What is an “ organic product ” ?

A product of Organic Farming (AB) is either an agricultural product,or a foodstuff.

In order to respect the balance of living organisms,Organic Farming’s productions are exempt from synthetic chemical products; the working methods that are applied are based on the recycling of natural organic material and on the rotation of crops. In France, the AB brand is constituted of diverse companies which have to satisfy a demand that represents 0,5% of the total budget dedicated to food by french people (but this figure has important chances of increasing). Inside of the EU, the regulation applies to untransformed vegetal agricultural products and to products essentially composed of 1 or 2 ingredients of vegetal origin,and meant for men’s food. Animal products are not yet concerned by this community regulation,only the national regulation.

How can we identify an organic product ?

The labeling and advertising of organic products are submitted to definite and precise rules,according to the percentage of organic ingredients.

According to the regulation,they are classified into 5 groups :

• Organic for more than 95% : these products can mention Organic Farming (AB) on their package and labelling.
• Organic for more than 70% : mentioning AB is possible,but it shouldn’t be the sole mention.
• Organic for more than 50% : was cancelled on 31.12.1997.
• Organic for less than 70% : no mention of AB is allowed.
• Organic in conversion : mention that there is a conversion to AB.

If a course is composed of only one agricultural ingredient (eg plain mashed carrots),the latter has to be guaranteed.

If a course is composed of several ingredients,the recipe has to be distorted according to the origin of the ingredients so as to know the required guaranties
* Agricultural ingredients have to be guarantied to be organic, except if they are on the derogatory list annexe VI partie C du règlement européen 2092/91
* Non-agricultural ingredients (eg salt,baking powder,water ...) do not have the organic appellation (as it only refers agricultural ingredients) but they need to have * guarantees on the absence OGM or of anti-bindings for instance.

Organic products have the brand AB (propriety od the Ministry for Agriculture and Fishing).The brand is controlled by certified organisms.

The market

This market is developping in France,in Europe,in USA and in Japan.This strong growth is due to :

• a demand from the consumers who are looking for safe,healthy and tasty products, that is to say traceablility of their food. Organic Farming offers a safe solution by its certifier procedures and its regulations.
• active governmental policies in favour of Organic Farming,with the increase of the surfaces dedicated to AB and a reinforcement of the regulations.
• a clear interest of the large distributors who have understood the advantages of organic products as far as their image and benefits are concerned.