Karelshaff
Organic Farming
LU-BIO-05
Why organic farming?
Greg Colling: "If there's anything I've realized over the last few years, it's not just important socially to be with fellow human beings, but also to be fair with the nature. The security and protection of individuals in the social system can only be maintained if we use natural resources in such a way that all people receive sufficient and healthy food in the long term. This will only be possible through organic farming, since raw materials are becoming scarce and negative environmental changes are increasing."
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Organic farming is synonymous with a sustainable land management system where respect for the environment and animal welfare are paramount.
The principles of this farming method are a ban on the use of synthetic chemical products (fertilisers, pesticides), the recycling of organic matter, crop rotation and biological pest control. The animals are kept extensively and in a species-appropriate manner and are fed largely self-produced organic fodder. In addition, natural remedies are primarily used for sick animals. Synthetic additives such as flavourings, colourings and preservatives are not permitted during processing. The irradiation of food with ionising radiation to sterilise it and extend its shelf life, as well as the use of genetically modified organisms, are also prohibited.
Along the entire process chain, from the field to the shop counter, organic products are scrutinised according to a control system laid down by the European regulation on organic farming. At least once a year, operators (producer, processor, trader, importer) are inspected by a private inspection body approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development. If the inspection is passed, a certification certificate is issued to the farm or enterprise. If participants do not meet the requirements, depending on the severity of the case, their organic certificate can be withdrawn and the right to market their products as "organic" can be revoked.
The synonymous use of the terms "organic" or "ecological", as well as their common abbreviations such as "bio" or "öko", is only permitted for agricultural products that have been produced and processed in accordance with the requirements of the European Regulation on Organic Agriculture. If the trade name of the product contains one of these terms, at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients originate from organic farming. Otherwise, the reference to the "organic" origin may only appear in the list of ingredients.
The obligatory indication of the inspection body's identification number on the packaging finally gives the consumer the guarantee that he is really holding an organic product in his hands.This indication takes the following form:for Luxembourg: LU-BIO-xxfor Germany: DE-xxx-Öko-KontrollstelleThe use of the EU logo on the labels, as well as the indication of the geographical origin (name of the country of origin or "EU agriculture" / "non-EU agriculture") of the product's ingredients, have been obligatory since 1 July 2010.