The question of whether a certain fertilizer, compost or plant protection product is suitable for organic farming is constantly asked by agriculturists, organic growers and amateur gardeners, faced with the abundance of BIO products that flood the market of agricultural supplies. The original visions of the pioneers of organic farming did not foresee the current development of the sector and many rightly ask if the BIO claim corresponds to reality.
According to the principles of organic farming, as set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/848, organic farming is based on maintaining and increasing soil fertility. This amazing world beneath our feet is alive and in need of our care as never before. Erosion, the loss of organic matter, the irreversible disappearance of lands under cement and asphalt, together with the consequences of intensive industrial agriculture, are leading our soils to an unprecedented crisis. Most important of all soil improvement techniques are green manuring and crop rotation, followed by inputs that feed primarily the soil rather than directly the plants, such as compost, digested manure, and rock dust. In the context of the circular economy promoted by the European Union, many efforts are being made in Greece to convert plant waste into valuable soil improvers. These soil improvers are usually produced through controlled aerobic fermentation and are called compost, but also biogas production residues are increasingly utilized in agriculture. These products must be quality controlled and free of harmful or toxic substances, pathogens and live weed seeds. Their suitability for organic farming depends mainly on the raw materials used for their production.
The inputs allowed in organic farming are listed in Reg. (EU) 2021/1165, Annexes I (Active substances contained in plant protection products) & II (Approved fertilizers, soil conditioners and nutrients). All relevant EU and national legislation also applies.
From 2021, the Institute of Organic Agriculture DIO based on a private standard, now grants Certificates of Suitability for fertilization and crop protection inputs for companies that produce and/or trade inputs suitable for use in organic agriculture. Certificates are provided for soil improvers, fertilizers, plant growth aids, pesticides, plant protection, antimicrobials and other preparations, which are assessed for their compliance with Community and national legislation, at document level. Through the Institute of Organic Agriculture DIO, the possibility of conducting an audit for the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity is provided to those interested who wish to use the logo of the Institute on the packaging of their products.
The process starts with an Application to the Institute of Ecological Agriculture DIO and continues with the acceptance of an Offer (according to the current Price List), the signing of a Private Agreement between the interested company and the Institute and the sending of documents for evaluation. It is concluded with the issuance of a bilingual Certificate of Eligibility with an annual duration.
In case the interested company wishes to issue a Certificate, an on-site inspection and sampling is carried out by the trained staff of the Institute, always in accordance with the predetermined prices.
The use of GMOs is prohibited by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and therefore, a Certificate cannot be issued for inputs produced from GMOs or using GMOs as a means of their production. Also, raw materials resulting from new genetic engineering techniques will not be acceptable, at least until the legislative framework for their use is clarified.
The use of the Institute’s mark in the labeling and advertising of the products is permitted only after inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Suitability. For products with a Certificate of Conformity, the use of the Institute’s mark is not allowed. However, reference may be made to the existence and number of the Certificate. The Certificates and Certificates of Suitability issued by the Institute of Organic Agriculture DIO, concern whether the raw materials of the inputs are allowed or not in organic agriculture based on Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and the related, authorized & executive acts & amendments thereof, based on documents.
The Institute of Organic Agriculture DIO attaches great importance to the lawful processing, security and protection of personal data. The personal data protection policy covers all confidential information sent to the Institute for consideration.
