This East African Standard provides requirements for organic production. It covers plant production, animal husbandry, bee-keeping, the collection of wild products, and the processing and labelling of the products therefrom. It does not cover procedures for verification such as inspection or certification of products.

For the purposes of the East African Standard (EAOPS), the following definitions apply:

Biodiversity - the variety of life: it includes genetic diversity (i.e., diversity within and among species), species diversity (i.e., the number and variety of species), and ecosystem diversity (total number of ecosystem types).

Breeding: selection of plants or animals to reproduce or to further develop desired characteristics in succeeding generations.

Buffer Zone: a clearly defined and identifiable boundary area bordering an organic production site and adjacent areas that is established to avoid contact with substances which shall not be used according to this standard.

Child: a person under the specified age in the respective national legislations. In cases involving employment in hazardous sectors, child denotes a person under the age of 18 years.

Child Labour: any employment that interferes with the legal rights of a child and culturally appropriate educational needs.

Contamination pollution: of organic product or land or contact with any material that would render the product unsuitable for organic production or as an organic product.

Conventional: any material, production, or processing practice that is not organic or organic “in-conversion”.

Conversion Period: the time between the start of organic management and the time when crops and animal products qualify as organic.

Crop Rotation: the practice of alternating the species or families of annual and/or biennial crops grown in a certain field in a pattern or sequence so as to break weed, pest and disease cycles and to maintain or improve soil fertility and the content of organic matter.

Food Additive: any substance not normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition of which to food for a technological (including organoleptic) purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result, (directly or indirectly) in it or its by-products becoming a component of or otherwise affecting the characteristics of such foods. The term does not include contaminants, or substances added to food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities, or sodium chloride.

Food Fortification: the addition of one or more essential nutrients to a food, whether or not it is normally contained in the food, for the purpose of preventing or correcting a demonstrated deficiency of one or more nutrients in the population or specific population groups.

Genetic Engineering: a set of techniques from molecular biology (such as recombinant DNA) by which the genetic material of plants, animals, microorganisms, cells and other biological units are altered in ways or with results that could not be obtained by methods of natural mating and reproduction or natural recombination. Techniques of genetic modification include, but are not limited to, recombinant DNA, cell fusion, micro and macro injection, encapsulation, gene deletion and doubling. Genetically engineered organisms do not include organisms resulting from techniques such as conjugation, transduction and natural hybridization.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): a plant, animal or microbe that has been transformed by genetic engineering.

Green Manure: a crop that is incorporated into the soil for the purpose of soil improvement and which may include spontaneous crops, plants or weeds.

Habitat: the area over which a plant or animal species naturally exists; the area where a species occurs. It is also used to indicate types of habitat, e.g., seashore, riverbank, woodland, and grassland.

Ingredient: any substance, including a food additive, used in the manufacture or preparation of food and non-food products and present in the final product (although possibly in a modified form).

Ionizing Radiation: processing of food products by gamma rays, X-rays or accelerated electrons capable of altering a food’s molecular structure for the purpose of controlling microbial contaminants, pathogens, parasites and pests in food, preserving food or inhibiting physiological processes such as sprouting or ripening.

Label: any written, printed or graphic representation that is present on a product, accompanies the product or is displayed near the product.

Operator: an individual or organization responsible for ensuring that the production system and the products meet the EAOPS.

Organic: refers to the farming system and products described in the EAOPS. Organic does not refer to organic chemistry.

Organic Agriculture: a farming system in compliance with the EAOPS.

Organic Product: a product which has been produced, processed and handled in compliance with this standard.

Organic Seed and Planting Material: seed and planting material that is produced by organic agriculture.

Parallel Production: any production in which the same unit is growing, breeding, handling or processing the same products in both an organic and a non-organic system. A situation with organic and in-conversion production of the same product is also parallel production. 

Processing Aid: any substance (not including apparatuses or utensils) not consumed as a food itself and which is used in the processing of raw materials, foods, or ingredients to fulfil a certain technical purpose during treatment or processing and which may result in the presence of residues or derivatives in the final product.

Propagation: the reproduction of plants sexually (i.e., seed) or asexually (i.e., cuttings, root division).

Shall: a required state or action

Should: a recommended, desirable or expected state or action

Synthetic: manufactured by chemical and industrial processes. Includes products not found in nature or simulation of products from natural sources (but not extracted from natural raw materials).

