Organic standard, noun: Describes the criteria and restrictions for permission to use a specific organic seal. Compliance should be ensured via documentation requirements, regular monitoring and samples. Seals include the EU organic seal (previously: the organic hexagon, now: the organic leaf) as well as the seals of various farmers associations such as Demeter, Naturland, Bioland, Ecoland, Biokreis, Biopark and Gaä. Their principles go far beyond those of the EU ordinances. Note that terms such as “integrated,” “controlled contract farming,” “environmentally friendly” and “close to nature” have nothing to do with organic. Don’t let yourself be fooled!
