Now Available! EDN 170 2025-07-15
In this issue
- Should I Apply for Organic Certification? A Practical Guide for Farmers and Producers
- Is Aquaponics for me?
- Echoes from Our Network: Grow Fertility using Green Manure/Cover Crops
- From ECHO’s Seed Bank: ‘Georgia-1’ pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)
Should I Apply for Organic Certification?
A Practical Guide for Farmers and Producers
Spencer Leung, GO Organics Peace International
Excerpt:
Certification costs vary by certification category, farm size, number of sites, and the distance the inspector travels. Each certifying company will ask for information to calculate costs. Third-party certifiers often charge higher audit and travel fees. Smallholders selling locally can reduce costs through Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) or group certification. PGS processes typically require modest administrative levies shared among members. Farmers aiming to export products should budget for consultancy services, laboratory tests, and certification fees accepted by the export country.
