Kazakhstan strengthens control over organic products
Kazakhstan has every chance to become the largest producer of organic products in Central Asia. This is facilitated by the presence of extensive agricultural land and a relatively low level of use of mineral fertilisers and agrochemicals. However, to realize this potential, standardisation, certification and systematic support from the state are necessary, according to the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. This is reported by the press service of the NPP.
On behalf of the government, the Organic Project Office began operating in the National Chamber in 2023.
On January 23, a meeting was held within its framework, which was attended by Yerbol Yeseneyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Atameken NCE, and representatives of industry associations. The issues of protecting the organic market, consumer rights and honest producers were discussed at the meeting.
"Let's be honest, there are many products labelled completely organic on the markets and store shelves. However, there are many cases where these products do not meet the standards of natural products. Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on the production and turnover of organic products. We must systematize the work in this direction on the basis of the Project Office at the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, together with government agencies and other interested institutions. Our goal is to provide the population with clean and organic products," Yerbol Yeseneyev said.
Chairman of TC 100 Organic Products of the Technical Committee for Standardisation Berdibek Bulashev stressed the importance of timely informing entrepreneurs and retail chains about regulations.
The Ministries of Health and Agriculture are also interested in combating greenwashing. This was reported by representatives of the authorised bodies who participated in the meeting.
"Entrepreneurs and individuals engaged in the sale of organic products can work without fear if their products meet the standards of naturalness. However, manufacturers who unreasonably use the term organic and whose products do not meet these standards should change the labeling. According to the new law, such violations will be punishable by fines. All these measures are aimed at protecting public health," Yerbol Yeseneyev summed up.
During the discussion of the fight against greenwashing, the participants also raised a number of problematic issues. It was decided to strengthen public control in order to further advance the work in this direction.
Reported by Kapital (Kazakhstan)