Certified Organic

 

Why does Tradewinds support Organics? 

Organic products are often promoted primarily because they are good for the consumer’s health, however at Tradewinds we take a relational view of why organics really matters. You see, it’s the benefit of organics to the farming communities which really makes a difference. When the tea and coffee producers use conventional farming methods, they often suffer from terrible working conditions and the harm caused by using noxious chemicals. Very often the health of the farming communities is directly affected.

What is Organic?

There are many different organic certification labels and systems worldwide. Some of the certifications are recognised as equivalent, however in many cases, multiple certifications will be required for a single product, depending on where it is to be sold. Tradewinds’ products currently carry three certifications ACO, NSAA and IFOAM.

According to the Australian Organic Standard it is:

  • A Whole systems approach. Organics is not just “chemical free”. It is a holistic way of growing and handling food. The whole system is linked - Soil. Plants. Animals. Food. People. Environment. 
  • Friendlier. Certified Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMOs.
  •  Innovative. Organic is an innovative method of farming and production – and is increasingly being recognised as being on the leading edge of food and fibre technology.

The Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACO)

The “bud” logo is used on products where all the product ingredients have been certified to the Australian Certified Organic Standard and have met rigorous certification checks. ACO is approved and accredited to act as a certifier in Australia by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). The ACO involves auditing an operation’s methods to ensure that they comply with the guidelines of organic production. The rigorous auditing includes external review and audit processes. Every step of the process (from paddock to plate) must be audited according to the Organic Standard, in order to be able to use the “bud” logo. The ACO also recognises the organic status of imported products or ingredients where they meet the recognised certification accreditation.

Private standards which do not have any form of third party accreditation are not recognized. Onus is on operators to ensure that certified ingredients/products meet the requirements of the Australian Certified Organic Standards

NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)

NASAA, The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia, is an Australian and international organic certifier. NASAA develops and maintains organic standards and provides certification services, covering the whole supply chain (from paddock to plate). In Australia NASAA is audited and accredited under the Australian Department of Agriculture (DOA) Organic and Bio-dynamic Program.

Outside Australia, NASAA is accredited by IFOAM, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements which ensures that products carrying the NASAA label meet the highest approval standards for organic produce in the world. NCO certifies production and processing operations in Nepal, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Samoa, Malaysia, East Timor, Brazil, Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka. This international network ensures worldwide recognition for the NASAA label.

IFOAM Certification

The IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) Standard is an internationally applicable organic standard that can be used directly for certification. The main benefit of IFOAM certification is that the 35 certification bodies who are members accept each other as equivalent, and therefore accept each other’s certification decisions. IFOAM certification has little relevance in much of the EU, North America and Japan.

Certifying Bodies: