to organic production, such as “bi”, “org”, or “eko”, and 999 is a reference number. Member states assign a code number to the organic control bodies and authorities that are authorized to operate in their territory. You need to find this code number on the hashtag of any organic product. The code number serves as proof that the product you purchase has been examined by the control body or authority responsible for ensuring that it has been produced or processed in compliance with the Organic Regulation.
ECOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION
Control agencies issue companies a certificate of authorization, and in accordance with ecological regulations. All products, as well as their labelling, must be approved by this Control Authority, as you can see below.
The ecological certification guarantees that products have been produced following the standards of organic farming and that they have been controlled throughout their production, processing, packaging and marketing processes.
"The ecological certification guarantees that the products have been prepared and controlled throughout their production, processing, packaging and marketing process."
IMPORTS
The common bilateral recognition of third countries by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States is maintained.
The Commission, with the support of the Member States, will therefore supervise the production and control of organic products, which must comply with the objectives and principles of organic legislation.
Importers of organic products from outside the EU can obtain authorisation from Member States to import certain products. They must therefore prove that their products are subject to similar or equivalent requirements to EU organic products and that they have been adequately inspected, and must therefore be accompanied by an import certificate.
Imported goods are subject to controls by the administration and must be accompanied by documentation for entry into Europe.
INSPECTIONS
It is very important that all farmers, processors and importers in the organic product supply chain are inspected at least once a year to ensure that they comply with current regulations.
This process is overseen by each EU Member State, which is responsible for ensuring that the competent authorities establish an inspection system to ensure compliance with the obligations set out in the Organic Production Regulation. Accordingly, each Member State has designated a number of public authorities and/or private inspection bodies authorised to carry out inspections.
All inspection bodies or authorities operate under the supervision of, or in close collaboration with, the competent central authorities of the Member States. To determine whether a product is organic, it must be subjected to a multi-residue analysis (liquid and gas chromatography). This determines whether the product is free of synthetic chemicals.
All import regulations are subject to the following regulations: Imports - Regulation (EC) No. 1235/2008 of the European Commission (OJEU 12-12-2008) Import certificate - Regulation (EC) No. 1788/2001 of the European Commission (OJEU 12-12-2008).
