What does "Organic" mean?
The word “Organic” as used to market or describe conditions about produce is a subjective term and is open to exploitation and even abuse in influencing opinion.
To try and quantify the term is apparent to avoid confusion.
The European Union (EU) Parliament decided to do that.
The EU represents a large number of countries, with diverse language, culture, race, religious and interest or pressure groups.
They succeeded.
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 of 21st June 1991
On organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs.
For Roux Pecans “Organic” means annual certification to this EU standard – at least.
If the supplier of your products cannot show you a current certificate specifically applicable to the product in front of you, you should be skeptical.
Certification bodies/agencies are businesses and fight for market share. Each country has one or many agents selling their expertise. In Europe they are regulated by the EU standard for the term organic.
This is why the Standard is important and not the cost or logo of the agency doing the inspection.
Roux Pecans clients are very pleased that we use Ecocert and Bio-Suisse (Switzerland).
Bio Suisse expect the level of EU legislation PLUS a few more requirements.
In South Africa there is a drive to lower the standards required to use the term “Organic” in marketing and to lower the cost and make it easier for inexperienced farmers to attain certification.
This is a cynical exploitation of consumers, and misleads the producer because his products cannot be exported as “Organic”.
South Africa should adopt the EU regulations as the work is already done, and they have taken into account their entire race, creed, language and economic differences.
It works.
If products are labeled “In-Conversion”, they are NOT ORGANIC.
It is akin to the state of pregnancy.
Either you are or, you are not.
Be proactive. Demand to see the actual certificate. The producer is justly proud of it.
If they can’t produce it – Don’t buy it. (pun intended)
To try and quantify the term is apparent to avoid confusion.
The European Union (EU) Parliament decided to do that.
The EU represents a large number of countries, with diverse language, culture, race, religious and interest or pressure groups.
They succeeded.
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 of 21st June 1991
On organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs.
For Roux Pecans “Organic” means annual certification to this EU standard – at least.
If the supplier of your products cannot show you a current certificate specifically applicable to the product in front of you, you should be skeptical.
Certification bodies/agencies are businesses and fight for market share. Each country has one or many agents selling their expertise. In Europe they are regulated by the EU standard for the term organic.
This is why the Standard is important and not the cost or logo of the agency doing the inspection.
Roux Pecans clients are very pleased that we use Ecocert and Bio-Suisse (Switzerland).
Bio Suisse expect the level of EU legislation PLUS a few more requirements.
In South Africa there is a drive to lower the standards required to use the term “Organic” in marketing and to lower the cost and make it easier for inexperienced farmers to attain certification.
This is a cynical exploitation of consumers, and misleads the producer because his products cannot be exported as “Organic”.
South Africa should adopt the EU regulations as the work is already done, and they have taken into account their entire race, creed, language and economic differences.
It works.
If products are labeled “In-Conversion”, they are NOT ORGANIC.
It is akin to the state of pregnancy.
Either you are or, you are not.
Be proactive. Demand to see the actual certificate. The producer is justly proud of it.
If they can’t produce it – Don’t buy it. (pun intended)
posted by Roux Pecans: www.pecannuts.co.za | 12:29 pm
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