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Certification Costs and Managerial Skills under Different Organic Certification Schemes - Selected Case Studies

Year of publication 2007

Pages 87

Author Santacoloma, P.;Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Category Technical study

Series title Agricultural management, marketing and finance occasional paper

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Certification provides consumer confidence that organic production ensures food integrity from seed through sell. Certification also guarantees that production and processing are managed under a holistic system that enhances ecosystem health. Smallholders in developing countries face institutional and economic constraints in obtaining the status of certified organic producers. Despite the outstanding growth of organic markets over the last decade, certification costs and standards from the devel oped world prevent many smallholders in developing countries from entering these markets. Farmers seeking to sell organic products usually have to hire an organic certification agency to inspect farms annually and confirm that they adhere to the standards established by trading partners.

Language English

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