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What to Expect
The concept of certification services 'from paddock to plate' brings with it an emphasis on guaranteeing that the integrity of organic food is maintained beyond the farm gate to the end user.
Organic certification in the processing and manufacturing sector is complementary to existing environmental, quality assurance and HACCP based food quality standards and certification, and ensures that the transporting of goods, use of ingredients and inputs, and processing activities are undertaken in compliance with Organic Standards.
In contrast to Farmers, who undertake a precertification phase of one year, Manufacturing & Distribution operations can achieve certification following an initial inspection of the processing facilities and records management, if assessed as being in compliance with the relevant NASAA Standards.
The onus is on the processing operation to demonstrate the practical measures adopted to ensure that organic integrity is maintained throughout the production chain.
Certification of Processed Product
For a final product to be labelled 'certified organic', 100% of the agricultural product ingredient must be certified, with the onus on the Processor to ensure that there is a clear, auditable paper trail to verify claims. Under existing Standards, there is an allowance for the use of non-agricultural processing aids and additives (excluding salt and water), provided it accounts for not more than 5% of final product.
Processed products which have been certified may use the NASAA Label on packaging. If the processed product contains, however, ingredient which is certified In-Conversion, the final product must be labelled as Certified In-Conversion.
 
Certification of Inputs
Certification as an Input Manufacturer is a specific classification encompassing the production and processing of non-food products i.e. farm input products, such as fertilisers and pest and disease control products.
The certification relates to the compatibility of the end product with the NASAA Standard. It involves a site inspection of the manufacturing plant and does not require the inspection and certification of all constituent ingredients.
For this reason, certification as an Input Manufacturer does not enable the labelling of products as "Organic", rather as a "Certified Organic Farm Input".
Back to Steps to Certification.
Make an Application.
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In Focus:
Stoney Creek Oil Products. VIC
Based near Talbot in Victoria, the Stoney Creek farm has been established for
over 150 years. In recent years, Stoney Creek has moved into the production and
marketing
of a shelf ready range of cold-pressed certfied organic flaxseed oils and meal.
With oilseeds sourced from certified organic growers across four States, the
processing facility has itself been certified with NASAA since 1996. More >> |
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"Certification provides the consumer with greater assurance of fruit origin, production inputs and quality."
Doug May, Captain's Creek Wine |
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