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This page informs about news in our field of work.
>> Please select the sections "events", "jobs/vacancies", "press releases" and "news archive" in the toolbar on the left hand of this page.
Canada - IMO listed as recognised Certification Body by Canadian Government
IMO is now listed on the „List of Certification Bodies providing organic certification services under the Canada Organic Regime“. IMO is listed here in all countries where it provides NOP certification service; see official website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The equivalence determinations from the USA and Canada took effect on June 30, 2009 already, but the listing of USDA accredited certification bodies from outside the US was done only now. More information...
(20.07.2010/if, ih)
The equivalence determinations from the USA and Canada took effect on June 30, 2009 already, but the listing of USDA accredited certification bodies from outside the US was done only now. More information...
(20.07.2010/if, ih)
IMO under new leadership
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The Institute for Marketecology (IMO) in Switzerland is under new leadership: Elisabeth Rüegg is the new director, succeeding Dr. Rainer Bächi who died tragically in a car accident only three weeks ago. Read more...
(30.06.2010/ih)
(30.06.2010/ih)
We mourn the death of Dr. Rainer Bächi
Dr. Rainer Bächi, founder and director of the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) passed away. Rainer was killed in a car accident during a mission in Georgia early morning of 10th June 2010.
His sudden and totally unexpected death is tragic and heartbreaking. With Rainer we lost not only a charismatic pioneer of the organic agriculture movement, but also our teacher, visionary thinker and professional leader. Read more...
(12.06.2010/ih)
His sudden and totally unexpected death is tragic and heartbreaking. With Rainer we lost not only a charismatic pioneer of the organic agriculture movement, but also our teacher, visionary thinker and professional leader. Read more...
(12.06.2010/ih)
Sustainable Foods Summit
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The aim of the Sustainable Foods Summit is to address the major issues the food industry faces concerning sustainability and eco-labels such as organic, fair trade, etc.
The second edition of this summit will take place in Amsterdam, 10-11th June 2010. IMO is proud to support this new summit that focuses on fair trade and sustainability in the food industry. Key topics cover ethical partnerships, traceability, roundtables, distribution and marketing. Case studies are given of companies that have successfully and legitimately met the sustainability challenges. Like previous events organised by Organic Monitor, it will bring together key stake-holders in the food industry and debate these major issues in a high-level forum.
>> Further information...
(27.04.2010/ ih)
The second edition of this summit will take place in Amsterdam, 10-11th June 2010. IMO is proud to support this new summit that focuses on fair trade and sustainability in the food industry. Key topics cover ethical partnerships, traceability, roundtables, distribution and marketing. Case studies are given of companies that have successfully and legitimately met the sustainability challenges. Like previous events organised by Organic Monitor, it will bring together key stake-holders in the food industry and debate these major issues in a high-level forum.
>> Further information...
(27.04.2010/ ih)
New logo selected for all EU organic products
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On March 31, 2010, the new EU organic logo, introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) No 271/2010 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Over the past two months, some 130,000 people have voted online to choose the new organic symbol from three finalists. The winning design is by Dusan Milenkovic, a student from Germany, who gained 63 % of the overall vote for his “Euroleaf” logo. From July 1, 2010, the organic logo of the EU will be obligatory on all pre-packaged organic products that have been produced in any of the EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. The new logo can now be downloaded at the EU organic webpage .
Products with the old EU logo can be sold until stocks are exhausted. Packaging material with the old logo and code numbers can be used until 1 July 2012 if the product complies with Regulation (EC) 834/2007 in all other aspects other than the labelling. The logo can be printed in green and white or black and white. In addition, if the packaging is dark the logo can be printed in a negative format, and when a coloured logo is printed on a coloured background an outer line to make a better contrast between the logo and the background is permitted. The logo can be combined with other logos or texts referring to organic farming provided the nature of the EU logo is not changed. The code number can be placed in the same visual field as the logo but does not have to be placed directly beneath.
>> See text of EU Regulation 271/2010; Link to the official user manual.
