Organic Salad Crop

WHY DO I NEED ORGANIC CERTIFICATION?

In Ireland over the past 10 years the organic market has enjoyed high levels of consistent growth. Even in times of economic pressure peoples’ priorities are sourcing food which has been produced with a emphasis on environmental, ethical and health concerns. Organic food ticks all of those boxes.

HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?

Farmers and Growers

• Purchase a copy of the Organic Standards for Food and Farming from IOFGA. This sets out the methods and practices that are recommended in organic farming. The Organic Standards are the set of rules and guidelines that those converting to and certified as organic must adhere to
• Send in a detailed conversion plan describing management practices on the farm. An organic advisor can be consulted for assistance with this process
• Submit your conversion plan to IOFGA which is reviewed by the Certification Manager and the file is sent to an inspector who arranges a visit to the holding
• The inspector’s report is then assessed by the Certification Panel and an in-conversion licence is granted to the successful applicant
• The conversion period is the time frame that occurs between applying to IOFGA to convert to organic farming and getting a full organic symbol. In most cases this is two years
• When the conversion period is successfully completed a full organic symbol is granted allowing produce to be sold as organic and to display the IOFGA symbol

Processors/Retailers/Distributors – people involved in the further processing of organic produce, i.e. packing, modifying, storing.

• Purchase a copy of the Organic Standards for Food and Farming from IOFGA (€20). This sets out the methods and practices that are recommended in organic farming and processing. The Organic Standards are the set of rules and guidelines that those converting to and certified as organic must adhere to.
• Complete the relevant application form for your enterprise and return it to IOFGA with as much information as possible about the products/premises for which you require certification.
• Once your application has been reviewed you will be contacted by an inspector to arrange an initial inspection of the premises covered by the application.
• The inspection report is independently reviewed by the Certification Panel and approved and a full organic symbol is granted immediately – there is no conversion period for processors, however approval will only be granted once the standards are deemed to be complied with.

Download an Application Form

If you require more information on organic processing please contact email our Processing advisor at maeve@iofga.org