Welcome to SCPA Organics
SCPA Organics is a regional Organic Certification system that certifies producers in accordance with International and Australian standards, but not for export. It is a member of, and follows the standards of the global organic certification body, IFOAM – International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. SCPA Organics is a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and was the first of its type in Australia.
"Participatory Guarantee Systems are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange."
Members must follow organic standards, and in addition are encouraged to source their farm inputs regionally and also to sell their products within their local region. The national Australian Organic Standards are used as the criteria for farm inspections.
SCPA Organics is based on peer review inspections which are held annually. Twice a year the membership meets to review all the reports, exchange knowledge and information as well as socialise.
The annual certification costs through SCPA Organics are significantly lower than most other certification bodies as members contribute to the cost by undertaking to be involved in the inspection of other farms.
$80 – Full membership of SCPA – South East Producers.
$85 – Certification administration fee
$165 annual cost for Organic Certification
Organic Certification can be achieved in 3 years and requires:
- an initial inspection report,
- preparation, implementation and maintenance of an Organic Management Plan for the land and products to be certified, and
- the annual preparation of documentation showing the source of materials used on the property.
New to SCPA Organics? Join now and we'll waive the $85 annual SCPA Organics and $80 SCPA membership fees, a saving of $165 for the first year's membership! There are also a limited number of free initial inspections available, an additional saving of $100.
Testimonials
‘I’ve always had concerns about Organic Certification in general due to the inability to measure the energy component of ‘food miles’ for growers in relation to where inputs are sourced and where produce is sold.’ ‘The PGS scheme takes care of this concern by encouraging members to sell their produce into local markets and therefore playing a critical role in the vision of building of our local food economy.’ John Champagne - SCPA President
‘Although we have always operated on organic principles, we felt initially that organic certification was going to be too costly and cumbersome. We love the regional approach of SCPA Organics, the fact that we are not paying inflated certification fees, as well as the networking with other producers’ Penny Kothe and Paul McKinnon, Caroola Farm
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SCPA - South East Producers Post: PO Box 1054 BEGA NSW 2550 ABN: 72 609 646 869 Email: organics@scpa.org.au
