FAQ: What Does Organically Certified or Organic Certification Mean?

In order to be considered organic a product must be free of genetic modification, man-made chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, medications such as antibiotics and hormones for eggs, milk and meat, and must be farmed in a way that’s friendly to the natural ecology including proper rotation of crops and only using sustainable, renewable crops. Organic certification is the process by which the government regulates producer’s claims that their products meet the criteria for being organic.

How are Organic Certification Claims Regulated?

If someone wishes to market their products as organic, they may apply with the regulating agency in the country their produce will be sold in for their certification and then undergo an exhaustive review of their production practices. Before products may be certified, they must also pass vigorous testing by certified agents that will confirm the products are free of genetic modification and prohibited chemicals. Testing may include inspections of the growing facility, samples of the produce itself to confirm that it is not genetically modified and no chemicals were used on the crop and soil samples to ensure it meets the guidelines of proper organic farming practices.

Who Regulates, Controls and Oversees Certified Organic Claims?

Within the United Stated the National Organic Program (NOP) is in charge of organics regulations. The NOP develops the standards for organic farming and puts them into effect, as well as certifies that inspecting agencies meet the requirements of the USDA. In all countries that deal with organic produce there should be inspections in both the country of origin and the country produce is exported to.

What do SKAL Certification, SKAL Controlled, SKAL Supervised and SKAL Inspected Mean?

SKAL is the regulating body for organic produce for the European Union, based in the Netherlands. In order to import or sell organic products within the EU it must have SKAL certification. Inspections consist of testing soil samples to ensure they meet SKAL guidelines regarding chemical use and farming practices as well as examinations of the produce itself to determine that it is chemical-free and not genetically modified. SKAL also supervises the processes for manufactured organic products such as organic cotton fabrics, including the growing of the produce used and the facilities where they’re processed. Any item that has been approved as organic in the EU and has undergone all the necessary inspections is SKAL certified.