X-Nico

4 unusual facts about organic certification


Organic certification

Some retailers have their stores certified as organic handlers and processors to ensure organic compliance is maintained throughout the supply chain until delivered to consumers, such as Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers, a 60-year old chain based in Colorado.

Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In Germany the national label was introduced in September 2001 following in the footsteps of the political campaign of "Agrarwende" (agricultural major shift) led by minister Renate Künast of the Greens party.

In Japan, the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) was fully implemented as law in April 2001.


Organic farming in New Zealand

While all commercial producers in New Zealand are subject to requirements under the Fair Trading Act, which covers misleading behaviour, there is no specific piece of legislation regulating organic certification in New Zealand but a number of standards are used including Demeter International, IFOAM and BioGro.


see also

Organic India

Organic India works directly with marginal farmers in tribal villages, providing seeds, fertilizers, organic certification, and the assumption of risk in case of crop failure.