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The IFOAM Family of Standards |
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IFOAM is dedicated to the understanding that the concept of organic
agriculture accommodates different organic practices depending on
different local or regional conditions. The differences might be of for
example ecological, climatic, cultural, traditional, technical, or
cultural nature. On the other hand is the need for international
harmonization of organic standards as a basis for undistorted trade,
fair competition, and consumer trust.
So as to achieve the delicate
balance between the need for acceptance of regional differences on the
one hand and harmonization on the other, IFOAM has adopted within its Organic Guarantee System a system for approving regional or national certification standards even if they
vary from the IFOAM Basic Standards. Interested bodies can apply for
approval of their regional or national certification standard. IFOAM
will assess the submitted standard and make a decision on its approval.
All approved regional or national standards together constitute The
IFOAM Family of Standards.
The acceptance of national or regional certification standards
facilitates the accreditation of certifiers considerably. If it is
using an IFOAM approved regional standard, a certification body only
has to demonstrate compliance with the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria so
as to obtain IFOAM Accreditation. For further information about IFOAM
Accreditation please refer to The IFOAM Accreditation Program section
of this website. For more information about the procedure for approval
of regional or national standards please refer to Policy 42 as
published on the OGS Policies Library.
List of Approved IFOAM Regional Standards:
1. Italian Organic Standards: For further information please contact ICEA (Instituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale). |
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