Organic Farming EU

European Union Organic Certification

EU (European Union) organic certification is a process that verifies that the relevant products are produced and processed in accordance with specific standards. This certificate assures consumers that the products have been produced organically.

The control and certification of EU (European Union) organic agricultural products and aquaculture products are carried out within the framework of rules set by the European Parliament and the Council. Organic farming and aquaculture activities within this framework consist of processes governed by Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, published in 2007, and by Regulation (EU) 2018/848, which will invalidate (EC) 834/2007 as of 01.01.2025.

These Processes Can Be Summarized as Follows:

• Entrepreneurs who wish to engage in organic farming apply to CTR. During the application, the producer provides detailed information about the production area and production methods.
• The date of the contract marks the official start of the entrepreneur's organic farming activities.
• CTR conducts on-site inspections of the applicant's production area and methods. These inspections assess compliance with legislation and standards.
• If the inspection results are positive, a certificate is issued for the entrepreneur.
• The Entrepreneur Certificate (Master Certificate) is the document demonstrating that organic farming activities are carried out properly and in accordance with the regulations.
• The Organic Product Certificate is issued in connection with the entrepreneur certificate. This document, which allows products to be marketed as organic, is one of the key factors ensuring traceability and accompanies the products throughout the supply chain.
• Click here for the detailed organic certification process.
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What is the Organic Conversion Period?

Areas where organic farming activities are carried out are placed under a conversion period. In crop production, products obtained twelve months after the start of organic farming are considered conversion-period products. These products are marketed with the label "This is an organic farming conversion-period product."

However, products obtained from animals that are in the conversion period cannot be marketed as conversion-period products, and expressions that imply or evoke organic farming cannot be used in their advertising or labeling. The EU Organic logo is not used on conversion-period products.

In a farm or production unit where organic farming is practiced partially or is in the conversion period, the farmer must keep organic products, conversion-period products, and animals distinguishable from one another, and must maintain records demonstrating this separation.

Advantages of Organic Farming

Organic farming is a production method that does not permit the use of synthetic chemicals, protects natural resources, and represents one of the leading sustainable agricultural techniques. Organic products that do not contain chemical residues offer consumers healthier and more reliable food options.

It guarantees that products are produced through environmentally friendly methods. It promotes the sustainable use of natural resources and helps preserve biodiversity. Organic products can also be economically more profitable for producers.

Organic Products and Export

When the inspection and conversion period are successfully completed, the producer is granted the EU Organic Certificate. This certificate allows products to be marketed within the EU organic market. Certified organic products are sold bearing the EU Organic logo, which guarantees to consumers that the product has been produced organically and in full compliance with EU standards.

CTR Certification provides services under the following scopes according to EU Regulation (EC) No 834/2007:

• Scope A: Unprocessed Plant Products
• Scope D: Processed Agricultural Products for Use as Food

CTR Certification is accredited under the following scopes according to EU Regulation (EU) 2018/848:

• Scope A: Unprocessed Plants and Plant Products (including seeds and other propagation materials)
• Scope D: Processed Agricultural Products for Use as Food, including Aquaculture Products
• Scope C: Unprocessed Aquaculture Products and Algae
• Scope G: Other Products Listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/848

Click here for the accreditation certificate.