Synthetic Pesticide: synthetic product intended to prevent, eliminate or control a pest.

Traceability: the ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stage(s) of production, processing and distribution.

In-Conversion: a crop which is grown both as organic and non-organic (conventional or in-conversion) on the same farm.

General: The requirements of this clause shall apply to all categories of organic production and to all operators.

Documentation and transparency 

• The operator shall maintain records of the production, appropriate for the scale of production and the ability of the operator.
• The operator shall give interested parties relevant information about the production.
• The operator shall maintain a system for traceability of organic products.

Contamination

• The operator shall avoid using chemical products that may endanger human health or the environment. Where there are products that are considered to be less harmful, they shall be used.
• The operator shall take relevant precautionary measures to avoid the contamination of organic sites and products. Where there is a reasonable suspicion of substantial contamination by, for example, soil, water, air, inputs or ingredients, appropriate actions shall be taken.
• Litter and production waste, both on farms and in processing, shall be handled in such a way that they do not contaminate the organic products or the environment.
• Chemical products shall be properly labelled and safely stored.
• Contamination of organic products that results from circumstances beyond the control of the operator may alter the organic status of the operation, the product or both. 

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

• Genetically modified organisms or their derivatives shall not be used or introduced through negligence or oversight. This includes animals, seed, propagation material, farm inputs such as fertilizers, soil conditioners and crop-protection materials.
• Ingredients, additives or processing aids derived from GMOs shall not be used in organic processing.
• Inputs, processing aids, and ingredients shall be traced back one step in the biological chain from which they are produced to verify that they are not derived from GMOs.
• Genetically modified organisms shall not be used in the conventional production on farms that are not fully converted to organic production.

Social justice

• Employees and workers shall be guaranteed basic human rights and fair working conditions in accordance with national and international conventions and laws.
• The operator shall not use forced or involuntary labour.
• Employees, casual workers and contractors of organic operations shall have the freedom to associate, the right to organize, and the right to bargain collectively.
• Employees shall have equal opportunities and equal wages when performing the same level of work, regardless of colour, creed, ethnicity or gender.
• The operator shall not hire child labour. Children may work on their family’s farm or a neighbouring farm provided that such work is not dangerous to their health and safety and does not jeopardize their educational, moral, social and physical development. Such work shall be supervised by adults and authorized by a legal guardian.
• The operator shall provide adequate health and safety measurers for employees, casual workers and contractors.
• An operator employing five or more permanent workers shall have a documented policy covering the aspects of 4.5.

Adherence to relevant legislation: The operator shall act in accordance with relevant legislation.

Knowledge about organic production: The operator shall ensure that all persons involved in organic production have adequate knowledge of organic production and the relevant parts of the EAOPS.

Conversion period and requirements

• The conversion period for land shall be a minimum of one year of management according to this standard. If land that has been in fallow for at least one year is brought into production, no conversion period shall apply for that land.
• The conversion period may be extended depending on past land use (for example, heavy use of pesticides with a risk of contamination of products and the nature of contaminants).

Farm conversion and parallel production

• If the whole farm is not converted, the organic, in-conversion and conventional parts of the farm shall be clearly and continuously separated.
• Land converted to organic production shall not be alternated (switched back and forth) between organic and conventional production.
• A crop which is grown both as organic and non-organic (conventional or in-conversion) on the same farm shall not be sold as organic unless the production is managed in a way that allows clear and continuous separation of the organic and non-organic production (e.g., the varieties for the organic and non-organic crop differ in such a way that they can easily be distinguished from each other).

Biodiversity

• The operator shall demonstrate care for biodiversity throughout the farm holding.
• Culturally or legally protected primary ecosystems, such as primary forests and wetlands, shall not be cleared or drained for the purpose of establishing production according to this standard.
• To the extent possible and appropriate to the crop and the conditions, trees shall be present in the fields. NOTE Older, fruiting trees are especially important to insects and birds.
• Natural boundaries such as hedges, paths and ditches should be encouraged. NOTE Hedges, paths and ditches act as important wildlife corridors through agricultural land, help to maintain a diverse ecology, and provide a habitat for many beneficial animals and insects and shelter for livestock.

