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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.

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