MBA University of Hong Kong and IFOAM Organic Leadership Course graduate with extensive experience in the commercial organic food industry, NGOs, and a permaculture practitioner in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Introduction
Organic certification verifies that a farm or business follows recognized organic practices, such as avoiding certain chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and promoting soil fertility, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Certification enables the legal use of the “organic” label, thereby building consumer trust and facilitating access to premium markets.
Organic certification can open premium markets and strengthen sustainable farming practices, but it also requires time, meticulous record-keeping, and significant financial investment. This article helps those working with small-scale farmers consider the advantages and disadvantages of organic certification at different scales.
Why organic certification matters
Figure 1. ECHO staff member checking organic fly attractant that utilizes rotting fruit to increase fertilization of mango flowers. Source: ECHO Staff
Consumer demand for chemical-free (Figure 1) produce has risen across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. This trend reflects the growing awareness of health and the expansion of modern retail chains. Certification assures buyers that products meet official standards, reducing doubts about misleading “organic” claims. Certified produce stands out on crowded supermarket shelves. It can also open export opportunities and qualify farmers for government support. Higher prices for certified organic crops can further encourage sustainable farming.
Certification categories
Organic certification categories fall into three main types:
- National third-party bodies, such as Organic Agriculture Certification Thailand (ACT), offer accredited certification for domestic and export markets. Specific organic certifications vary from country to country.
- Community-driven Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) use peer review and local oversight at low cost and local markets typically accept these. PGS is a form of a second-party certification process where stakeholders (e.g. customers, buying groups, peers) endorse the certification.
- International certifiers, like Ecocert and Control Union, target export markets.
Costs 1vary 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.
Benefits of certification
Some farmers choose certification because of markets, prices, recognition, or for socioeconomic support or pressures. Certification may increase a farmer’s market access, allowing a farmer to sell in more places, including supermarkets and export markets. Organic products often sell for premiums of 20 to 50% above conventional rates. Certification officially recognizes your farming is organic, increasing trust and credibility between buyer and seller. Having a certified label is a powerful marketing tool to build trust with customers when you do not know them directly or see them in person. A certification label on your produce during the selling process is typically most important when the market is distant from the producer; this may be the only way for the farmer or the middleman to relay the message about the authenticity of the product. Certified farms may have access to special programs, grants, or technical training provided by local government or organizations. These resources help farms boost resilience and long-term profitability. Certification also opens institutional markets, such as hotels, schools, and export supply chains that demand verifiable organic sourcing.
Challenges of certification
Organic certification presents several challenges, and farmers choose not to certify for many reasons. Up-front costs for applications, inspections, and renewals can strain small farms. Preparing farm plans, updating records, and responding to audit queries add to daily workloads. Annual audits and potential spot checks require extra work, and add the risk that if a farmer fails, they will lose their market. In general, certification requires significantly more administrative and compliance costs, and it may be challenging for smallholder farmers to meet these requirements. In addition, if a farmer has to change their management practices to comply with requirements, they may see production decreases greater than potential increases in price premiums. The 2-to-3-year transition period delays full market benefits.
If you’re still transitioning and want to take it step by step, you may want to think of certification as an end to a journey of shifting your farm practices. If you’re selling locally and your customers know and trust you, you may not need a certification label. Your word may suffice. If you prefer to farm naturally without being tied to formal rules, the flexibility of remaining uncertified may be worth it. There may be alternatives to the organic label that can represent other facets of agroecology and farmer well-being.
Certification process
- Choose a certification type: National, PGS, or international.
- Apply and submit farm plan: Include maps, land history, inputs, etc.
- Transition period: 2 to 3 years chemical-free (varies).
- On-site inspection: Verifies practices and documents.
- Approval: Certification is granted if the requirements are met.
- Annual renewal: Requires updates and new inspections.
Maintaining certification
Maintaining organic status requires accurate, up-to-date records of seed lots, input purchases, and harvest yields. Farmers must report any changes in crop plans, storage facilities, or input suppliers to their certifier. Refresher workshops and network events help producers stay current on standard revisions and identify opportunities for improvement. Scheduled audits and occasional spot checks ensure ongoing compliance.
Should you get certified?
A decision guide Table 1 outlines items to consider if you are contemplating organic certification for your production system.
Rules and labels
| Considerations | Question to ask yourself | Organic certification might be right for you if you answered |
|---|---|---|
| How you’re already farming | Are you already avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides? | Yes |
| Are you managing pests and diseases using natural or traditional methods? | Yes | |
| Do you avoid GMOs and take care of your animals responsibly? | ||
| Who are you selling to | Are your customers asking for organic products? | Yes |
| Are you selling at farmers’ markets, health shops, or export markets that require certification? | Yes | |
| Would being certified help you reach new or better-paying markets? | Yes | |
| Rules and labels | In many places, calling your products “organic” is illegal unless you’re certified. Are you in a location like this? |
Yes |
| Do you sell directly to consumers who know and trust your word that you use organic farming methods? | No | |
| Time and cost | Do you have the capital/funds for the up-front costs required for certification? | Yes |
| It can take a few years to convert entirely to certified organic if your land was previously managed conventionally. Do you have the time, labor, and funds to bridge this transition period without excessive risk? | Yes |
Final thoughts
Certification can be a great tool, but it’s not the only way to build a sustainable and prosperous farm. Consider what aligns best with your values, customers, and goals. If you are unsure, consult with other farmers, a local organic association, or a nearby extension office. You’re not alone on this journey.
Additional resources
IFOAM Resources
- Global Map of Participatory Guarantee System Worldwide
- Video on how to use the map here
- IFOAM Global Organic Certification Directory
- US organic market certification list (reaches worldwide and international markets): USDA Organic Integrity Database
The EU market certification list gets updated periodically with additions, so make sure to request or download the updated information before seeking certification.
Other countries – Canada, Japan, China, India, Mexico, Brazil, etc., and most other countries that regulate their domestic market have some form of listing who they recognize. Reach out to the government body in charge of this regulation for an updated list.