30 April 2021
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CERTIFIER LAUNCHES SOUTH AFRICAN ORGANIC PROGRAMME
A GREENER World (AGW), which identifies, audits, certifies and promotes sustainable farming systems, has responded to calls from farmers, retailers and consumers, by offering Organic certification to producers in South Africa.
Following success in Ireland, Europe, the United States, Canada and Central America, AGW was recently invited to launch in South Africa by local farmers seeking market differentiation through straightforward label claims.
A Greener World South Africa Executive Director Tozie Zokufa said: “We are incredibly excited about the opportunities for validating sustainable production across South Africa and look forward to working with our partners in the growing organic sector. This programme is designed to empower South African producers to demonstrate their positive farming practices and capture a meaningful share of a market currently dominated by producers overseas. Through our graduated training and implementation programme, we will build important skills in the region and create jobs which were previously outsourced. This is a South African-led initiative that has tremendous potential to strengthen the market for independent, sustainable producers, and we are proud to lead it.”
Certified Organic by AGW will be audited to AGW's own private standard which is based on the principles and objectives of European Union regulations, offering adherence to a global standard (to export as organic internationally requires an accredited recognised certification). In the first year, audits will be conducted by EU auditors, qualified to audit against the EU Regulations, in conjunction with building infrastructure. The second year, A Greener World will work with global colleagues to conduct training of auditors based in-region.
AGW's certifications include Certified Non-GMO by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW which are designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment and society and to encourage sustainable farming practices.