Organic production and processing methods, which have been governed by European regulations since 1991, are now part of the French system. official signs identifying quality and origin.
Organic farming uses cultivation and rearing practices that respect the natural balance.
It excludes the use of synthetic chemicals and GMOs and limits inputs.
This method of production allows us to experiment with innovative practices that could be more widely developed in agriculture.
These processing methods focus on enhancing the natural characteristics of the products.
Organic sector operators at all stages (production, processing, storage and distribution) are checked at least once a year by certification bodies approved by the French public authorities that meet criteria of independence and impartiality.
A reference to this organisation appears on each product, next to the logo.
Whether they carry the "AB" logo or the Eurofoil, organically-farmed products are easy for consumers to identify.
Because of the way they are obtained, essential oils can concentrate certain contaminants, particularly pesticides. Using certified essential oils is therefore a guarantee of quality for consumers, and they account for a significant share of the market in France. For example, 42 % of the essential oils sold individually in pharmacies in 2017 were certified as organically produced.
There are also organic certifications for markets outside Europe:
Export to the USA :
JAS : Export to Japan :
China National Organic Product Standard export to China
There are therefore different organic certifications for essential oils and the geographical market to which they are destined. However, organic labels are not the only selection criterion, although they do reflect a concern for quality and traceability. The standards defining the characterisation criteria for essential oils are set by national and international standardisation bodies and Pharmacopoeia-type reference documents.
Find out more about the official standards for essential oils (Afnor, ISO, FCC, etc.) in our next article.
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