As demand for organic products continues to grow worldwide, farmers considering organic production have increasing opportunities to access premium local and international markets.
However, gaining access to these markets requires more than simply adopting organic practices; it requires certification that provides consumers and buyers with confidence in the integrity of the product.
According to Anche Louw, organic certification specialist at Control Union, during a recent webinar hosted by the SECO-funded Global Quality and Standards Programme – South Africa (GQSP-SA) in collaboration with the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), global organic agriculture continues to expand steadily, creating opportunities for producers willing to invest in certified organic production systems.
Recent international data highlights the continued expansion of the organic sector. Figures published in the 2025 FiBL and IFOAM report show that organically certified agricultural land has continued its upward trajectory, with global organic agriculture recording growth of 2.6% since 2022. The report estimates that there are currently approximately 4.3 million organic farmers worldwide, while the global organic food market is valued at €136.4 billion.
“The consistent growth in organic agriculture demonstrates that demand remains strong and that consumers continue to place value on certified organic products,” said Louw.
The United States remains one of the world’s largest organic markets. Data from the Organic Trade Association indicates that organic sales in the US exceed $70 billion annually, creating opportunities for producers across the globe, including South African exporters.
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Why certification matters
Consumer trust is a key driver behind organic market growth. Buyers increasingly rely on recognised organic seals when making purchasing decisions, making certification essential for producers who wish to market their products as organic.
“The first step for any producer is to identify which market they want to supply and which organic standard their buyers require,” Louw explained.
Control Union, an internationally accredited certification body, operates in more than 60 countries through over 270 offices and provides certification services across more than 200 programmes covering areas such as food safety, sustainability, and organic production.
Producers have access to a range of certification options depending on their target markets. For South African producers, the SAOSO standard provides a locally relevant certification framework. Control Union is among the certification bodies authorised to audit and certify producers against the SAOSO standard.
For export markets, producers may need certification under internationally recognised programmes such as:
- European Union Organic Regulation (EU Organic)
- United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (USDA Organic)
- Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS)
- Bio Suisse for the Swiss market
- Naturland for Germany
- KRAV verification for Sweden
Louw noted that each standard serves a specific market, and producers should determine buyer requirements before applying for certification.
The certification journey
Organic certification follows a structured annual process designed to verify compliance with the chosen standard. It is critical to note that fields transitioning from conventional farming generally require a multi-year land conversion period before full organic status can be legally granted.
1. Submit an application
The certification process begins with producers completing an application form that provides information about their farming operation, products, and activities.
2. Receive a customised quotation
Based on the information supplied, the certification body prepares a quotation tailored to the specific operation. “There is no one-size-fits-all cost for certification,” said Louw. “The cost depends on the specific operation, products, and certification requirements.”
3. Sign the contract and begin planning
Once the quotation is accepted and the contract signed, producers move into the planning phase of the certification process.
4. Complete the Organic System Plan (OSP)
A key requirement is the Organic System Plan (OSP), a detailed document that explains how the farming operation will comply with organic regulations. “The Organic System Plan is the foundation of the certification process,” Louw explained. “It outlines production practices, inputs, record-keeping systems, and compliance measures required to maintain certification.”
5. OSP review and approval
The completed Organic System Plan is reviewed by the certification body to ensure it meets the requirements of the chosen organic standard.
6. On-farm inspection
Once the OSP has been approved, an auditor conducts an on-site inspection to verify that farming practices, records, and management systems align with the information provided in the plan.
7. Address any non-conformities
If the audit identifies any non-conformities, producers must provide corrective actions and supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance.
8. Certification is granted
After all requirements have been met and any outstanding issues resolved, the producer is issued with an organic certificate, allowing products to be marketed under the relevant organic standard.
Opportunities through group certification
For small-scale farmers, certification costs can sometimes be a barrier to entry. Group certification offers an alternative approach that allows producers to work together under a shared certification system.
Under this model, farmers operate within a grower group that uses a common internal control system (ICS) and shares resources while maintaining compliance with organic standards. Group certification is particularly suited to smallholder farmers located in the same geographical area and producing similar products.
Under EU regulations, group members must generally qualify as small-scale producers based on either farm size or economic size criteria. In many cases, producers with holdings of five hectares or less can qualify under land-size requirements, while other producers may qualify based on annual turnover limits.
Control Union currently certifies more than 1 000 grower groups worldwide, supplying major organic markets including the European Union, United States, and Japan.
Preparation is key
While certification may seem complex, Louw emphasised that the process is designed to guide producers toward compliance and market access. Success depends on careful planning, accurate record-keeping, and selecting the certification programme best suited to the intended market.
As global demand for organic products continues to expand, certification remains one of the most effective tools for farmers seeking to differentiate their products, build consumer trust, and access premium-value markets.
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