Ms. Swati Sharma, Founder and Director, Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt Ltd, Delhi, talks about global organic certifications, why they are needed, how they work, and their importance.
At Parthavi, our vision is to create awareness about organic agriculture and its importance. Farming today often involves the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and GMO feeds. However, in organic cultivation, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not allowed. Organic farming produces food in a way that benefits people, animals, and the environment. As more people adopt planet-centric thinking to protect agriculture and the environment, it’s time for the organic industry to harness this momentum and unite in promoting a clear message: avoid chemical farming and advocate for organic methods.
The four principles that govern organic farming are care, health, ecology, and fairness. The principle of health ensures that organic agriculture sustains and enhances the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans by avoiding chemicals. The principle of ecology requires organic agriculture to be based on living ecological systems, working with and sustaining flora and fauna. Organic practices also naturally repel pests. On an organic farm, you'll find an abundance of butterflies, pollinators, and worms, which help maintain the ecological balance of nature. The principle of fairness demands that organic agriculture builds relationships that ensure fairness with respect to the environment. Finally, the principle of care expects organic agriculture to be managed responsibly and with precaution to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations, as well as the environment.
The benefits of organic agriculture include a nature-friendly way of farming and better welfare for farm animals. There are regulations to follow, such as the number of fowl per chicken, how to care for cattle, and allowing animals to roam freely. Organic farming follows these principles to enhance the health of soil, water, and air, thus paving the way for sustainability. The absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduces the risk of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Natural compost and manure from farms or local herds should be used, and crop rotation is crucial.
There are 2,500 billion tons of carbon stored in the soil, making soil an important tool in the fight against climate change. Organic farming helps in capturing carbon naturally, and organic soils are 25% more efficient at long-term carbon storage. Organic farming also has the highest animal welfare standards. Animals are allowed to roam, forage, graze, and breathe fresh air, enabling them to express their natural behaviors. They are not treated with medications or antibiotics. Organic farms provide havens for wildlife such as bees, birds, and butterflies. When chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, they kill not only pests but also wildlife, pollinators, and birds. An organic farm has more birds and wild bees compared to conventional farming.
Nitrogen fertilizers used in conventional farming can create ocean dead zones, depriving underwater life of oxygen. When fertilizers and pesticides wash off in the rain, they mix with water bodies, killing aquatic creatures and causing environmental damage.
Organic food is considered safer than its counterparts, being produced with fewer pesticides, additives, and preservatives. Although there are limited studies on the nutritional benefits of organic food, a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates substantial nutritional benefits in organic food, dairy products, and meat. Dairy products were found to contain more iron, vitamin E, and carotenoids, while organic crops had 17% more antioxidants than non-organic crops.
Why is organic certification needed? Globally, people often don’t fully trust organic food. Certification is required to maintain and build that trust. Many products are labeled "organic" with claims about sustainability and welfare, but not all meet the necessary regulations. Certified products are allowed to carry logos, provided they meet the regulatory standards set by accredited bodies. Organic certification covers the entire supply chain, from sowing to reaching the consumer. Farms, processed foods, textiles, cosmetics, animal products, and agricultural products can all be certified as organic. Every country has its own organic standards, and operations must comply with these regulatory requirements to receive certification.
International equivalence agreements are being negotiated to harmonize certifications between countries and facilitate global trade. For instance, in India, there is an equivalency arrangement for Category A (unprocessed products) with the EU's organic regulations. Therefore, we can export this category's products to European countries and member states when they are NPOP certified under the equivalency arrangement. However, for other categories and other countries, Indian organic certification may not be equivalent, so exporters need to acquire certification per the importing country's organic regulations.
In India, all food processors, producers, and traders who want to market their products as organic must be registered with accredited control agencies or certification bodies. These bodies verify whether operations comply with organic rules before issuing a compliance certification. Audits and checks are conducted before certification is granted.
India has two main logos for organic products: PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) and NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production). PGS is farmer group-centric and certifies products for the local market, while NPOP, managed by APEDA, is required for anyone wishing to export. These two programs are independent of each other, and NPOP-certified products can be traded in both domestic and international markets.
Global organic certification follows the respective country’s regulations for organic products. In Europe, the current regulation is EU 834, which will soon be replaced by EU 2018/848 on January 1, 2025. The new EU organic regulation will implement stricter controls. For exporting to the USA, certification under USDA-NOP is required; for Canada, it’s the Canadian Organic Regime; and for Japan, JAS certification is necessary. Certifying bodies must be accredited by the relevant accreditation authorities to certify under these regulations for specific types of operations (farms, processing units, livestock, etc.). These logos and symbols ensure that the product has been verified and certified throughout the supply chain as organic.
The negative effects of non-organic farming include practices like stubble burning, which causes pollution. Organic farming prohibits stubble burning and encourages alternative methods like mulching. In Punjab, large areas of land have become infertile due to chemical farming. Consumers are becoming more concerned about their health, and one of the sustainable choices they are making is purchasing organic food. We should support local farmers by buying organic products. For students in this field, career opportunities include working as technical advisors in farm certification bodies, inspectors, certifying officers, internal auditors, or quality assurance officers. Another option is starting an organic food processing business, which helps improve the organic food industry and positively impacts the environment in India.
