By

Dr. Rafael S. BarrozoHAMTRI Foundation

University of the Philippines Los Baños Campus

THE NEED FOR STANDARDS AND SAFETY/QUALITY

ASSURANCES

Caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware!

Most Hazards or Misrepresentations in Foods are Completely Hidden

How can a consumer tell the difference between a chicken that is contaminated with

salmonella and one that is pathogen-free?

How about wine or organic honey?

What is the difference between organic vegetables and non-organic vegetables? How can you tell which of the two is organic?

Consumers Want AssurancesToday’s consumers and

retailers want to know that the food they

purchase is safe, no matter where it was

grown, raised or processed. They will want to be ensured

that your product has undergone methodical

surveillance.

A Clear Need

Standards are neededRetailers and wholesalers worldwide have

identified the need for consistent, internationally accepted food safety and

quality management systems.

Groceries

Food Safety and Value – the Greatest Challenge in Today’s Global Food Industry

Food poisoning, adulteration or mislabeling incidents not only affect the reputation of the companies that have produced the products but also the countries in which those products were produced.

They have been and still are the subject of much debate and conflict among countries.

Food Quality Management and Food Certification Systems

Food quality management and food certification systems are universally recognized as being the most appropriate way of preventing these unfortunate incidents from happening.

Food certification systems have become among the most powerful tools in the international marketing of foods.

They serve as a signed contract.

The Expanding Demand for Safe and Quality Foods

Modern lifestyle created ailments that are increasing at epidemic rates (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.) which are mostly attributed to toxin overload and stress

There is growing scientific evidence linking modern diseases with food quality and lifestyle

US scientific data indicate that consumer food choices are related to health issues

Why Organic?Organic systems recognize that our health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat. Going organic is not just organic food – it is a way of life. Do you know why more people are choosing organic.1. Many people think that Organic food tastes extremely good2. Organic systems aim to avoid the use of artificial chemicals,

pesticides and fertilizers3. Organic food is produced without the routine use of antibiotics4. Organic food is produced without genetically modified organisms

(GMOs) which are prohibited in the PNS for organic food and farming5. Organic systems reduce dependence on non-renewable sources6. Organic systems rely on modern and scientific understanding of

ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.

Is There a Market for Organic Produce

Yes. There is a growing market expanding at 10-30% per annum

Market segments – Consumers belonging to A & B classes; high educated consumers; patients undergoing medication

Market niche – Health food products, herbal medicinal plants, alternative medicaments

Market has to be created in the general population

Why Organic?

Organic systems recognize that our health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat.

Going organic is not just organic food – it is a way of life.

Characteristics of Organic Food Standards

Standards are defining production methods; their main focus is not the product quality

Organic food standards regulate minimum requirements for organic food production, not best practice;

International standards or guidelines, national regulations and regional standards exist;

A large number of private standards currently exist. They are continuously developed by producer organizations.

The first national regulations were developed in France and in Denmark in the late 80’s. In 1991, the EU introduced the EU Regulation 2092/91 for organic food;

In 1999, the Codex Alimentarius finalized International Guidelines for organically produced food.

The Philippine National Standards

In the Philippines, standards on Organic Agriculture was adopted in 2003.

Likewise, the Department of Agriculture thru A.O. 13 Series of 2003 approved and issued guides

on theAccreditation of Certifying Bodies for

Organic Agricultural Standards

Certification of Organic Production

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference:Director Gilberto F. Layese, BAFPS

Dr. Rafael S. Barrozo, HAMTRI Foundation

Can “naturally-produced” produce be sold as Organic? No. Most organic import markets, such as e.g.

the European Union or the United States have set up a legal framework, e.g. a regulation, to define the requirements for products to be labeled and marketed as “organic products”

These regulations always include the requirement that all steps of production be certified by an accredited certification agency.

Organic requirements comprise far more aspects than merely the lack of chemical inputs.

What is Organic Certification?

Certification is a procedure for verifying that products conform to certain standards. In the case of organic products, it is primarily the acknowledgment that such products have been produced according to the applicable organic production standards.

Can a farm produce both organic and conventional crops? According to most organic regulations, but not

necessarily according to private standards, a farm may cultivate two different units. This means that part of the fields can be cultivated organically, i.e. according to the organic production rules and other fields are cultivated with conventional farming methods, i.e. using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, the same crop variety may not be produced organically and conventionally and many additional separation requirements need to be fulfilled.

Is organic production equivalent to natural or sustainable production? No. One of the most significant factors

distinguishing organic farming from other concepts of sustainable farming is the existence of binding production standards and certification procedures. This means that only produce that is produced and certified according to the relevant standard can be currently sold and labeled as organic produce. These organic standards comprise a couple of requirements that would not intuitively be seen as requirements for sustainable farming.

How does the Export of Organic Products Differ from the Export of Conventional products?

Significant factors are needed to be addressed in the export of Organic Products, namely:- Broader company objectives;- Logistics;- Packaging and Labeling;- Certification;- Access to the market

ORGANIC STANDARDS

Types of Organic Standards

Types of Organic Standards

There is at present no regulation on organic products applicable world-wide, however, the 3 main organic standard types can be summarized as follows:- International private or intergovernment framework standards, such as IFOAM International Basic Standard or the Codex Alimentarius;- Baseline Regulatory Standards and Regulations such as the EU regulation (EEC N° 2092/91 or the American USA National Organic Program- Private Organic Label Standards

International Framework Standards

Aim to harmonize different certification programs by providing a uniform framework for organic standards world-wide.

They cannot be used directly as a basis for certification, and as such are not directly applicable to organic operators in tropical countries, however, it may be helpful to understand the underlying principles and issues.

Baseline Regulatory Standards

These standards regulate certain organic markets, contributing a legal basis for the minimum requirements that a product and its production process have to fulfill in order to label and market it as “organic”

Most organic regulatory standards define the requirements for organic production and labeling within the applicable market but also define certain import requirements.

Important regulated organic markets:

EU with its regulation on organic production regulation (EEC) N°2092/91

US organic market with its National Organic Program

Japanese organic market with its JAS Standard Switzerland, Israel, Argentina, Czech Republic,

Hungary, Australia, have set up organic regulations that are considered equivalent to the EU 2092/91

Many other importing and exporting countries presently developing their own organic regulatory standards

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Basic Standards Reflects the collective knowledge and practices of

IFOAM members, from 115 countries representing over 700 member organizations;

Seeks to clarify the practices and procedures approved in organic agriculture; those that may be accepted, and those that are to be prohibited

Cannot be used for certification on their own, but used as STANDARDS FOR STANDARDS, providing a framework for certification programs worldwide to develop their own national or regional standards.

Codex Alimentarius Guidelines

The Codex Guidelines clearly define the nature of organic food production and prevent claims that could mislead consumers about the quality of the product or the way it was produced;

These guidelines are important for the harmonization of international rules geared towards building up consumer trust;

In order to develop the market for organically produced food, the Codex Guidelines also give guidance to governments in developing national regulations for Organic Food.

References

Dr. Rafael S. BarrozoOrganic Agriculture: Producing Safe Healthy

Quality FoodOPTA-COP Certification ManualOrganic Agriculture: A Review of Facts and

PrinciplesEcological Agriculture in the Philippines

Director Gilberto F. LayeseOrganic Standards and Regulations – First

National Organic Agriculture Planning Workshop Dr. Morton Satin

Seminar Workshop on Enhancing Food Certification Systems

Thank you very much!Maraming Salamat Po!

Go! Go! Go! Organic!