WHAT IS ORGANIC CERTIFICATION AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT?
Organic certification is a process that an independent or third-party organization takes to certify that agricultural goods have been made according to specific organic farming standards and guidelines. The certification ensures that products are free from synthetic harm! Pesticides & fertilizers and are grown with the help of sustainable farming practices. In UAE, the Emirates Authority for Normalization and Metrology (ESMA). Responsible for the regulation and issuing of organic certification.
THE PROCESS OF ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
To begin the journey of the certification process, farmers and producers should get in touch with a certification body that ESMA accredits and then apply for certification. The certification body will then check or audit the farm or production facility. To make sure they follow the UAE Organic Farming Standard. If the farm or facility meets the needs, it's a go - the certification body will present an organic certificate.
Unfolds via a few steps:
- Need to adopt organic practices for farm or business,
- Selecting a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and submitting an application with necessary fees to the certifying agent.
- The certifying agent looks through the application for any sketchy stuff and makes sure everything's in line with USDA organic regulations,
- Some inspections will take place on-site, which is conducted by an inspector who evaluates the compliance of operation with organic farming practices.
- Review by the certifying agent ensure that both the application and the inspector's report comply with USDA organic regulations.
- The organic certification body then releases the organic certificate.
Keeping up your organic certification does call for a yearly inspection and review process for your certified organic farm or business.
The organic certification in UAE is only for a while, it only lasts one year. After this duration, farmers and producers must undergo a renewal audit to sustain their certification. Of course, all organic products should have traceable labels, and the accreditation should stand out to consumers and be prominently displayed on the product's packaging.
To get organic certification, farmers and producers must maintain compliance with the UAE Organic Farming Standard (UAE.S 5030:2019). This standard outlines specific guidelines and requirements for organic farming, which include the use of organic fertilizers, pest management, protection of soil, and being able to avoid genetically engineered organisms(aka GMOs).
To put it simply, an initiative to get organic food certification involves complying with the Organic Farming Standard of UAE, undergoing a review by a certified accrediting body, and maintaining compliance through regular audits.
BENEFITS OF ORGANIC CERTIFICATION?
- Receive premium prices for your products
- Rapidly grow in local, regional, and global markets
- Boost regional economies
- Get additional funding and technical skills.
THREE PATHS IN THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
- Plant
- Food Processing
- Animals
Does your company operate in any of the above-stated scopes? Get in line for your organic certification and steal a march on your competitors!
FAQ's
What are the benefits of becoming organically certified?
Benefits include access to a fast-growing market segment, higher price premiums, consumer trust in the organic label, and the potential for environmental and health benefits associated with organic farming practices.
How long does it take to get certified?
The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the certifying body and the readiness of your operation to meet the organic standards.
Can I use the organic logo immediately after applying for certification?
No, you can only use the organic logo on your products after your certification has been approved and granted by a recognized certifying agent.
What are the requirements for maintaining organic certification?
Maintaining organic certification requires ongoing compliance with all applicable organic standards, which includes record-keeping of all operations, undergoing annual inspections, and promptly reporting any changes in your practices to the certifying body.
What happens if I violate the organic certification standards?
Violations can result in suspension or revocation of your organic certification, along with fines or other penalties depending on the severity of the violation and local laws. It's important to adhere closely to organic standards and maintain transparent records to avoid such issues.