How do global organic certification agencies ensure product authenticity? Global organic certification primarily facilitates exports. The basic requirement is Indian NPOP certification. Certified operations must undergo rigorous audits and testing of their products, including farm soil and input testing. This continuous process is necessary to maintain organic status. Global certifications involve increased controls, and importing countries may require additional standards to be met.
What criteria must a product meet to obtain global organic certification? The product must meet the requirements of the importing country. For example, USDA-certified products from India can be exported to Canada and vice versa, with certain additional controls. However, the EU requires separate certification. While applying for certification, it’s essential to verify the accreditation status of the Certification Body (CB). Accreditation refers to approval from the country's regulatory body that grants certification. In case of doubt, it's helpful to meet with a CB representative to understand the specific requirements for each country.
There are experts like us who can help businesses understand organic certification requirements and choose the appropriate CB and certification scheme. For consumers, a product certified under both Indian and global standards indicates it has undergone additional controls, ensuring a higher level of quality and trust.
What challenges do global organic certifications face, and how are they addressed? One significant challenge is interpreting foreign regulations in a local context. Global standards are often developed with specific government schemes, environmental conditions, and agricultural practices in mind, making them difficult to implement in other countries. This remains a continuous challenge for global organic certification.
What measures prevent fraudulent claims of organic status in the global market? In India, FSSAI requires all organic producers to register with them. They monitor products, conduct tests, and impose heavy fines, suspensions, or blacklists if fraud is detected. Certification bodies also face strict audits, and if found faulty, they are penalized or suspended by the National Accreditation Board (APEDA).
How does consumer awareness drive the demand for stricter global organic certification? Consumers must learn to look beyond appearances. Organic products may not always be as visually appealing as conventional ones, but many sellers are falsely marketing irregularly shaped and sized products as organic. Consumers should know how to identify genuine organic products and ensure that regulations are strictly followed. The government must also implement better schemes to support this.
Can you elaborate on the role of technology in ensuring traceability of organic-certified products? There are many technologies available that allow for product scanning to verify organic status and source. For instance, APEDA’s Tracenet ensures traceability of products from farms to retailers. The standards are based on the four principles of care, health, ecology, and fairness, all of which positively protect the environment. These principles should be followed for both national and global certification to have a broader positive impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Swati Sharma
Founder & Director
Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt. Ltd.
www.parthaviorganic.com
+918890990954
At Parthavi, our vision is to create awareness about organic agriculture and its importance. Farming today often involves the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and GMO feeds. However, in organic cultivation, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not allowed. Organic farming produces food in a way that benefits people, animals, and the environment. As more people adopt planet-centric thinking to protect agriculture and the environment, it’s time for the organic industry to harness this momentum and unite in promoting a clear message: avoid chemical farming and advocate for organic methods.
The four principles that govern organic farming are care, health, ecology, and fairness. The principle of health ensures that organic agriculture sustains and enhances the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans by avoiding chemicals. The principle of ecology requires organic agriculture to be based on living ecological systems, working with and sustaining flora and fauna. Organic practices also naturally repel pests. On an organic farm, you'll find an abundance of butterflies, pollinators, and worms, which help maintain the ecological balance of nature. The principle of fairness demands that organic agriculture builds relationships that ensure fairness with respect to the environment. Finally, the principle of care expects organic agriculture to be managed responsibly and with precaution to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations, as well as the environment.
The benefits of organic agriculture include a nature-friendly way of farming and better welfare for farm animals. There are regulations to follow, such as the number of fowl per chicken, how to care for cattle, and allowing animals to roam freely. Organic farming follows these principles to enhance the health of soil, water, and air, thus paving the way for sustainability. The absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduces the risk of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Natural compost and manure from farms or local herds should be used, and crop rotation is crucial.
There are 2,500 billion tons of carbon stored in the soil, making soil an important tool in the fight against climate change. Organic farming helps in capturing carbon naturally, and organic soils are 25% more efficient at long-term carbon storage. Organic farming also has the highest animal welfare standards. Animals are allowed to roam, forage, graze, and breathe fresh air, enabling them to express their natural behaviors. They are not treated with medications or antibiotics. Organic farms provide havens for wildlife such as bees, birds, and butterflies. When chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, they kill not only pests but also wildlife, pollinators, and birds. An organic farm has more birds and wild bees compared to conventional farming.
Nitrogen fertilizers used in conventional farming can create ocean dead zones, depriving underwater life of oxygen. When fertilizers and pesticides wash off in the rain, they mix with water bodies, killing aquatic creatures and causing environmental damage.
Organic food is considered safer than its counterparts, being produced with fewer pesticides, additives, and preservatives. Although there are limited studies on the nutritional benefits of organic food, a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates substantial nutritional benefits in organic food, dairy products, and meat. Dairy products were found to contain more iron, vitamin E, and carotenoids, while organic crops had 17% more antioxidants than non-organic crops.
