Organic certificates: What they really mean

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Organic certificates: What they really mean

More and more people value a healthy diet and a sustainable lifestyle. The consumption of organic products therefore increases steadily. But what do the different organic certificates actually mean and how can you make sure that you actually buy an authentic organic product? This article clarifies the various organic certificates and explains what they really mean.

What are organic certificates?

Organic certificates are evidence that a product meets certain ecological and ethical standards. This could, for example, mean that when production was not used to use pesticides, that animals were kept in a species -appropriate manner or that the employees were paid fairly. There are a variety of different organic certificates that are exhibited by various organizations.

The importance of organic certificates

Organizations are issued by independent organizations that check compliance with certain criteria. These criteria vary depending on the certificate, but they usually contain aspects such as:

  • waiver of synthetic pesticides
  • waiver of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
  • species -appropriate animal husbandry
  • Sustainable management of soil and water
  • Compliance with fair working conditions

    In order to receive an organic certificate, companies must go through a strict examination and regularly check. The certificates are usually issued for a limited period of time and then have to be renewed.

The different organic certificates

There are a variety of different organic certificates that are recognized worldwide. Some of the best -known certificates and their special features are presented below:

  1. EU-Bio seal : The EU organic seal is valid throughout the European Union and ensures that a product fulfills the EU standard for ecological farming. The seal guarantees the waiver of synthetic pesticides and the use of genetic engineering.
  2. Bioland : Bioland is a German Association for Ecological Agriculture and awards certificates to producers that meet particularly strict requirements. Among other things, organic products guarantee species-appropriate animal husbandry, the absence of genetic engineering and the use of regional resources.
  3. Demeter : The Demeter certificate stands for biodynamic agriculture. Not only ecological, but also spiritual aspects are taken into account here. Demeter products are particularly sustainable because they manage the soil and plants in harmony with the cosmic cycles.
  4. usda organic : The USDA organic certificate is awarded in the USA and guarantees that a product fulfills the national standard for ecological farming. It prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and genetic engineering and places high demands on species -appropriate animal husbandry.

    There are many other organic certificates, but these four examples illustrate the variety of standards and criteria behind the certificates.

    5. The challenges of organic certification

    The organic certification is not an easy process and has different challenges. Some of the biggest challenges are:

    1. cost : It can be expensive for companies to meet the requirements for organic certification. The cost of switching to ecological cultivation methods, regular inspections and the documentation can be high.
    2. controls : The regular inspections and controls by the certification points ensure that the standards are observed. However, it can be difficult to monitor all aspects of production and supply chain, especially with global supply chains.
    3. abuse : Unfortunately there are cases of abuse and fraud in connection with organic certificates. Some companies pretend to be organic certified, although they do not meet all requirements. It is therefore important that consumers can rely on serious certificates and, if necessary, research whether a certificate is actually authentic.

      4. How to make sure to buy an authentic organic product

      To make sure that you buy an authentic organic product, there are a few things to consider:

      1. Pay attention to recognized organic certificates : trust in well-known and recognized organic certificates such as the EU organic seal, Bioland, Demeter or USDA organic. These certificates were awarded by reputable organizations and stand for high standards.
      2. research manufacturers and farms : Find out about the manufacturers and farms that are behind the products. Do you have a good reputation? Do you keep transparent and understandable practices?
      3. buy regionally and seasonally : buy products from the region if possible and pay attention to seasonality. Products that come from the region often have shorter transport routes and are therefore more sustainable.
      4. compare prices : organic products can sometimes be more expensive than conventional products. Compare the prices and consider that the higher costs are associated with the higher production standards and the associated environmental and social aspects.

        5. FAZIT

        Organic certificates are important evidence of ecological and ethical standards in the production of food. They offer consumers the opportunity to make conscious decisions and support more sustainable products. There are a variety of different organic certificates that are awarded by reputable organizations. To ensure that you buy an authentic organic product, it is important to pay attention to known certificates that research manufacturers and farms and rely on regional and seasonal products. Organic products may be a little more expensive, but they offer the buyer the certainty that they have been produced sustainably and ethically.

        More about natural and healthy nutrition can be found in our advisory magazine ein-heilpraktiker.com