CCPAE certification
The Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production (CCPAE) is the control authority in Catalonia, and its function is to audit and certify organic agri-food products from our region. The CCPAE is a public law corporation with its own legal personality. This body is administratively supervised by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The Council is included in the list of public authorities and control bodies published annually by the European Union.
Organic agricultural production, also called biological or ecological, is a system for the production and processing of natural agricultural products. The main objective is to obtain food of the highest quality.
The techniques used in organic agricultural production are respectful of the environment and people because they restrict the use of synthetic chemicals (hormones, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc.). Therefore, organic agricultural products do not contain residues of these substances.
Certification is necessary to ensure that the organic production system of food reaches the consumer with the maximum guarantees. For this reason, the Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production (CCPAE) carries out exhaustive controls on operators through audits of production and processing systems, and takes samples of products to be analyzed. This ensures that these products have not been contaminated with pesticides or GMOs.
Both the production and processing system and the control system are common in all European Union countries and are regulated by Regulation (EU) 2018/848. In addition, the European Commission publishes a list of recognized control bodies or authorities to carry out the control and certification of organic products. In Catalonia, the CCPAE is the control and certification authority for organic agricultural and food products.
The guarantee of certification
Organic certification guarantees that products have been produced or processed following organic farming standards, and that they have been controlled throughout their production, processing, packaging and marketing process.
Vegetable products
Organic vegetable products are products grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers or pesticides (fungicides, insecticides or herbicides). Therefore, without residues of these substances.
Only organic fertilizers and natural minerals are used, and nitrogen fertilization is limited to 170 *kgN/ha per year (like vulnerable zones).
Plant health is based on preventive methods, and only natural plant protection products listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) 889/2008 can be used.
Genetically modified crops are not authorized.
Animal products
Organic animal products are products that come from livestock farming that provides decent living conditions for livestock and herds, respecting their biological and behavioral needs.This livestock is fed with organic products.
Herbivorous animals have access to pastures, and poultry and pigs have access to outdoor areas.
Animal housing has a minimum surface area, allows ample natural light, and is perfectly ventilated.
Health is based on the selection of appropriate breeds, good zootechnical practices, adequate density, and high-quality feed. Antibiotics as a preventive treatment are not authorized.