ECOCERT India, a multinational organic certification agency is organizing a three days training program on 17th to 19th May 2010 to offer the first hand information about organic standards, certification procedures, tracenet system etc..
Aurangabad, 28th April 2010 “Today there is an increasing demand for organic products in the world. It is estimated that the present demand for organic foods is 51 billion US dollars and is increasing at a rate of 20% globally. India has now about one million hectares under organic and is also witnessing similar growth rates. There is potential to export organic products from India and also needs an attention an emerging domestic market of Indiaâ€, Dr. Selvam Daniel, Managing Director of ECOCERT India says.
“As a result of which there are new players entering this segment each year as producers, processors or traders. However, the scenario of organic standards and certification has changed considerably over the years. Since 2010 APEDA (Government -run export organization exclusively for agricultural exports) has implemented the “Tracenet†system it is now imperative for all operators to be certified through this system. It will enable to all those concerned to keep track of the origins of organic products. This training program is intended to inform and train the existing and new operators in emerging trends of certification which mandate the operators to go through the “Tracenet†systemâ€, continues Daniel.
“India‘s export of organic food products is worth Rs 537-crore. Opportunities in the domestic market too are knocking the door. And market demands qualityâ€, says Dr. Amol Nirban, Business Development Officer at ECOCERT India, “which can only come, from proper implementation of applicable regulations. This training aims at creating that required understanding among the entrepreneurs to adopt the organic regulations and requirements of certification. The three days event will see the quality presentations on various topics aiming at creation of an understanding about the principles of organic food, milk and input production, processing, different organic standards and methods to set-up organic management systems for individual and group projects of organic production. Separate full day training is kept to understand the Tracenet Systems, its nature, tasks involved and skills required.â€
The coordinator of this training program Dr. Shilpa Deshpande says, “Training program is so arranged that it should meet the needs of all the possible stakeholders in the organic food production business. The content will prove to be pertinent to farmers, processors, exporters, NGOs and government officials from all over India. It‘s arranged at 'The Benchmark, Paithan road, Nakshatrawadi, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Its logical to have it in Aurangabad where ECOCERT India has its office for entire south Asia operationsâ€
"Dr. S. P. Raut, Chairman, Maharashtra State Organic Farming Policy Committee will grace the inaugural function as the key note speaker. As far course contributors, its none other than the qualified and experienced managerial staff of ECOCERT India who have worked for years in the field of organic farming, inspection and certification. Its an opportunity worth banking upon," says Deshpande.
“ECOCERT is not just a certification body but an organization committed to promote the organic lifestyles throughout the world through its diverse certification programs for food, clothing and cosmetics products. This training program will serve as a step forward in fulfilling this objectiveâ€, says Daniel.