Worldwide Certification

The purpose of certification is to provide assurance to consumers, reduce the risk of fraud and promote the market for organic produce and products. Generally, the term "organic" may be used only by certified producers.

International organic certification standards vary and most countries have their own certifying bodies - common ones are listed below. However, it's worth noting that other global umbrella organisations do exist, such as IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) which, although not a certifying body, is an international membership body set up to promote organic food, develop common standards and generally develop the integrity of organic production around the world. Similarly, in Europe, legislation concerning organic produce is developed with the participation of member states of the EU and organic farmers, processors and traders must comply with strict EU requirements if they want to use the EU organic logo or label their products organic using the green leaf logo.

The Soil Association is the UK's leading organic certification body having developed the world's first organic certification system in 1967. A member of IFOAM, its work goes beyond certification and activities include campaigns opposing intensive farming, support for local purchasing and environmental education.

The National Organic Program (run by the US Department of Agriculture) is in charge of labelling organic foods. In order for a food to be labeled "organic" it must meet the USDA's organic standards.

Germany

Retail sales of organic produce in Germany are the largest of any European country and second only to the US globally. Bio-Siegel is the main certifying authority.

France

France has the second largest retail market in Europe and produce is certified using the 'AB' label which fulfils EU regulations for organic produce.

Netherlands

Organically grown products in the Netherlands receive certification from SKAL.

India

India Organic is a certification mark for organically farmed food products. The mark certifies that an organic food product conforms to the National Standards for Organic Products established in 2000. India has the largest numbers of organic producers (2.7 million organic farmers) worldwide.