Farming system diversity

• Diversity in plant production, organic matter, soil fertility, microbial activity and soil and plant health shall be stimulated by crop rotation, intercropping, agro-forestry and other appropriate measures. For annual crops, crop rotation shall be practised. For perennial crops, other plants shall be intercropped. For perennial crops that are grown as monocultures where intercropping is not possible (e.g., sugarcane and tea), other means to secure diversity shall be applied to the growing system.
• The operator is encouraged to use and preserve indigenous breeds, varieties and species of plants and animals.

Soil and water conservation, including erosion control

• Soil conservation shall be an integral part of the organic farming system. In order to prevent erosion by wind and water, the operator shall take measures appropriate to the specific local conditions of climate, soil, slope and land use. Examples are the use of windbreaks, soil cover, cover crops, minimum tillage, fallowing (with vegetation cover), mulching, terraces and contour planting.
• Relevant measures shall be taken to prevent or remedy the salinisation of soil and water.
• Burning of vegetation shall be restricted and controlled to protect organic matter and biodiversity.
• The operator shall not deplete or excessively exploit water resources and shall seek to conserve water resources and quality. Where necessary, the operator shall collect or harvest rainwater.

Soil fertility management

• Appropriate use and recycling of nutrients, an appropriate crop rotation, and efforts to minimise nutrient losses shall be implemented by the operator.
• Material of microbial, plant or animal origin shall form the basis of the soil fertility programme. Fertilizers of mineral origin shall be applied in the form which they are naturally composed and extracted. They shall not be rendered more soluble by chemical treatment, other than the addition of water. Mineral fertilizers may only be used for long-term fertility needs along with other techniques such as organic-matter additions, green manures, crop rotations and nitrogen fixation by plants.
• Fertilizers and soil conditioners approved for use in organic agriculture according to the IFOAM Basic Standards or CAC GL32 may be used. Fertilizers and soil conditioners of natural origin may be used unless listed in Annex C. Fertilizers and soil conditioners of synthetic origin may be used if listed in Annex B.

Pest, disease and weed management

• Physical, cultural and biological methods for pest, disease and weed management, including the application of heat, may be used.
• Inputs for pest, disease, weed or growth management approved for use in organic agriculture according to the IFOAM Basic Standards and CAC/GL 32 may be used. Active ingredients of natural origin in inputs for pest, disease, weed or growth management may be used unless listed in Annex C. Active ingredients of synthetic origin may be used if listed in Annex B.
• Non-active ingredients, such as carriers and wetting agents, shall not be carcinogens, teratogens, mutagens or neurotoxins.

Seeds, seedlings, and planting materials: Seeds, seedlings and planting materials from organic production shall be used. If organic seeds, seedlings and planting materials are not commercially available, then conventional, chemically untreated seed, seedlings and planting material may be used. Only if these are not commercially available may chemically treated seeds, seedlings and planting materials be used. The operator shall demonstrate the apparent need for such use. All use of chemically treated seeds, seedlings and planting materials shall be documented.

Mushroom production

• The culture substrate for mushrooms shall be constituted of organic ingredients such as organic grain, seed-cakes and straw. Where organic substrates are not commercially available in sufficient quality and quantity, ingredients from conventional production or of natural origin which do not pose a risk of contamination may be used.
• Inputs used in mushroom production shall be in accordance with 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8.

Contamination 

• Where there is an apparent and substantial risk of contamination from adjacent farms, the operator shall implement measures, including barriers and buffer zones, to avoid or limit the contamination.
• Machines, equipment and tools (e.g., seed drills, fertilizer spreaders and spraying equipment) used in non-organic production shall be cleaned before they are used in organic production.
• Treatment of animals against ticks and other ectoparasites shall be administered in such a way that the risk of the contamination of crop land is minimised.

Draught animals: Draught animals, when used in organic plant production, shall be treated according to the animal management standards (6.3). Working conditions for draught animals shall not be adverse to the health and development of the animal.

Conversion and brought-in animals 

• The animal husbandry and individual animals brought into a herd shall undergo a conversion period according to the following:
• Animals shall be raised organically from birth. Where organic livestock is not available, conventional animals may be brought in, according to the following maximum age limits:

1. 2-day-old chicks for meat production;
2. 18-week-old hens for egg production;
3. 2 weeks old for any other poultry;
4. 3 months old for piglets;
5. 3 months old for calves;
6. 3 months for goats and sheep.

