It is a must for all producers and processors of organic
products for export to register their enterprises, with an accredited and
certified body by European commission. Inspection is first and foremost carried
out by the certified body before registration. The farms/firms must undergo
this exercise in order to be awarded an organic certificate. The farm applies
for inspection by filling a form from the European Union accredited body. The accreditation
body then sends an inspector who carries out the exercise taking into account
the following:-
1. The
surrounding of the farm .For example if the location is near a quarry or a factory,
this can cause rejection due to dust and fumes emitted which cause
contamination of the produce.
2. Inside
the farm the inspector checks
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The Soil: The soil is checked for heavy metals
like lead, mercury etc.
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Source of water: The water must be fresh and of
good quality, from a well, river, rain etc. The water is tested for heavy
metals, macrobiotic matter, pesticides, etc.
3. The
inspector interviews the owner, manager or the workers who are expected to be
aware of the organic laws. The owner should not own another enterprise producing
a similar crop under conventional agriculture.
4. Seed
and seed treatments must be organic and if unavailable conventional seeds can
be used. The seed must however not be GMO or chemically treated.
5. Seedlings
if grown under organic conditions are allowed to be used in production.
6. Fertilizer
and plant protection scheme. The following are recommended to be in use
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Inputs from organic production
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Natural or naturally derived substances
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Low solubility mineral fertilizers
7. Documentation
system: Good record keeping is a requirement for certification
8. Map
of the farm: There must be a map indicating the location in case the inspector
wants to visit the enterprise without notice.
9. The
storage facility: In case the storage is away from the farm, the facility
should also be inspected
10. Packaging and
labeling of the produce: the containers must be well sealed to avoid
contamination.
If the inspector is satisfied with all the above conditions,
he/she presents the findings to the registration committee for approval. If the
committee approves the enterprise, the owner is issued with an international
number and later organic farming certificate is issued. The certificate is
thereafter required to be renewed annually.For more information read http://www.organicfarmermagazine.org/
