Objective and Target Participants

The course aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the agriculture and food sectors in member countries as certification can increase access of organics to consumers and global premium markets.

This course is designed for those who are:

• Interested in learning the basic concepts and principles of organic inspection and certification.
• Working in government, agricultural farms, agribusiness enterprises, agricultural extension services, academic organizations, and other individuals with particular interest in promoting organic agriculture, producing certified organic food and nonfood products.
• Keen in organic inspection and certification and have special interest in the subject.

Background

The demand for organic food products is expected to continue growing fast in major global markets like the USA, EU, and expanding Asian urban centers. According to a Zion Market Research report, the global organic food and beverage market was valued at approximately USD125 billion in 2017 and is expected to generate revenue of around USD323 billion by the end of 2024, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of more than 10% between 2017 and 2024. This trend will result in greater opportunities for Asian producers.

Certification can help protect both consumers and genuine organic producers alike from false claims and misleading labeling of products. Organic certification is undertaken based on standards or established regulatory and audit systems for producers, handlers, processors, retailers, wholesalers, and exporters. Today’s market demands independent third-party certification for sales transactions, which is required by the regulations of many governments for any kind of an “organic” claim on a product label.

This course is being organized to enhance the basic concepts and principles of organic certification and inspection and acquaint participants with the process of organic certification and inspection.

Scope and Course Content
This course consists of 07 modules as listed below

Module 1: Introduction to Organic Agriculture
Module 2: Organic Certification: Basis Concepts
Module 3: Organic Certification Systems
Quiz 1
Module 4: Organic Standards, Legislation, and Labels
Module 5: Considerations before Certification
Quiz 2
Module 6: Organic Inspection
Module 7: Useful Facts about Organic Certification