Are you curious about the ins and outs of organic certification? Wondering whether organic certification is right for you or your business? Look no further!
Today, we're thrilled to answer the questions, asked throughout Organic Week. Get ready to dive into the world of organics and organic certification. Let's explore what organic certification really is, and how you can get organically certified.

1. What is organic certification? 

To call an apple an organic apple, the apple orchard needs to be managed in a way that meets the organic standards.  

From the BioGro Organic Standards Module 1, Section 2 Principles of Organic Production 

2.1 Organic production  

Organic production includes such terms as biological husbandry, eco-agriculture, natural, sustainable and bio-dynamic. Organic production seeks to produce food of optimum quality and quantity, by holistic management of productive ecosystems. This approach endeavours to make the ecosystems sustainable and non-polluting of the environment while providing a sustainable income to the producer, families and communities. Some of the main principles and methods that are employed aim to:  

a. Foster beneficial processes and interactions such as occur in natural ecosystems, thus encouraging internal stability rather than heavy reliance on external control measures.  

b. Reduce external control to the absolute minimum required for maintaining the chosen state of production. Inputs used aim to work as far as possible in conjunction with natural cycles, rather than trying to dominate such cycles.  

c. Achieve cycles/flows of nutrients and materials that have as few losses as possible. This requires the conservation and recycling of nutrients and organic material.  

d. Sustain and enhance the fertility and life-supporting ability of the production medium, including its biological, physical and chemical components. For land-based production systems, great emphasis is placed on the importance of soil organic matter, and soil flora and fauna.  

e. Minimise any deleterious environmental effects of particular management practices, including any that may reduce the natural diversity to the detriment of plant and wildlife habitats.  

f. Ensure the ethical treatment of animals.  

g. Minimise the use of non-renewable resources 

2.2 Organic agriculture  

Organic agriculture is based on appropriate stocking rates, consideration of animal welfare, sound rotations using diverse stock and cropping strategies with the extensive but rational use of animal manure and other vegetative residues, and the use of appropriate cultivation techniques. It aims to avoid the use of soluble and synthetic fertilisers and synthetic pesticides and prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms. Similar considerations apply, where appropriate, to aquaculture, fishing, and wild harvesting.

BioGro wrote some of New Zealand’s first organic standards, and the standards are regularly reviewed to ensure that they align with the standards of overseas countries to allow producers to export their products as efficiently as possible.

2. Isn’t organic certification just a marketing scam? 

Organic certification is regulated in many countries and has been for 20 years in places like Canada, the USA, the UK, and Japan, and over 30 years in the European Union. Over 90 countries around the world have regulations about what can use the word organic on a product label.  

So no, it isn’t a marketing scam. Greenwashing is making a marketing claim that can’t be backed up with evidence. Organic products need to be compliant with national regulations.  

BioGro has been accredited by the International Organic Accreditation Service to certify to the BioGro standards and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements Organic Standards.  

Organic agriculture is practiced in 187 countries, with 72.3 million hectares of agricultural land managed organically by at least 3.1 million farmers.

 “Greenwashing is making a marketing claim that can’t be backed up with evidence. Organic products need to be compliant with national regulations. “

These countries have established formal government standards, regulations, and certification for organic farming and organic food. Here’s a breakdown by region: 

• European Union: Countries like Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Italy have fully implemented organic regulations

• Others in Europe: Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland are among those with fully implemented regulations

• Asia and Pacific Region: China, India, Japan, and Thailand have fully implemented organic regulations 

• Americas and Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States have fully implemented regulations

• Africa: Tunisia has fully implemented organic regulations

Additionally, there are countries where regulations are still in development, such as Bosnia Herzegovina, Russia, and Armenia.

Overall, organic agriculture continues to grow globally, promoting sustainable practices and healthier food choices.

3. Is organic farming/growing really that different from conventional farming? Aren’t pesticides still used? 

According to the BioGro Standards, Organic farming is regenerative farming, and it focuses on feeding the soil so that the plants are healthy, reducing the need for pesticides or herbicides. Yes, organic farming allows for non-synthetic pesticides and herbicides to be used in crop management. These are mostly biological products or products that break down in the environment quickly and don’t leave a residue on fruit or vegetables. 

These are a last resort, as organic farmers need to demonstrate that they have first tried to use biological, mechanical or cultural methods to deal with pest, disease and weed issues, before using pesticides or herbicides.

4. Is organic production economically feasible? 

5. I’m already farming/growing regeneratively, do I really need organic certification? 

You don’t need to be certified organic to make a regenerative label claim - yet.
However, most overseas markets and major retail stores don’t recognise regenerative agriculture that doesn’t have some kind of verification or standards. All major overseas markets have and recognise organic, and this is the best way to get paid for your regenerative practices. 

6. How long does it take to get organic certification? 

It takes three years to convert to organic production for growers and producers. 

For processed product manufacturers, it takes anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the number of products and how quickly recipes can be approved. All suppliers and ingredients must be assessed and approved before certification.  

To find out more about each specific process - check out our certifications programmes.

7. I’m interested in getting organically certified, but I know regulations are coming. Should I just wait? 

If you are a grower, I wouldn’t wait. MPI has made it clear in consultations that they want currently certified operators to be able to smoothly transition to the New Zealand National Organic Standard. The earlier you get certified the earlier you can get through the three years of conversion to full organic. 

8. What do you suggest a business looking to convert to organic certification do first? 

Talk to someone who is already certified and doing what you want to do. Organic Week is a great way to go out and visit organic farms that want to encourage others to go organic.  

Have questions that weren’t answered here? Check out our FAQs on organics and organic certification, and don’t hesitate to get in contact