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Certifications

Certification Process

     By now, almost 2000 small farmers are registered as organic farmers at PDS Organic Spices. The first step in becoming an organic farmer is to submit an application, mostly through the local Self help Group (SHG). The “Internal Control System” (ICS) of PDS Organic Spices that coordinates the cooperation between the local farmers and processing of the spices is also responsible for the certification process. Divided into nine regions, the Internal Control Inspector in charge will do an inspection visit at the applicant’s farm in order to check whether the details given in the application were correct. He will submit a report along with the application to the PDS Organic Spice Division that approves the application. Once the application is approved, a three-year transformation period will follow in which the farmer adjusts his cultivation to the relevant organic standards. Throughout the certification process, the farmers are supported with trainings on good organic farming practices and are regularly visited by the Internal Control Inspector who documents the development, supports the farmers and helps in handling the certification process. After three years, the farm gets certified. He can sell his organically cultivated products to PDS Organic Spices and will also receive an organic premium for each kilogram he sells. His yield will be collected from his house for free and he himself can choose suitable date for selling his products for the prize that is equivalent to the daily market rate.

Our Certifications

     

The certification conforms to the following standards for organic agriculture:

  • National Programme for Organic Production - India (NPOP)
  • United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Programme - (USDA NOP)
  • EU Regulations (EC) No. 834/2007 
  • Korea Organic
  • BIOSUISSE – Switzerland
  • Japanese Agricultural Standards - (JAS)

In addition to the organic certifications mentioned above, PDS Organic Spices is also certified as per:

  • Demeter Standards for bio-dynamic farming.
  • Naturland standards, Germany
  • Naturland Fair, Germany
  • Fairtrade  (FLO ID - 21286)
  • SOSFC (SPO) (FLO ID - 20381)
  • ISO 22000:2005 by Bureau Veritas 
  • BRC GS by Bureau Veritas 
  • Sterilizer Validated by Novolyze