Are products obtained with sustainable production systems. That is achieved by means of:
• Rational use of natural resources
• Not using products of chemical synthesis
• Increasing or maintaining fertility
• Increasing or maintaining biodiversity
• Keeping records that prove an adequate management

An organic product must keep identity and integrity and must be certified by an authorized certifier.

There is a wide variety of organic food certified; some of them are: pears, apples, citrics, juices and fruit concentrates, table grapes, melons, wine, olive oil, sunflower (kernel and oil), soybean, corn, wheat, safflower, onions, flax, buckwheat, garlic, millet, mate herb, rye, raisins, marmalades, cookies, noodles, cucumbers, olives, amaranth, rice, pepper, pumpkin, eggplant, lavander and other aromatics and spices, asparagus, honey, cotton, wool, fibers, eggs, chicken, beef, sheep, milk, cheese, sugar, etc.

Certifying agencies certify organic products. The certifyiers are the ones that verify and control the compliance of organic standards, request updated records, organize inspections and finally, grant the seal and certificate to those products or processes that comply with the standards.

Yes, as long as your certificate has the adequate scope.

Find out with your certifier about the destination market and it will assist you with the export requirements regarding certification.

A producer can export to the EU if its certifier is authorized to enter that market. OIA is acknowledged and authorized by the EU. This means that OIA has complied with all the international requirements (EN45011/ISO 65) demanded to enter certified products to the EU.

In the organic production standards there is a list of permitted inputs.

The transition period takes two years for annual crops and three for multi-annual crops. After a year of follow-up, the products are considered in transition to organics.
That period can be prolonged or shortened according to verifiable backgrounds.

An organic product is always marketed with the certificate back-up, which shows the compliance of organic standards from production to finished product.

The certifier does never participate in the product marketing.

The organic products are differential products (identifiable, with smaller offer and endorsed quality) and have an added value comparing with conventional products.

Besides commercial advantages and the environmental conservation, the organic producer can promote a product that has own identity and position accoding to its quality, in a commercial chain different from the conventional products.

The term“genetically modified organism” (GMO) implies "an organism whose genetic material has been modified in a way that does not respond to natural mating and/or recombination mechanisms".

You can consult the following OIA document: NC44 - lista productos OGM.pdf. Also, find more information in our section of Preserved Identity Certification Program - NON GMO: www.oia.com.ar/noogm.asp).

Reciprocity with other certifiers
Yes, you can purchase products certified by other certifiers as long as they are internationally accredited. It is important to find advise in OIA before purchasing products certified by other agencies so we can assist you in the steps to be taken.