Legal regulations
Legal regulations in organic agriculture encompass a range of laws and rules related to the production, processing, packaging, labeling, and distribution of organic products. These regulations vary from country to country but are generally based on the principles of sustainable development, environmental protection, and conservation of natural resources. Here are some key aspects:
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Prohibited Substances
In organic agriculture, the use of synthetic pesticides, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and synthetic fertilizers is prohibited.
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Animal Production
Rules for organic animal production include providing adequate space, natural feeding without hormones and antibiotics, as well as humane living conditions.
4.
Certification
Producers who want to label their products as organic must undergo a certification process.
This includes inspections and testing to ensure that the products meet all organic standards.
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Labeling
Organic products must be clearly labeled so that consumers can recognize them. Labeling includes certification marks and information about the product’s origin. The only confirmation that a product is organic is the national organic label on the packaging and the existence of a certificate. According to the Organic Production Law, an organic product should bear the label “Organic Product,” the national organic product mark, and the code or logo of the authorized control organization. This code consists of letters representing the country of origin of the user—in our case, RS— the designation ORG-, which indicates the product is organic, and three numbers assigned by the competent ministry to the certification body that inspected the product.
Organic foods produced within the European Union carry the EU Organic logo (indicating that it is an organic product).
Unprocessed organic products are those whose all ingredients are of organic origin. Processed organic products must contain at least 95% agricultural ingredients obtained by organic production methods in accordance with the law and regulations.
Agricultural products in the conversion period (2–3 years) are produced according to organic farming methods but cannot be labeled as organic nor carry the national organic mark. To label a product as from the conversion period, at least one year must have passed since signing the contract with an authorized control organization.
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Organic production is subject to strict supervision and regular inspections to ensure compliance with all regulations.
