Russian Ministry of Agriculture changed the law on organic food production

In Russia, there is still no legal concept of an “organic product” and its standards. For several years, the bill consideration was delayed, but in the fall 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture finished the bill after appeals of farmers that produce organic food. In the version of the project, published in November, it was said that agricultural products would be called organic or bio, corresponding to the Russian or foreign certification systems; and that certification would be valid for 5 years.

In the new version of the project, it is said that separate registration is required for each type of organic product products. The registration term is 3 years. As for the labeling of products that will meet the requirements of the law, only the term “organic” must be used.

Only those producers who have passed state registration, may get special state support.

There will be a system of fines for those who will violate the law. Legal entities will pay fines of 20,000-30,000 rubles (470-700 euros) for violation of organic food production, for violation of state registration – 5,000-10,000 rubles (120-230 euros), for illegal use of the brand “organic” – 30,000-40,000 rubles (700-940 euros), with confiscation of the all false branded items.

Source: www.freshmarket.ru