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Organic farming is a fast growing area in EU agriculture, which is a direct result of increased consumer interest in organic products. This means that they have fulfilled strict conditions on how they are produced, transported and stored.
The organic logo can only be used on products that have been certified as organic by an authorised control agency or body. This makes it easier for EU based consumers to identify organic products and helps farmers to market them across all EU countries. The organic logo gives a coherent visual identity to EU produced organic products sold in the EU.
Imported organic food is also subject to control procedures to guarantee that they have also been produced and shipped in accordance with organic principles. All operators are checked at least once a year to make sure that they are continuing to follow the rules. After they have been inspected and checked, they will be awarded a certificate to confirm that their products meet organic standards. Producers, distributors and marketers of organic products must register with their local control body before they are allowed to market their food as organic. Each EU country appoints ‘control bodies or authorities’ to inspect operators in the organics food chain.
As organic farming is part of a larger supply chain which encompasses food processing, distribution and retail sectors, these are also subject to checks. Therefore, the EU maintains the following strict system of control and enforcement to guarantee that organics rules and regulations are being followed properly. In order for farmers to derive benefits from organic farming methods, consumers need to trust that the rules on organic production are being followed. This is to satisfy consumer demand for trustworthy organic products whilst providing a fair marketplace for producers, distributors and marketers.
preservation of regional ecological balances Īdditionally, organic farming rules encourage a high standard of animal welfare and require farmers to meet the specific behavioural needs of animals.Įuropean Union regulations on organic farming are designed to provide a clear structure for the production of organic goods across the whole of the EU.
responsible use of energy and natural resources. This means that organic farming tends to have a limited environmental impact as it encourages: Organic farming is an agricultural method that aims to produce food using natural substances and processes.