Organic Gardening - crop certification

Question 1

Crop certification for organic status

Meaning

Answer 1

Producers and processors must be approved by a registered certification body eg The Soil Association.

Producer and processors must reach set standards and undergo regular inspection. This process can take a minimum of two years

Question 2

Organic growing

Regulatory bodies

Answer 2

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements - IFOAM.

The Soil Association, Organic Growers and Producers Ltd., DEFRA

Question 3

Reasons for regulation of Organic Growing

Answer 3

Provides definition of ‘Organic Production’.
Greater consumer confidence.
Monitors and controls range of pesticides and fertilisers used.
Regulates post harvest treatments.
Provides a framework of good practices eg. Recycling and procurement
Regulates presence of genetically modified organisms.