The seminar was aimed at informing importers and sellers of organic produce about the obligations of the EU regulations on organic produce and foodstuffs, in particular with regard to the complicated labelling system, and the importation requirements for organic produce.

The participants were shown existing cases of fraudulent labelling, and also of authentic organic labels. They were also informed about their obligations as from 1 May for a new system of import licences, particularly for produce coming from third countries.

Examples of third countries include Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand. These organic farming regulations are aimed at controlling and harmonising the production of organic produce throughout the EU, and to ensure the authenticity of such produce, in particular with respect to the customers’ rights.

Labelling is considered to be particularly important to ensure that the product that the client is buying is genuine.

An exhibition of organic produce found locally was also on display. One section was dedicated to foreign organic produce, which is already available in Maltese supermarkets, while in the other section organic produce produced locally was exhibited.

Agriculture and Fisheries parliamentary secretary Frans Agius delivered a closing speech about the projects being carried out on organic farming by the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry.

Anyone interested in learning more about organic farming should contact the Organic Farming Unit by telephone on 2590-4174, email [email protected] or fax 2590-4199.