TROPO's Organic Info Library

Organic Certification

What is organic certification?

Generally people understand that organic farming involves managing a healthy, sustainable farm ecosystem without using artificial chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.

However wholesale buyers, retailers and individual consumers of organic produce usually want some independent assurance that it is indeed organic. There are several organisations offering certification services listed below.

Each organisation has its own detailed guidelines and inspection procedures with varying fees. Farmers who obtain certification then have the right to use the organisation's logo and a registration number on their produce.

Some of these organisations have begun moves towards co-operation and joint promotion of organic produce. Possibly they may develop a shared logo which would make it easier for consumers to recognise organic produce.

TROPO does not recommend any particular certification organisation rather than another. Organic producers who are interested in certification should obtain up-to-date details of services, requirements and fees from each organisation before deciding which is most suitable for them.

Who can be certified organic?

It is important to understand that a production system based on sound organic management must be properly established before a farm can be certified organic.

In most cases it takes some years for a farm previously managed with artificial chemicals to reach the stage where it can be certified organic.

Who needs to be certified organic?

If your produce is intended only for home use or for exchange or sale to friends and neighbours who are familiar with your farm and your methods there is no necessity to obtain certification.

If you sell organic produce direct to a specific local market, your reputation might be sufficient assurance for buyers and you might decide you do not need certification. Even so, certification can be an asset in a competitive market and can reassure new customers in particular.

It is. of course, an offence to offer any produce as "organic" if it is not organic within the normal meaning of the term.

To do so would be a case of fraud, and would be illegal under the Food Act administered by the NSW Health Department, regardless of whether there was any claim of certification or not.

If you sell your produce through agents, wholesalers or retailers you probably will require certification. There is (as of mid 1993) no statutory requirement for certificatibn for organic produce sold within Australia, but established organic marketers usually handle only certified produce.

If you plan to export your produce you definitely will require certification in most cases. You should check that the organisation you choose for certification is approved by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and is well-known in the particular market you are aiming to supply.

Organic Certification Organisations

Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA)
P.O. Box 2577 G.P.O. Canberra City ACT2601
Ph: (085) 285 337
Fax: (085) 285 385

Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia
c/o Post Office
Powelltown 3797

National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia
(NASAA) P.O.Box 768
Stirling SA 5152 Ph: (08) 370 8455 Fax:(08)3708381

Organic Herb Growers of Australia (OHGA)
P.O.Box6171
South Lismore 2480
Ph:(066)29 1057

Organic Vignerons Association of Australia
P.O.Box385 Griffith 2680
Ph: (069) 62 3944

Other organisations may offer certification services - TROPO welcomes additional information for inclusion in updated editions of this information sheet.

Organisations listed are requested to advise of changes in address, phone, etc.

Please send details to TROPO PO Box 5076 East Lismore 5076
or email robyalst@nrg.com.au

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