Older animals may be brought in for breeding only.

Parallel production: Products from the same type of animal and the same type of production which are both organic and non-organic (conventional or in-conversion) on the same farm shall not be sold as organic unless the production is done in a way that allows for the clear and continuous separation of the organic and non-organic productions.

Animal management 

• Animals shall be kept in accordance with good animal-husbandry practices; Animals shall have access to sufficient fresh air, water and feed; Animals shall have access to protection from direct sunlight, excessive noise, heat, rain, mud and wind to reduce stress and ensure their well-being; Animals shall not be mistreated or beaten.
• Animals shall have the living conditions and be managed according to their natural behavioural needs. For example: Pigs shall be provided with material to root; Goats shall have the possibility of climbing; Chickens shall have the possibility of scratching and of taking regular dust baths; Animals shall have the living conditions and be managed in a way that prevents abnormal behaviour, injury and disease.
• Animals shall have sufficient space for free movement, according to their natural behaviour.
• Housing conditions shall ensure sufficient lying and resting areas that correspond to the natural needs of the animals. Animals shall have a dry resting area whenever possible. They shall also be provided with natural bedding where appropriate.
• Pens and holding areas shall be cleaned regularly.
• Tethering may be practised, provided it does not affect the well-being of the animal. The animal shall have access to adequate feed, shade and water. The method of tethering shall enable the animal to freely move within the grazing area without getting entangled or choked. The tethering shall not cause wounds or otherwise physically harm animals.
• Animals shall have the opportunity to feed according to their natural behaviour, e.g., grazing. However, where the bringing of fodder is a more sustainable way to use land resources than grazing, animals may be fed with brought fodder, provided that the animals have access to an outdoor run on a regular basis.
• Grazing management shall not degrade soil, pasture and water resources.

Breeding

• Artificial insemination may be practised.
• Embryo-transfer techniques and cloning shall not be used.

Mutilations:

• Mutilations may not be practised, except in the following cases:

1. castration
2. ringing
3. dehorning (only of young animals).

• Mutilations shall be done in such a way that the suffering of the animal is minimized. Anaesthetics shall be used where appropriate.

Animal feeds

• Animals shall be fed 100 % organic feedstuff. Where the quantity or quality of commercially available organic feed is inadequate, the daily maximum percentage of non-organic feed shall be 40 %, calculated on a dry-matter basis.
• All animals shall have access to fresh fodder. Ruminants shall get fresh fodder daily through grazing or feeding. Where such fodder is not available, preserved fodder may be used.
• To ensure a connection between plant production and animal husbandry, at least 60 % of feed shall come from the farm itself or be produced in cooperation with other organic farms.
• The following products shall not be included in the feed: - meat, bone and other abattoir waste products to ruminants - chicken manure or other animal manure to ruminants - Feeds subjected to solvent extraction (e.g., hexane) or the addition of other chemical agents - amino-acid isolates - urea and other synthetic nitrogen compounds - synthetic growth promoters or stimulants - antibiotics - synthetic appetizers - artificial colouring agents - genetically engineered organisms or products thereof.
• Feed preservatives may not be used except for - plant-based products, - by-products from the food industry (e.g., molasses), - bacteria, fungi and enzymes,
• Animals may be fed vitamins, trace elements and supplements from natural sources. Synthetic vitamins, minerals and supplements may be used where natural sources are lacking in quantity or quality.
• Young stock from mammals shall be raised on maternal milk or organic whole milk from their own species. Young animals shall be allowed to suckle. Where organic whole milk is not available, conventional whole milk shall be used. Milk replacements may be used only in emergencies and shall not contain ingredients mentioned in.
• Animals shall be weaned only after a minimum time that takes into account the natural behaviour and physical needs of the animal.

Parasite and disease management

• Disease prevention in organic livestock production shall be based on the following:

1. the choice of appropriate breeds or strains of animals;
2. the application of animal-husbandry practices appropriate to each species, encouraging strong resistance to disease and the prevention of infections;
3. the use of good quality organic feed, regular exercise, and access to pasture or runs in the open air;
4. an appropriate density of livestock.

