Role of certification bodies in the organic production system

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Abstract

In this paper the activity of certification bodies in the organic supply chain is analysed in a broad perspective. A general description of organic certification in different regions is provided, with a brief discussion of the harmonization and mutual recognition issues stressing how differences in regulations and laws enforcement generate transaction costs. We investigate the performance of third-party certification bodies in Italy and provide preliminary findings about their objectiveness and independence. Certification bodies play a crucial role in the organic supply chain, guaranteeing a correct information flow from producers to consumers through a quite complex environment. We evaluate the performance of third-party certification bodies by collecting information about measurable performance variables representing the intensity and quality of the certification bodies effort, with the aim to identify opportunistic organic producers' behaviour. Using a set of indicators for quality, intensity and frequency of inspections we analysed similarities and differences among certification bodies and we found a great heterogeneity in their operations management. This is very useful to describe different types of certification bodies. The drawback of our analysis is that we cannot truly identify the nature of these differences and we were not able to discriminate between virtuous and opportunistic certification bodies.

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APA

Canavari, M., Cantore, N., Pignatti, E., & Spadoni, R. (2010). Role of certification bodies in the organic production system. In Looking East Looking West: Organic and Quality Food Marketing in Asia and Europe (pp. 85–99). Wageningen Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.3921/978-90-8686-703-5

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