(15.04.2010/ ih)
Over the past two months, some 130,000 people have voted online to choose the new organic symbol from three finalists. The winning design is by Dusan Milenkovic, a student from Germany, who gained 63 % of the overall vote for his “Euroleaf” logo. From July 1, 2010, the organic logo of the EU will be obligatory on all pre-packaged organic products that have been produced in any of the EU Member States and meet the necessary standards. The new logo can now be downloaded at the EU organic webpage .
Products with the old EU logo can be sold until stocks are exhausted. Packaging material with the old logo and code numbers can be used until 1 July 2012 if the product complies with Regulation (EC) 834/2007 in all other aspects other than the labelling. The logo can be printed in green and white or black and white. In addition, if the packaging is dark the logo can be printed in a negative format, and when a coloured logo is printed on a coloured background an outer line to make a better contrast between the logo and the background is permitted. The logo can be combined with other logos or texts referring to organic farming provided the nature of the EU logo is not changed. The code number can be placed in the same visual field as the logo but does not have to be placed directly beneath.
>> See text of EU Regulation 271/2010; Link to the official user manual.
(15.04.2010/ ih)
ASC: Certification against Aquaculture Dialogue standards
Through a series of roundtables, called Aquaculture Dialogues, WWF works with farmers, retailers, NGOs, scientists and other aquaculture industry stakeholders worldwide to develop standards for responsible aquaculture. The standards will minimize the key environmental and social impacts associated with aquaculture. The goal of the Dialogues is to create draft standards for 12 aquaculture species by the end of 2010. When finalized, the standards will be given to a new organization, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), that will be responsible for working with independent, third party entities to certify farms that are in compliance with the standards.
Prior to the ASC becoming fully operational in 2011, the Aquaculture Dialogue standard certification process will be handled by entities that meet several criteria. The first entity to meet the criteria is GLOBALGAP. GLOBALGAP's accredited certification bodies are authorised by GLOBALGAP to audit farms that adopt the Aquaculture Dialogue standards. Farms that are in compliance with the standards will receive a certificate of interim compliance from GLOBALGAP. Read more...
(25.3.2010/mis, ih)
Prior to the ASC becoming fully operational in 2011, the Aquaculture Dialogue standard certification process will be handled by entities that meet several criteria. The first entity to meet the criteria is GLOBALGAP. GLOBALGAP's accredited certification bodies are authorised by GLOBALGAP to audit farms that adopt the Aquaculture Dialogue standards. Farms that are in compliance with the standards will receive a certificate of interim compliance from GLOBALGAP. Read more...
(25.3.2010/mis, ih)
The World's Largest Seafood Fair
The European Seafood Exposition is the world's largest seafood fair. Attracting buyers and sellers from over 140 countries around the world and featuring the stands of over 1600 exhibitors, the European Seafood Exposition is the global fair for the seafood industry. This event will take place 27th-29th April 2010. Further information...
Like every year, IMO will be present at the fair. Please contact IMO if you wish to arrange a meeting in advance. Information can be given on the latest developments in aquaculture (e.g. Globalgap, ASC, AquaGAP) and fishery (e.g. MSC).
(23.03.2010/mis, ih)
Like every year, IMO will be present at the fair. Please contact IMO if you wish to arrange a meeting in advance. Information can be given on the latest developments in aquaculture (e.g. Globalgap, ASC, AquaGAP) and fishery (e.g. MSC).
(23.03.2010/mis, ih)
GlobalGAP Aquaculture: scope extensions
With the recent publication of new scope extensions for tilapia and pangasius, we believe the GlobalGAP standard will play a more significant role for seafood retailers in the future. We would like to inform all suppliers that IMO is now approved to carry out auditing and certification according to the new subscopes. We look forward to your interest and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at globalgap@imo.ch.
(06.03.2010/ih)
(06.03.2010/ih)
New NaTrue Raw material certification!
From march onwards natural ingredients can also be certified as raw materials according the NaTrue criterias. Raw material suppliers may already apply for certification. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our experts at cosmetics@imo.ch. More information about certification in the cosmetic sector...