• If an animal becomes sick or injured despite preventative measures, it shall be treated promptly and adequately. As a first option, phytotherapeutic and other alternative treatments shall be used where they are proven to be effective in curing sickness or healing an injury.
• An operator may use synthetic veterinary drugs, antibiotics or synthetic pesticides only if preventive and alternative practices are unlikely to be effective in curing sickness or healing an injury. * The operator shall not withhold medication from sick or injured animals, even if the use of such medication would cause the animal to lose its organic status.
• Treatments with synthetic pesticides or veterinary drugs against parasites shall be based on knowledge of the parasites and the chemical treatment used. All treatments with synthetic pesticides or veterinary drugs against parasites shall be documented.
• Withholding periods after treating animals with synthetic veterinary drugs, antibiotics or synthetic pesticides shall not be less than double the period required by legislation or a minimum of 48 hours, whichever is longer.
• Vaccinations may only be used when:

1. an endemic disease is known or is expected to be a problem in the region of the farm; and where this disease cannot be controlled by other management techniques; or
2. vaccination is legally required.

• Hormonal treatment may be used only for therapeutic reasons and under veterinary supervision.
• Synthetic growth promoters or substances used for the purpose of stimulating production shall not be used.

Transport and slaughter: Handling, including transport and slaughter, shall be carried out calmly and gently and involve the minimum of physical and mental strain or stress for the animal. The animals shall be provided with conditions that minimise stress and other adverse effects of:

1. hunger and thirst,
2. extreme temperatures or relative humidity,
3. mixing different groups, sexes, age, and health status.

Conversion and brought-in bees and swarms

• Bee colonies may be converted to organic production. The conversion period for a colony is one honey harvest cycle.
• If the wax has been contaminated with pesticides it shall be replaced by organic wax at the start of the conversion period.
• Introduced bees shall come from organic production units where available or otherwise from traditional bee-keeping. Swarms from other areas can be used without a conversion time if there is no risk of contamination.

Location and construction

• Hives shall be situated in organically managed fields and/or wild natural areas. Hives shall be placed in an area with sufficient forage, access to water, honeydew, nectar and pollen.
• Organic wax shall be used for starter combs. Where organic wax is not available, conventional wax may be used. The conventional wax shall not be contaminated with synthetic pesticides.
• Hives shall consist of materials presenting no risk of toxic effects to the bees or the bee products.

Feed

• The honeydew, nectar and pollen shall mainly come from plants that are either wild or that fulfil organic crop requirements.
• Supplementary feeding of colonies can be undertaken to overcome temporary feed shortages due to climatic or other exceptional circumstances. In such cases, organically produced honey or sugars shall be used, where available.

Husbandry

• The health of bee colonies shall be maintained by good management practices, with emphasis on disease prevention through breed selection and hive management. This includes:

1. the use of breeds that adapt well to local conditions;
2. renewal of queen bees, where necessary;
3. regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment;
4. regular renewal of beeswax;
5. availability in hives of sufficient pollen and honey;
6. placing of hives so that the temperature is favourable to the bees;
7. inspection of hives to detect any anomalies;
8. disinfection, isolation or destruction of contaminated hives and materials.

• For pest and disease control, the following may be used:

1. lactic, oxalic, acetic acid;
2. sulphur;
3. natural etheric oils (e.g., menthol, eucalyptol, camphor, thymon, lemongrass oil);
4. Bacillus thuringiensis;
5. steam and direct flame;
6. glycerol;
7. phytotherapeutic treatment;
8. wood ash.

• Should these processes and substances fail, synthetic veterinary drugs, antibiotics or synthetic pesticides may be used. If they are used, the colony shall undergo a new conversion. Used engine oil shall not be used for pest control.

Harvest

• At the harvest, colonies shall be left with reserves of honey, brood and pollen sufficient for the survival of the colony.
• Synthetic repellents shall not be used during the harvest of bee products. Smoking shall be kept to a minimum. Smoking materials shall be of natural origin.

Wild harvested organic products shall originate from a stable and sustainable growing environment. The harvest shall not be at a rate that exceeds the sustainable yield of the species or the ecosystem, and it shall not threaten the existence of plant, fungal, or animal species, including those not directly exploited.

The operator shall harvest products only from a clearly defined area where synthetic pesticides and other substances not allowed by this standard have not been applied for at least three years before harvest. The harvest area shall be at an appropriate distance from conventional farms and sources of contamination.