Understanding Organics and the Regulations Governing This Market
MBAA TQ vol. 43, no. 4, 2006, pp.
281-284 |
VIEW ARTICLE
Brad Rush. Briess Malt & Ingredients Company,
Chilton, WI.
Abstract
Once available only through specialty outlets, organic products are
fast becoming part of mainstream America. Although organics represent a
small and relatively less tracked market than well-established
conventional markets, this young, rapidly growing market offers almost
unlimited opportunities. The organic industry grew 20% to reach $10.8
billion in consumer sales in 2003. Organic foods, by far the largest and
most clearly defined part of the organic industry, grew 20.4% and account
for the majority of organic sales. Sales of organic foods have nearly
tripled since 1997, and the annual growth rates of 17 to 21% seen since
1997 are expected to continue in coming years. To help growers, producers,
and handlers understand what is required to enter and be successful in
this new market, this paper better defines the laws and processes with
which they must comply to maintain a certified organic operation. It also
explains the USDA National Organic Program and how to comply with current
regulations. The requirements for becoming certified organic and for
labeling organic products are discussed, as are organic certifying
agencies. This paper also discusses the audit trails that are required for
full traceability of organic materials from the farm to the finished
product.
Keywords: European Union Regulation 2092/91, ISO 65, national
organics program, organic certification, organic products, organic
regulations, U.S. Organic Food Production Act
S�ntesis
Productos org�nicos, antes s�lo disponibles en detallistas
especializadas, r�pidamente se est�n convirtiendo en un producto del
d�a-a-d�a norteamericano. Si bien los productos org�nicos componen un
mercado peque�o y menos rastreado que mercados convencionales bien
establecidos, este mercado reciente pero de r�pido crecimiento, ofrece
oportunidades casi sin l�mites. La industria de productos org�nicos creci�
20% para alcanzar ventas al consumidor de $10.8 millardos en el 2003.
Alimentos org�nicos, por mucho la parte m�s grande y mejor definida de la
industria org�nica, crecieron 20.4% y le corresponde la gran mayor�a de
las ventas org�nicas. Las ventas de alimentos org�nicos ha casi triplicado
desde 1997, y se espera que los aumentos de 17 a 21% anuales vistos desde
1997 continuar�n durante los a�os venideros. Para ayudar a campesinos,
productores y vendedores entender lo que se requiere para introducirse y
ser exitoso en este nuevo mercado, esta presentaci�n pretende mejor
definir las leyes y procesos que deben ser acatados para mantener una
operaci�n org�nica certificada. Tambi�n se explica el programa Org�nico
Nacional de la USDA, y como acatar sus reglamentos actuales. Se comentan
los requerimientos para certificarse org�nicamente y como etiquetar
productos org�nicos, as� como se�alaremos cuales son las agencias de
certificaci�n. Tambi�n se discuten los rastros de auditoria que son
requeridos para permitir la reconstrucci�n del camino completo de la
hacienda hasta el producto final.
Palabras claves: Reglamento de
la Uni�n Europea 2092/91, ISO 65, programa org�nico nacional,
certificaci�n org�nica, productos org�nicos, reglamentos org�nicos, Acto
de Producci�n de Alimentos Org�nicos de EE.UU.
