The agri-food industry in Europe is thriving and reaches almost every corner of the planet, not only with food but also with raw materials. The quality of each product is backed by agricultural certificates, both at the state and continental level. But how many certificates are there, and what does each one mean? In the following article, we explain step by step what agricultural certifications are and what the advantages of obtaining them are.
Who issues agricultural certifications?
These endorsements are issued by public or private organizations and are based on previously established standards aimed at regulating and standardizing certain quality parameters for each product. This simplifies the process so that audited companies can demonstrate, through an official document, that they meet quality standards.
It is worth noting that two parties interact in an agricultural certification system. On one hand, the certifying body, and on the other, the registered company that requests the certificate for complying with the required quality standards.
Agricultural certifications are part of a control system that pursues several objectives simultaneously:
- – Consumer confidence: This is one of the main goals of any agricultural certification system. Official documents are primarily intended to provide assurance and safety regarding the product.
- – Quality: Agricultural certification systems aim to provide a seal of quality and differentiation for the certified product.
- – Control: Inspections and audits are the foundation of agricultural certifications. Any company seeking certification must undergo a series of annual inspections and audits by the controlling entity.
- – Market interaction: Agricultural certifications are quality marks that allow producers to sell in many markets and improve their selling price.
The types of agricultural certification that exist
There are many certifications in the agricultural sector. Each one focuses on different aspects of a product or specific area. Some are issued by public organizations, while others are of a private nature.
Public agricultural certifications: These are issued by a public organization such as a ministry or department. This type of certification can be European, national, or local. The personnel and technicians who conduct the audits are public officials. Each region has its own control body, which in turn depends on a higher-level public control organization. An annual fee is paid for the services provided in this type of certification.
Private agricultural certifications: These are issued by private companies that offer certification services for a product or specific management practice. The organization is similar to public bodies, except that the personnel and technicians are never public officials but salaried employees. The controlling body for private certifications is usually broader, focusing on a specific country rather than small regions. There are private certifications with great prestige within the agricultural sector. Some of these certifications are essential to access international export markets for fruits and vegetables.
Local agricultural certificates: These focus on certifying a specific product from a particular area with unique and distinctive characteristics. Examples of these are Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).
Global agricultural certificates: These focus on certifying a specific product at a global level. They are based on a standard that must be met in any country where a company seeks certification.
The benefits of certification in agriculture
Obtaining different agricultural certifications can grant producers various levels of market access. Among the main benefits are:
Improved quality. Certification in agriculture helps ensure that the product being produced is of high quality, whether it is food or not.
Reduction of the risk of food safety issues. Food safety is a major concern for those who buy and sell food worldwide. Certification can help reduce the risk of contamination.
Greater access to markets. If your organization wants to expand its reach to new markets, certification can also be helpful because it shows that your practices align with industry standards, government regulations, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Increased profits and sustainability. Certification can lead companies to greater profitability if they are able to charge higher prices for their products.
Virkar Group, always listening to the producer.
Our company has managed to stand out in the agricultural sector thanks to its state-of-the-art sowing machines. Each of our seeders and their features are developed based on the needs of producers and their fields, which is why one of our main goals it to always stay close to the field workers. Check out our products, their technical specifications, and get in touch to fins out Virkar can do for your field.