Processors and Retailers
This information is for Processors/Retailers/Distributors – enterprises involved in the processing and/or placing of organic produce on the market (e.g., manufacturing, packing, storing, selling).
The Organic Standards for Food and Farming are available from the Irish Organic Association. This sets out the methods and practices that are recommended in organic farming and processing. The Organic Standards are the set of rules and guidelines that those converting to and certified as organic must adhere to.
Complete the relevant application form for your enterprise and return it to IOA with as much information as possible about the products/premises for which you require certification. Once your application has been reviewed you will be contacted by an inspector to arrange an initial inspection of the premises covered by the application.
The inspection report is independently reviewed by the Certification Panel and approved and a full organic symbol is granted immediately – there is no conversion period for processors, however approval will only be granted once the standards are deemed to be complied with.
If you require more information on organic processing please contact email our Quality Manager Maeve Cairney at maeve.cairney@irishoa.ie
Organic Labelling Guidelines
There are strict guidelines on how to label a product as organic. This is based on the Organic Food and Farming Standards. For more information on labelling please download the guidelines below:
Importing from outside of the EU
Organic products from countries outside the EU must be registered on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), the European Commission’s online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification.
All organic imports must also be notified in advance to the Department’s Imports Notification Inspection System (INIS) via Agfood.ie. More information can found on the Department’s website or by contacting organicimports@agriculture.gov.ie.
EU Organic Legislation
For further information on the EU organic regulation and secondary legislation that inform our standards please consult the European Commission’s frequently asked questions on the EU Organic Rules available here.