Why organic crop production
Organic crop production is based on soil fertility, crop rotation and prevention, not on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. The certificate gives you the right to sell your produce as organic, to use the EU organic logo and to apply for support. It also opens markets with higher added value in the EU, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the USA.
Conversion period
The conversion period starts from the date on which you concluded a contract with us and notified the MAF. It is:
- 2 years before sowing for annual crops;
- 2 years before use as feed for grassland and perennial forage crops;
- 3 years before the first harvest for perennial crops.
If the land has not been treated with non-authorised products in previous years, the period may be recognised retroactively. This is done on the basis of documents and analyses, within the limits allowed by Ordinance No 5. The decision is taken by a departmental commission at the MAF and the timeframes vary. Produce from single-ingredient crops may be sold as an "in-conversion product" if the conversion period has lasted at least 12 months before harvest.
Main requirements
- Soil fertility: multiannual crop rotation with mandatory leguminous crops and green manure; application of livestock manure and compost. The amount of nitrogen from livestock manure must not exceed 170 kg/ha per year.
- Fertilisers and plant protection products: only those authorised in Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 and only when there is a proven need. Preventive measures come first: resistant varieties, crop rotation, mechanical and biological methods.
- Seeds and planting material: organic. If not available - with an authorisation from the control body for non-organic material that has not been treated with non-authorised products and is not a GMO. The authorisation is requested before sowing and we reply within 3 days. The availability of organic seeds is checked in the MAF database.
- Greenhouses: growing in soil connected to the subsoil and bedrock. Hydroponics is prohibited, with exceptions for seedlings and potted plants sold to the final consumer.
- Precautionary measures: buffer strips and other measures against contamination from neighbouring conventional land. If contamination is suspected, the produce is withheld until the matter is clarified.
- Parallel production: the conventional part must use easily distinguishable varieties, with separate storage, separate records and cleaning of the machinery.
What is inspected on site
The inspector walks the parcels and checks them against the maps and the annual production programme. He or she examines the neighbouring land, the store for fertilisers, plant protection products and produce, and the machinery. The inspector checks the farm logbook, purchase invoices and sales documents and draws up a balance of quantities. Where necessary, samples of soil, leaves or produce are taken for laboratory analysis.
Documents
- application and contract for control and certification;
- annual production programme - by 10 January each year;
- maps or sketches of the parcels, land use documents;
- farm logbook, records of fertilisation, plant protection, harvesting and sales;
- requests for authorisation to use non-organic seeds (where needed).
How the process works
Enquiry or application
- you describe your farm and your crops.
Offer and contract
- we calculate the price according to the price list and conclude a contract. You notify the MAF within 10 days.
Documents
- you submit the annual production programme and the maps of the parcels.
On-site inspection
- the inspector visits the farm at a suitable point in the season.
Decision and certificate
- the certification department takes the decision. The certificate is renewed every year.
Price
The fee consists of a basic annual fee and a price per decare, which depends on the type of crops. For example, field crops cost less than vegetables, greenhouses and perennial crops. The exact amounts are in our price list.
Private standards and markets
- Bio Suisse - for export to Switzerland; the inspection is scheduled together with the EU inspection.
- KRAV - verification of the additional requirements for the Swedish market.
- NOP (USDA) - export certificates for the USA under the EU-US arrangement, often used for herbs and essential oils.
Subsidies
The contract with a control body and the certificate are a condition for payments under the organic crop production interventions under Ordinance No 9 of 2023. The contract must be concluded by 31 December of the year preceding the application. It is therefore advisable to contact us in good time.
Balkan Biocert Ltd. is an accredited certification body and does not provide consultancy services, nor does it approve or pay subsidies!