(01.03.10/ih)
(01.03.10/ih)
New Partnership for Management System Certification
To help safeguard quality and safety throughout the whole food supply chain IMO provides efficient food safety services. Certification of food safety management systems is available according to a variety of standards (ISO 22000, HACCP, FSSC 22000, Synergy 22000, BRC, IFS). We are happy to offer this service with immediate effect in cooperation with our renown partner ProCert.
Our joint service allows covering requirements of multiple internationally recognized food safety and food quality standards as well as organic certification and/or social & fairtrade certification cost-effectively in one audit. >> More information...
(27.10.2009/ih)
Our joint service allows covering requirements of multiple internationally recognized food safety and food quality standards as well as organic certification and/or social & fairtrade certification cost-effectively in one audit. >> More information...
(27.10.2009/ih)
Fair For Life celebrates its Third Anniversary
Exactly three years ago, in September 2006, the Fair for Life Social and Fair Trade Programme was launched by the Swiss Bio-Foundation, in cooperation with IMO. It all started with a handful of relatively small but dedicated companies and their supply chains, who set off to establish a fair trade certification program that would work independent of the traditional Fairtrade system. This new certification programme created an opportunity for all serious fair trade producers and products that had not previously been eligible for fair trade certification. More information...
Sustainable Foods Summit receives positive reception
The first Sustainable Foods Summit drew to a successful close at the end of June in Amsterdam, with the organisers and delegates satisfied with the inaugural event. In spite of the economic recession, the summit brought together about 100 key executives involved in sustainability in the food industry. Dr. Rainer Bachi, Director of IMO, echoed the positive sentiment, ‘thank you for the excellent organisation of the conference…we received many new ideas and useful information’. More information...
(15.07.2009/ih)
(15.07.2009/ih)
World Congress on Organic Cotton – From Fashion to Sustainability
On the occasion of the UN Year of Natural Fibers 2009 the International Congress on Organic Cotton „From Fashion to Sustainability“ is organized by Helvetas, in collaboration with the international partners Organic Exchange, Institute for Market Ecology IMO, International Trade Centre ITC, Max Havelaar and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.
The congress takes place on September 21 – 25, 2009 at the Casino Kursaal, Interlaken – Switzerland and provides a unique platform to practitioners of the whole textile value chain, offering the opportunity to discuss and learn about innovations, challenges, successful business models and to establish new partnerships in the field of organic and fair trade cotton. More information ...
(25.06.2009/ih)
The congress takes place on September 21 – 25, 2009 at the Casino Kursaal, Interlaken – Switzerland and provides a unique platform to practitioners of the whole textile value chain, offering the opportunity to discuss and learn about innovations, challenges, successful business models and to establish new partnerships in the field of organic and fair trade cotton. More information ...
(25.06.2009/ih)
Sustainable Foods Summit supported by IMO
IMO acts as a supporting organisation for the Sustainable Foods Summit the first-ever conference dedicated to eco-labelling and sustainability. The inaugural Sustainable Foods Summit will be held in Amsterdam, June 25-27 and has been unveiled by Organic Monitor. It aims to bring together some of the most influential and key organisations involved in sustainability in the European food industry. A key feature of the summit is that it will focus on industry best-practices. The summit will give case studies of companies who
have successfully and legitimately met the ethical & environmental challenges. Leading experts and organisations at the cutting edge of sustainability initiatives will present papers in a high-level forum.
For further information please download the official Press_Release or visit the Sustainable Foods Summit website.
(22.04.2009/ih)
have successfully and legitimately met the ethical & environmental challenges. Leading experts and organisations at the cutting edge of sustainability initiatives will present papers in a high-level forum.
For further information please download the official Press_Release or visit the Sustainable Foods Summit website.
(22.04.2009/ih)
Notice on Fertilizers under the NOP Final Rule
In February the NOP has published important changes concerning the application of high-nitrogen liquid fertilizers under the Final Rule. The use of such products will become much more restricted from October 2009 onwards. For more information, please click on notice_on_liquid_fertilizers_2009_03_02.pdf. (fd, 23.4.2009)
IMO accredited for NaTrue Cosmetic Certification
We have the pleasure to announce the official accreditation of IMO to certify according to the NaTrue criterias.
