Organic, what is it?!

Organic food is food that has been grown and processed according to EU regulations on organic food and farming. It is controlled by a unique certification system to make sure that it meets these requirements. In addition to national certification (e.g. AB in France, EU logo for organic farmingEKO in the Netherlands, Bio in Germany), an European certification has been introduced on 1 July 2010. On the label, all organic products must show which ingredients are organic, and which are not.



What makes organic unique?!

All organic food is GMO-free (genetically modified organisms) and food colouring is prohibited. The usage by food manufacturers of additives and processing aids is restricted, no artificial fertilisers are allowed and the regulations also set strict rules for the ways that animals must be cared for.

Interesting links

Europe  
www.ifoam.org IFOAM is the worldwide umbrella organisation for the organic movement, uniting >750 member organisations in >110 countries  
www.organic-world.net  It provides background information and news related to organic farming statistics and general developments in organic agriculture world-wide
www.orgprints.org An international open access archive for papers related to research in organic agriculture 
www.demeter.net Demeter is the brand for products from biodynamic agriculture 
   
France  
www.agencebio.org An association gathering a.o. several Ministries working to contribute to development of organic farming (in French only)
   
Germany  
www.biofach.de Largest European organic fair, next on 15-18 Feburary 2012 in Nuremberg (G)
www.oekolandbau.de Much background inforamtion on organic farming in Germany (in German only)
   
Benelux  
www.biologica.nl It stimulates the consumption and quality knowledge of organic products
www.biokennis.nl Knowledge bundled regarding organic farming by Wageningen University and Louis Bol Institute (in Dutch only)
www.biojournaal.nl Focus on all aspects of organic (in Dutch only) 
www.biofoodonline.nl Focus on the organic trade in the Benelux 
   
United Kingdom  
www.soilassociation.org.uk   The Soil Association, being a charity, is the UK's leading organic organisation
   
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