CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTION

To satisfy the consumers and guarantee that the produce is totally organic. Certification agency conducts inspection that minimum requirements prescribed for organic agriculture is fully met and issues certificate. Certificate is given for current year's harvest only and hence annual certification is required. Cost of certification is high but products can get  >20% returns than conventional if there is proper market. At international level,  basic standards are defined by IFOAM, evaluation will be done by accredited private agencies. National standard in India is set by NPOP ,effort is done to standardize it with EU standards ,national accreditation done  by APEDA and other commodity boards.

Minimum requirements for certification

1. Conversion
2. Mixed farming
3. Cropping Pattern
4. Planting
5. Manurial Policy
6. Pest, Disease and Weed management
7. Soil and water conservation
8. Contamination control
9. Processing

Conversion period

It represents transion period required to sift the farmers from non-organic to organic farming. It is usually 2 years for annuals, 3 years for perennials. The period may also depends on agency demands.

Crop production standards

Soil covered with mulches throughout the year, mixed cultivation with legumes, measures taken to prevent soil erosion, salt accumulation, efficient  use of water, to save ground and surface water from pollution are some of the crop production standards.

Choice of varieties and crops

Seeds should be procured from organic certified seed grower and it must have label of organic. Locally adoptable cultivars should be preferred.

Issues to be addressed

1. Development of domestic organic market, local outlets to be opened
2. Promotion of green food & its standard /certification process, more extension activities.
3. Identification of areas with little or no chemical input use and where productivity can be enhanced by using permitted inputs enable group certification to farmers.
4. More recognition of NPOP by other countries
5. R&D to be promoted, package specific to each crop

There are 12 accredited certifying agencies under NPOP:

• Every producer, processor and exporter shall fulfill international standards as well as existing regulations in the country of importation.
• Fee for inspection and certification, Individual farmers (Small) 4000/- per day, 500 per hour
• Fee for inspection and certification, Individual farmers (Big) 4800/- per day, 600/- per hour