INDEX Quality Assurance
	Quality assurance is providing evidence needed to establish quality in work, and that activities are being performed effectively. Many systematic actions are necessary to provide enough confidence that a product or service will satisfy the given requirements for quality. The world over, the quality assurance requirements of organic food production are becoming more exacting, increasingly specific guidelines and standards are being introduced. Throughout the world there are many different sets of national legislation governing organic production. Compliance with all these standards is becoming a key criterion to being able to market produce. (Naturland 2008) It is imperative that small operators are not marginalized and unduly excluded from the organic sector due to factors beyond their control. Standards must allow for local equivalence and certification systems must be innovative and cost efficient enough to address smallholders’ situation worldwide, particularly in developing countries. (IFOAM 2008) Standards and Certification Participatory Guarantee Systems PGS Internal Control System ICS The Organic Guarantee System OGS Links to Certification Bodies Quality Assurance Training materials International Harmonization The International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture ITF IFOAM is constantly updating the information on this website. Comments or suggestions contact the Platform Coordinator
	IFOAM - International Federation of Organic Agriculture | info@ifoam.org