These are basic guidelines regarding Certification of
Individuals farms.

1. What do I need to know about Individual Farm certification?

A farm can be certified according to the Ecological Organic Standard of Ghana (EOSG). This happens when the individual farmer provides evidence that his or her production system meets the requirements of the standard.

Why is it necessary?

To enable market access within Ghana and to assure consumers that the product is organic and traceable.

Certification is also essential to demonstrate that the production system is environmentally friendly
and if there are fair working & living conditions on the farm.

2. Who can be certified as an Individual Farmer?

It is the farm operator, not the farmer, that is certified. This farm operation should be under one management, either in one or multiple locations.

For example;

A farmer with one plot and one or many enterprises, or a farmer with many plots and many enterprises.

Certification will cover;

• All production area including fallow and grazing areas.
• Materials used in production (their quantities and
sources)
• All post harvest handling activities like cleaning,
packaging
• Stores for produce and inputs
• Tools and equipment used.

More information regarding these requirements, check
other EOSG brochures.

3. Who can be certified as a group of farmers?

It is the farm operation of the individuals in the group that has been certified, not the farmer. The farm operation can be under individual management at different locations or at one location, or under a joint location.

Management in one location;

1. A group with individual
   management at different
   locations
2. A group with individual
   management at one location
3. A group with joint
   management at one location

4. How do I get certified?

Farmers meeting the mentioned requirements can seek certification through the following steps;

In the First Year;

Step 1: Read the standard and other general information on certification.

Step 2: Make inquiries from PGS Ghana and obtain relevant information on standards, application process, certification cost, and procedures.

Step 3: Fill in and submit the application, pay application cost, inspection/per review fee.

Step 4: Inspection. Agree with PGS Ghana when the physical examination of farming activities and documentation will be done.

Step 5: Discuss the inspection report with the inspectors. Read the report carefully and check for any errors and misunderstandings. Fulfil any pre-conditions needed for the certification.

Step 6: Certification decision. PGS Ghana will communicate the outcomes of the inspection and the certification decision.

5. How do I maintain my certification?

Your farm will be inspected every year to check that all the requirements are implemented and all the conditions communicated by PGS are fulfilled.

Therefore, you should continuously;

1. Keep track of the changes in the requirements of the standard.
   
2. Keep all documentation up-to-date.
   
3. Acquire more knowledge in organic production process and requirements.
   
4. Protect the organic farm and products from contamination.
   

For more information, contact the following address below;

PGS Ghana
Tel: +233 (0)26 904 8634
Email: coordinator@pgs-ghana.bio
Website: www.pgs-ghana.bio