This time I want to share with you information that I have read about the certification process of organic products. In Europe and United States, certification is under the control of government agencies. So, in the United States it engaged by the USDA, Organic; JAS in Japan; Australian Certified Organic in Australia; Agriculture Biologique in France and Center of organic biology in Canada.
But certification requirements vary from country to country. For example, in U.S. certificate includes a set of standards for growing, storage, handling, packaging and transportation of products. But all of them based on non-use of wastewater, synthetic chemical fertilizers including pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, GMO, irradiation, and the use of sewage sludge. Land for growing organic products must be free from prohibited synthetic chemicals for a number of years (three or more). Farmers must keep detailed records of the production and sale of products, the strict separation of organic products from non-certified, and passing inspections.
In the US, the Federal legislation defines three levels of organic food products: 100% organic products, organic products that are at least 95% composed organic ingredients and with 70% of organic ingredients. Detailed marking on all the organic products must be specified by farmers.
Recently most of people prefer healthy food and one of the main components of healthy eating is organic food. And now many people will ask what`s the difference between organic and non-organic food. Important difference between them is in process of their growing, producing, handling and packing.
Organic vegetables and fruits are grown using natural fertilizer, like manure or compost. These components do not destroy natural properties of soil in contrast of industrial fertilizers which contain nitrate.
In conventional agriculture are used pesticides and insecticides from plant`s diseases and pests. In organic farming people use natural methods, like making traps.
Organic farmers use mulch and hand weeding. Conventional farming prevents chemicals and herbicides during the weed`s growth.
Unlike organic farming, non-organic agriculture applies genetically modified seeds, their benefits are doubtful.
There are no antibiotics for treat, appetite enhancers, growth hormone in organic animal husbandry. Livestock treats humanely, its free to walk and have a natural feed.
