Q.1. What does it mean to be certified organic?

Ans. Certified organic means that organic product has been certified by an accredited certification agency and the product has been produced and /processed according to National/Or International standard for organic production.

Q.2. What is CGCERT India?

Ans. CGCERT, India (Indian Organic Certification Agency) is an independent, nationally operating agency conducting inspections and granting certification for organic production as per NPOP standard.

Q.3. What is NSOP?

Ans. NSOP means National Standards for Organic Production, formulated by Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India for National Program for Organic Production

Q.4. What is NPOP?

Ans. It is the National Program for Organic Production formulated by Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India.

Q.5. Who is responsible for the enforcement of NPOP?

Ans. Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India has authorized APEDA for the enforcement of NPOP. Besides the accredited agencies of Ministry of Commerce of Govt. of India enforces N.P.O.P. by certifying the organic operators.

Q.6. What products does CGCERT certify?

Ans. CGCERT certifies following operations:-

  • Crop Production
  • Wild Harvest
  • Non Wood Forest produce (processed and unprocessed)
  • Fruit Orchards
  • Plantation Crops
  • Greenhouse cultivation
  • On farm-Primary Processing of Food Products
  • Godowns, Storage, Warehouse and Transport Operations
  • Organic Inputs

Q.7. Where can I get a copy of the National programme for Organic Production?

Ans. You can get a copy of NPOP from CGCERT on request or you can download it from the website of www.apeda.com.

Q.8. What should I do to have my operation certified organic?

Ans. If you are sure enough that your operation is managed organically, request CGCERT to send application package for certification to you. After receiving the complete application package from you CGCERT will inspect whether your operation is in compliance with national standards of organic production or not. If CGCERT satisfied with your operations, it will certify you.

Q.9. How long shall it take for my land to be certified organic?

Ans. That depends on the history of your operations and your current compliances with certification standards and regulations. It takes two years for annual crops and three years for perennial crops to be certified as organic. Once you have been certified by CGCERT, you must apply for re-certification every year to maintain your certification status.