Why is organic certification needed? Globally, people often don’t fully trust organic food. Certification is required to maintain and build that trust. Many products are labeled "organic" with claims about sustainability and welfare, but not all meet the necessary regulations. Certified products are allowed to carry logos, provided they meet the regulatory standards set by accredited bodies. Organic certification covers the entire supply chain, from sowing to reaching the consumer. Farms, processed foods, textiles, cosmetics, animal products, and agricultural products can all be certified as organic. Every country has its own organic standards, and operations must comply with these regulatory requirements to receive certification.
International equivalence agreements are being negotiated to harmonize certifications between countries and facilitate global trade. For instance, in India, there is an equivalency arrangement for Category A (unprocessed products) with the EU's organic regulations. Therefore, we can export this category's products to European countries and member states when they are NPOP certified under the equivalency arrangement. However, for other categories and other countries, Indian organic certification may not be equivalent, so exporters need to acquire certification per the importing country's organic regulations.
In India, all food processors, producers, and traders who want to market their products as organic must be registered with accredited control agencies or certification bodies. These bodies verify whether operations comply with organic rules before issuing a compliance certification. Audits and checks are conducted before certification is granted.
India has two main logos for organic products: PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) and NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production). PGS is farmer group-centric and certifies products for the local market, while NPOP, managed by APEDA, is required for anyone wishing to export. These two programs are independent of each other, and NPOP-certified products can be traded in both domestic and international markets.
Global organic certification follows the respective country’s regulations for organic products. In Europe, the current regulation is EU 834, which will soon be replaced by EU 2018/848 on January 1, 2025. The new EU organic regulation will implement stricter controls. For exporting to the USA, certification under USDA-NOP is required; for Canada, it’s the Canadian Organic Regime; and for Japan, JAS certification is necessary. Certifying bodies must be accredited by the relevant accreditation authorities to certify under these regulations for specific types of operations (farms, processing units, livestock, etc.). These logos and symbols ensure that the product has been verified and certified throughout the supply chain as organic.
The negative effects of non-organic farming include practices like stubble burning, which causes pollution. Organic farming prohibits stubble burning and encourages alternative methods like mulching. In Punjab, large areas of land have become infertile due to chemical farming. Consumers are becoming more concerned about their health, and one of the sustainable choices they are making is purchasing organic food. We should support local farmers by buying organic products. For students in this field, career opportunities include working as technical advisors in farm certification bodies, inspectors, certifying officers, internal auditors, or quality assurance officers. Another option is starting an organic food processing business, which helps improve the organic food industry and positively impacts the environment in India.
How do global organic certification agencies ensure product authenticity? Global organic certification primarily facilitates exports. The basic requirement is Indian NPOP certification. Certified operations must undergo rigorous audits and testing of their products, including farm soil and input testing. This continuous process is necessary to maintain organic status. Global certifications involve increased controls, and importing countries may require additional standards to be met.
What criteria must a product meet to obtain global organic certification? The product must meet the requirements of the importing country. For example, USDA-certified products from India can be exported to Canada and vice versa, with certain additional controls. However, the EU requires separate certification. While applying for certification, it’s essential to verify the accreditation status of the Certification Body (CB). Accreditation refers to approval from the country's regulatory body that grants certification. In case of doubt, it's helpful to meet with a CB representative to understand the specific requirements for each country.
There are experts like us who can help businesses understand organic certification requirements and choose the appropriate CB and certification scheme. For consumers, a product certified under both Indian and global standards indicates it has undergone additional controls, ensuring a higher level of quality and trust.
What challenges do global organic certifications face, and how are they addressed? One significant challenge is interpreting foreign regulations in a local context. Global standards are often developed with specific government schemes, environmental conditions, and agricultural practices in mind, making them difficult to implement in other countries. This remains a continuous challenge for global organic certification.
What measures prevent fraudulent claims of organic status in the global market? In India, FSSAI requires all organic producers to register with them. They monitor products, conduct tests, and impose heavy fines, suspensions, or blacklists if fraud is detected. Certification bodies also face strict audits, and if found faulty, they are penalized or suspended by the National Accreditation Board (APEDA).
How does consumer awareness drive the demand for stricter global organic certification? Consumers must learn to look beyond appearances. Organic products may not always be as visually appealing as conventional ones, but many sellers are falsely marketing irregularly shaped and sized products as organic. Consumers should know how to identify genuine organic products and ensure that regulations are strictly followed. The government must also implement better schemes to support this.
Can you elaborate on the role of technology in ensuring traceability of organic-certified products? There are many technologies available that allow for product scanning to verify organic status and source. For instance, APEDA’s Tracenet ensures traceability of products from farms to retailers. The standards are based on the four principles of care, health, ecology, and fairness, all of which positively protect the environment. These principles should be followed for both national and global certification to have a broader positive impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Swati Sharma
Founder & Director
Parthavi Organic Vision Pvt. Ltd.
www.parthaviorganic.com
+918890990954
