Organic food labeling and certification: comparison between Czech Republic and Romania

• Author: Madar, A. - Neacsu, A.
• Position: Dept. of Marketing, Tourism and International Relations, Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 101-106

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov • Vol. 6 (55) •No. 2 - 2013

Series V: Economic Sciences

ORGANIC FOOD LABELING AND

CERTIFICATION: COMPARISON

BETWEEN CZECH REPUBLIC

AND ROMANIA

A. MADAR

1 A. NEACŞU1

Abstract: Based on da ta collected from specia lized repor ts and a rticles on

organ ic products, the aim of this paper is to present the importance of organic

products, the regula tions on organic food and different labels used ar ound the

world in order to certify the organic food pr oducts. It also seeing the orga nic

trends in both the Czech Republic and Romania.

Key words: agricultur e, organic food, certigica tion, labeling.

1. Introduction

The raising of population determines a

rush to produce more and more crops to

satisfy growing demand. In these

conditions, producers use more synthetic

fertilizers and pesticides to control disease

and insect attack. This has led to

international debates about unhealthy food,

the effects of human healthy and the

measures that must be taken in order to

avoid the harmful effects of this kind of

food consumption demonstrated by

specialists. These debates evolve around the

benefits of the organic products versus the

pure trade trick outlined by some. The

organic food movement has earned its well-

deserved place in many markets around the

world. Its prestige is lately being

widespread to vast parts of Eastern-Europe

as well.

2. Organic Food

In accordance with Wikipedia, organic

foods are made complying with the certain

1 Dept. of Marketing, Tourism and International Relations, Transilvania University of Braşov.

production standards. For the vast majority

of human history, agriculture was organic

but during the 20th century a large supply

of new synthetic chemicals were introduced

to the food supply. This style of production

was named a "conventional" one. Under

organic production, the use of conventional

non-organic pesticides, insecticides and

herbicides is greatly restricted and saved as

a last resort.

Organic food production is a heavily

regulated industry, distinct from private

gardening. Currently, the European Union,

the United States, Canada, Japan and many

other countries require producers to obtain

special certification in order to market food

as "organic" within their borders. Most

certifications allow some chemicals and

pesticides to be used, so consumers should

be aware of the standards for qualifying as

"organic" in their respective locales.

Organic farms have been relatively small

family-run operations so, organic food was

once only available in small stores or