1. + 6.3.2017 Defining organic production Defining organic production
Control and certification of organic production
Organic beekeeping
Ana Marušić Lisac, dipl. ing. Biotechnicon HR-EKO-04
Defining organic production
Defining organic production
the basic purpose of organic farming is protection of human health and lives, protection of the nature, environment and consumers
the aim is elimination or full control of:
mineral fertilisers and pesticides (chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic phosphates and carbamates)
polychlorinated biphenyls
atrazine herbicides
heavy metals and potentially toxic elements
biostimulators (hormone preparations and thyreostats)
medication (antibiotics, sulphonamides and other chemotherapeutic veterinary substances)
nitrates and nitrites
seeds and seedlings produced using conventional methods
genetically modified organisms (plant and animal)
Defining organic production
Procedure
registration with the system
- request for certification of organic products
- information on farm/plot production and history
contracting
- offer
transitional period = conversion period
varies depending on crop type
possibility to shorten the transitional period
- contract
field control
- record
continuity of control: field and documentation
certificate

2. 6.3.2017 Product certification elements Certification body
independent third party
technical specification
certification system
authorisation and supervision by a competent body
accreditation
standardised procedures
administration and documentation
Certification staff
Control
education (university diploma) in a relevant programme
knowledge regarding work methodology in performance of controls and method of production of controlled products
code of conduct
the certification supports credibility of products and their quality because it involves previous and ongoing control activities
the Ministry of Agriculture provides a guarantee for certified products
Professional control
Product control and certification
continuous communication and cooperation with the control body
field control in vegetation, at least once a year
control of remediation of determined non-compliance
performance of the control requires control staff preparation and knowledge
importance of high-quality and constructive mutual communication
preventive action aimed at compliance

3. 6.3.2017 Risk assessment Professional control
each plot and each farm undergoes a risk assessment
risk assessment criteria
transparent and effective management of the control and certification procedure
harmonisation and opening of markets
building client and market trust
building credibility and impregneability of the system
achieving and maintaining quality
Organic beekeeping - requirements
Organic beekeeping - requirements
beehives are largely made using natural materials which do not represent any environmental pollution threat or threat to beekeeping products
organically produced beeswax foundation sheet without wire components apart from stainless steel
beeswax for new foundation sheets must originate from beehives and only natural products such as propolis, wax and herbail oils may be used
apiaries must be placed within 3 km from the seat of the apiary; sources of nectar and pollen are generally organically grown crops and/or natural vegetation and/or crops treated using procedures which have low environmental impact – and without strong sources of pollution in the vicinity
Member States may determine regions or areas where organic beekeeping is not applicable
Organic beekeeping - requirements
Organic beekeeping - requirements
providing sufficient food for the bees and access to water is mandatory
artificial feeding is allowed for survival of bee colonies and it is based on organic honey
sugar syrup or organically produced sugar molasses with an
authorisation
from the final day of extraction of honey from the beehive to 15 days ahead of flowering of honey production plants
use of synthetic chemical insect repellents is prohibited during extraction of honey
use of wax comb for extraction of honey is prohibited
only rodent control devices (traps) and products referred to in Annex II of Regulation 889 are permitted for protection of frames, beehives and combs

4. 6.3.2017 Organic beekeeping - requirements
emphasis on preventive measures
mechanical disinfection (steam or direct flame) is permitted
in cases of Varroa destructor infections, organic acids such as formic, lactic, acetic and oxalic acids – otherwise found in honey – may be used, as well as menthol, thymol, eucalyptol or camphor
destruction of swarms of drones is permitted for isolation of Varroa destructor infections
diseased or infected colonies must be treated and/or relocated to isolated apiaries
application of veterinary medicines is approved by the Member State
during treatment using chemically synthesised allopathic products, treated colonies are placed in isolated apiaries and all the wax is replaced using organic wax
such colonies are subject to application of one-year transition period
Organic beekeeping - control
Placement of apiaries
Number of beehives
Organic and non-organic beehives
Beehive material
Beehive care and protection
Organic beeswax
Use of non-organic beeswax
Use of propolis, wax and herbal oils
Beehive disinfection
Rebuilding apiaries
Non-organic queen bees and rebuilding swarms
Recorded mortality
Feeding/bee forage
Additional feeding for survival
Duration of additional feeding
Reserves of food before the winter
Treatment of bees
Veterinary supervision
Clipping queen bee wings
Destroying bees on honeycomb