Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Farming.

This Regulation sets forth the principles to be followed for conducting organic farming, procedures for importation, organic product processing, packaging, labelling, storing and transportation. Locations where organic farming is not allowed are listed in the Regulation. Organic farming is based on contracted farming. Those who wish to be involved in organic farming shall apply to relevant controlling and/or certification entity. Eligible applicants will then conclude a contract with the controlling and/or certification entity. The entire procedure from application to contracting is given in detail. Contracted farmers are closely monitored during a "transitional stage". Products produced during that stage can only be sold by labelling as "organic farming transitional stage product" and cannot be sold as an organic product. The transition period is two years for annual plants and 3 years for perennial plants. Soil protection and preparation methods, fertilizing methods, planting methods, plant protection methods, irrigation methods, yielding methods are defined in detail. Rules for organic mushroom production, organic productions in glasshouses are also specified. Organic animal husbandry methods and organic aqua products are defined in the Regulation in detail. The Regulation also provides detailed information on processing, packaging, labelling, storing, transportation and marketing of organic products.
The implementation of this Regulation is supervised and monitored by the Organic Farming Committee, chaired by Research, Planning and Coordination Board and comprise of the representatives from General Directorate of Agricultural Production and Development, General Directorate of Protection and Controlling, General Directorate of Agricultural Research, General Directorate of Organization and Supports and subject experts from EU Coordination Department. The strategies for implementing and developing organic farming are formulated by the Organic Farming National Steering Committee which comprise of the representatives from various ministries and vocational chambers. The strategies for domestic and international marketing of organic products are formulated by Organic Farming National Trade Committee which comprise of the representative from various related agencies.