What is Organic?

“Organic” is an agricultural production system that strives to establish balance in nature through the replenishing and maintenance of soil fertility and biological diversity of the flora and fauna while eliminating the use of toxic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

At this time, the principal world markets for organic products are the United States, Europe, Canada and Japan. The government of each of these markets controls the use of the word “organic” through the application of an organic standard. This means that a product sold in that market must comply with the organic standard set forth by the government.

The United State’s national organic standard is the 7 CFR Part 205 and is called the National Organic Program (NOP). The organic standard, as well as the accreditation of certification agencies, are managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The European Union’s organic standard is the EEC 2092/91. The organic standard, as well as the recognition of certification agencies, are managed individually by each union member state.

Japan’s national organic standard is composed of Notifications No. 59 and 60 and is called the Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS). The organic standard, as well as the accreditation of certification agencies, are managed by the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Although Canada does not have a national standard, Quebec requires that organic products sold in Quebec be certified by certification agencies that are recognized by the Conseil d’accreditation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Foodstuffs (MAFF) and that labels be compliant to the Quebec organic standard, the Quebec Organic Reference Standard.

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) is an independent international organic standard and accreditation body. The organic standard, as well as the accreditation of certification agencies, are recognized by many governments internationally.

Integrated Organic Services has experience working with each of these organic standards and can help your company develop and/or improve production procedures that will comply fully with the standard for the market where you plan to export your organic product.