MSA Certification - Services /Organic Farming

When purchasing organic produce, consumers should look out for the distinctive certification mark that shows that the product has been produced by according to Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007.   In Malta the competent authority on organic farming practice is the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs and MSA has been appointed as an approved certification body.

How to Get Certified & The Certification Process

MSA offers its certification service against the above mentioned Council Regulation.  Our certification system is built on the following processes:

APPLICATION (download all documents from here)

Applications are received preferably by e-mail, fax, post.  All applications are reviewed and we check that we have all the information necessary before we provide a quotation.  Our pricing schedule is based on an annual fee.   Applicants can request a further clarification to aid their decision making process.
Applicants can proceed at their own pace to prepare to meet the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007.  When they are ready for assessment, the dates are arranged to suit our clients. 

CERTIFICATION AUDIT

Interested farmers / producers / processors are required to contact MSA (Tel: 2395 2000 or e-mail: certification@msa.org.mt), fill in an application form and submit it to Head of MSA Certification together with the required supporting documentation and a registration fee. 
MSA selects an inspection team made up of experts in organic farming practice and in auditing practice and carries out an initial inspection.  Their report and recommendation is presented to a Certification Board (made up of independent experts) who decides whether to grant certification or not.  Initially, in case of a positive decision, a certificate ‘In-conversion’ to Organic is granted.  After two years, if client proves that he/she is competent to meet the requirements of this Certification scheme and the Regulations, he/she is granted the Organic Certification Logo.

SURVEILLANCE VISITS

Periodic surveillance visits (normally twice a year) are carried out on registered organic farms / producers.  Clients are required to keep all records on how they grow or process organic produce, what chemicals, fertilizers, etc. are in use.   Such records are inspected on every visit and tests for illegal use of pesticides, chemicals, etc. are carried out when it is suspected or complaints are received that the client is not practicing organic farming as required by Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007.

IMPARTIALITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Impartiality and impartiality are cornerstones of MSA Certification services.   MSA guarantees the confidentiality of their certification services and ensure that the service is fully impartial. Any queries relating to impartiality or confidentiality should be addressed to the Head of MSA Certification and will be reviewed by the Chairman of MSA.