Accreditation, Certification and Inspection in Organic and Biodynamic Farming on the National and International Level

Stipendiatin/Stipendiat: Irmina Pelc

Organic farming is an environmentally friendly method of agricultural production: “Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.” (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements)Organic farming is developing dynamically all over the world. According to FiBL – IFOAM Survey (2009) there are 32.2 million hectares of agricultural land under organic production. 24% of agricultural land in Europe in cultivated organically. Increase of organic land was observed in more than 80 countries. Poland took the 5 place with the increase of almost 58 000 ha and Germany the 8 with additional ca. 40 000 ha. There were reported 1.2 million of organic producers in 2008. With such a dynamics of development, organic farming needs assured, reliable and set in the legal frame accreditation, certification and control system in order to assure product credibility and build consumer confidence. Certification is the key element in marketing of organic products. Proper labelling makes it possible to differentiate organic products from among a number of various products on the market. A logo is a guarantee for a consumer that they purchase an item of high quality, which meets all the requirements included in regulations. Legislation guarantees that a logo cannot be put on these products, which do not meet the norms. It also allows to sue dishonest producers or processors, who use logo illegally and benefit from it (e.g. higher prices). Furthermore, well constructed system, which demands proper documentation, has a positive impact on quality assurance schemes, products traceability and saves costs. The aim of the project is the analysis of accreditation, certification and inspection systems in organic farming on the national and international level. The study focuses on private and national institutions and international organizations. Crucial part of the project covers the assessment of the whole system and the study of possibilities to implement German and other countries' solutions into Polish scene and vice versa.

Förderzeitraum:
01.07.2009 - 30.06.2010

Institut:
Arbeitsgemeinschaft für biologisch-dynamischen Landbau Versuchs- und Beratungsring Berlin Brandenburg e.V.

Betreuer:
Jakob Ganten

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