Organic Agriculture Act.

The purpose of this Act is to organise a system which assures the quality of organic, that is, ecologically or biodynamically grown and handled, foodstuffs and the development of environmentally sustainable agriculture. The Act promotes the sustainability of the environment by restricting the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the handling of organic foodstuffs, and facilitates the preservation of the natural fertility of the soil, the ensurance of biological diversity and the continued use of semi-natural grasslands. The Act provides for the handling of and quality requirements for organic foodstuffs, quality control and state supervision over organic foodstuffs, and the sanctions which may be imposed on persons who violate the requirements arising from this Act or legislation established on the basis thereof. The handling and quality requirements for organic foodstuffs shall be applied with respect to organic foodstuffs produced for the domestic market and to imported organic foodstuffs. The Act consists of 6 Chapters composed of 30 Paragraphs. Chapter 1 is the General Part. Chapter 2 regards ecolabel and ecolabel authorization. Chapter 3 deals with organic agriculture. Chapter 4 concerns handling of organic foodstuffs. Chapter 5 regards quality assurance, state supervision and liability of handlers of organic foodstuffs. Chapter 6 determines the implementation of this Act.