Helmut Melzer
About 80 percent of all Austrians buy organic food, according to Statistics Austria. Most recently, sales in Austria reached over 1,2 billion euros (2011), and in Germany 7,03 billion euros (2012) have long since been reached. Figures that clearly show that bio is not a market niche, but a broad majority.
But, what makes organic to organic? What is really to be expected from the multitude of organic labels? And where are the organic brands of the food chains lined up? Option brings here an overview on the topic of organic labels.
Organic Label of the EU
The EU directives
The official EU definition is: "Organic agriculture is an agricultural system that provides consumers with fresh, tasty and authentic food, while respecting natural life cycles."
For growers: Perennial crop rotations as a prerequisite for the effective use of locally available resources. Prohibition of chemical synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers as well as extremely limited use of animal antibiotics, food additives and processing aids. Absolute ban on the use of genetically modified organisms. Use of locally available resources for fertilizer and feed. Plant and animal species that are disease resistant and adapted to local conditions are. Raising farm animals in Freewheeling and Freilufthaltung as well as their supply with Forage. Species-appropriate livestock practices.
For fabricators: Strict Restriction of additives and processing aids, rigor Restriction of chemically synthesized additives. Ban on genetically modified organisms.
For this purpose, the following regulations have been established: Council Regulation (EC) No 834 / 2007 from the 28. June 2007, Council Regulation (EC) No 967 / 2008 from the 29. September 2008, Commission Regulation (EC) No 889 / 2008 from the 5. September 2008, Commission Regulation (EC) No 1254 / 2008 from the 15. December 2008.
Demeter - the highest organic quality
Demeter stands for products of the biodynamic economy. This in turn means farming, cattle breeding, seed production and landscape maintenance according to anthroposophical principles - a certain spirituality. In a nutshell: The greatest possible naturalness is sought.
The guidelines are very comprehensive and can read here .
Every year, the Demeter businesses are audited for compliance with the Demeter guidelines in addition to a bio-control. In addition, a business development meeting is held at least once a year for producers.
Organic quality label Austria
Austria Organic Warranty
The Austria organic guarantee is an approved inspection body for organically produced food. The red-green-white circular logo bears a letter and number code similar to the EU organic label. The seal complies with the EU Organic Regulation and is reviewed on an annual basis, including in random samples. AT stands for Austria, organic for the organic control office and the three-digit number is the location.
AMA - Austria's organic label
The AMA seal There are two variants: The AMA organic logo with indication of origin in red-white-red and black and white without indication of origin. The red organic label may a maximum of one third of organic raw materials outside Austria come. Among other things, 100 percent raw materials from organic farming, no genetic engineering or chemical-synthetic plant protection products are guaranteed for both organic quality labels.
In addition to the EU organic logo, the control number and / or the name of the organic control body must be stated. Example: AT-BIO-301 AT = headquarters of the organic inspection body 3 = federal state (in this case Lower Austria) 01 = number of the inspection body)
In Austria, regulations regulate Regulation (EC) No 834 / 2007 and Regulation (EC) No 889 / 2008 the organic regulations.
Bio Austria
Bio Austria is the union of Austrian organic farmers and unites the Austrian organic associations. The logo is mainly on products of organic farmers. The Bio Austria guidelines go far beyond the EU organic regulation in essential points.
The conclusion Even at this point, since the study of the extensive information almost headaches and is therefore only for those who want to know it very well: Basically, applies for the entire EU, the green organic label. Labeled products achieve a very high quality, also in terms of organic farming. Nevertheless, this organic seal of approval is certainly not for absolute naturalness: additives are conditionally allowed, about some interpretations, such as what is now considered to be species-appropriate, can be sufficiently discussed. For those who want the highest possible level of naturalness, Demeter products are recommended.
Organic Label Germany
German organic sign
German food has been firmly anchored on the Austrian market for years. On many German organic products is the hexagonal, green-framed German organic seal printed. It stands for species-appropriate animal husbandry and the use of genetic engineering and synthetic pesticides is prohibited. The sign is not required by law, but is a sure guide that the products come from controlled organic farming.
Bioland
Bioland is a German cultivation association. German farmers, gardeners, Obsterzeuger winemakers and beekeepers market their products under the association logo. The Bioland farmers are subject to strict guidelines that often go far beyond the statutory minimum standards for organic products. The extensive catalog is here (Greetings and kisses with Otto).
Ecovin
The Federal Association for Organic Viticulture or, briefly, Ecovin stands for the production of organic grape, grape juice, wine, sparkling wine, vinegar and wine distillates. Here too, the EU basic regulation EG 834 / 2007 and its implementing regulations EG 889 / 2008 apply. However, the strict Ecovin requirements exceed the EU directives.
Further organic quality labels
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