The international recognised NaTrue-label for natural cosmetics offers three different grades (marked by stars in the logo): Natural cosmetics, Natural cosmetics with organic ingredients and Organic cosmetics. Until now only final products can be certified, but NaTrue is in discussion to allow to certify/to evaluate also raw materials according to NaTrue-criterias. For NaTrue not only the natural ingredients are important, but also the material of package. Furthermore at least 75% of all individual products (in terms of formulations) of the same brand need to be certified as natural cosmetics. More information …
(30.1.2009/hvs, ih)
The international recognised NaTrue-label for natural cosmetics offers three different grades (marked by stars in the logo): Natural cosmetics, Natural cosmetics with organic ingredients and Organic cosmetics. Until now only final products can be certified, but NaTrue is in discussion to allow to certify/to evaluate also raw materials according to NaTrue-criterias. For NaTrue not only the natural ingredients are important, but also the material of package. Furthermore at least 75% of all individual products (in terms of formulations) of the same brand need to be certified as natural cosmetics. More information …
(30.1.2009/hvs, ih)
AquaGAP: New standard for Good Aquaculture Practices launched
IMO is proud to announce that quality farming according to Good Aquaculture Practices can now be certified for all species raised in aquaculture systems worldwide. After many years of consultation with farmers, NGOs, government organisations and other stakeholders this standard represents a milestone in the development of good management practices for this fast growing sector. A number of farms and processors are already under assessment and the first certificate will soon be issued. A public consultation period is opened until 28th of February; the purpose is to improve the new quality standard. Please find detailed information at the new AquaGAP website: www.aquagap.net.
(22.01.2009/ih)
(22.01.2009/ih)
New EU Regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products comes into force in January 2009
On June 28, 2007, the EU adopted the new Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products which will completely replace the current regulation 2092/91. It will
come into force in January 2009.
The existing EU Organic Regulation (EU 2092/91) will be replaced with a new regulation consisting of the three following parts:
− Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 - principles of organic farming and the legal framework
− Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 - implementing rules
− Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 - importing rules
More information...
(ky/ih 15.12.2008)
come into force in January 2009.
The existing EU Organic Regulation (EU 2092/91) will be replaced with a new regulation consisting of the three following parts:
− Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 - principles of organic farming and the legal framework
− Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 - implementing rules
− Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 - importing rules
More information...
(ky/ih 15.12.2008)
Whole Foods Market® Selects the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) as One of Three Certifiers for Whole Trade Guarantee Program
IMO has been selected as a certifier for The Whole Trade Guarantee program at Whole Foods Market. The Whole Trade Guarantee ensures that products meet Whole Foods Market’s high quality standards, producers receive better wages and working conditions, and care is given to the environment during production. The Whole Trade Guarantee program aims to help end poverty in developing countries through the payment of honest, respectable prices for products bound for Whole Foods Markets.
To achieve these goals, Whole Foods Market evaluated IMO’s Fair For Life FairTrade certification program and found IMO to be a reliable and suitable quality assurance partner. More information...
(20.11.2008/ih)
To achieve these goals, Whole Foods Market evaluated IMO’s Fair For Life FairTrade certification program and found IMO to be a reliable and suitable quality assurance partner. More information...
(20.11.2008/ih)
The Union for Ethical Bio Trade accepted IMO as verification body
The Union for Ethical BioTrade, Geneva, brings together actors in ethical trade practises in biological goods to meet the objectives of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). The Union has also developed a framework for verification of these practises and a memorandum of understanding has been recently signed, qualifying IMO to conduct audit services for this program.
For more information: contact us at imo@imo.ch or visit the official Website of the Union.
(14.11.2008/ih)
For more information: contact us at imo@imo.ch or visit the official Website of the Union.
(14.11.2008/ih)
Participation in CERTCOST Project
The CERTCOST project (Economic analysis of certification systems for organic food and farming) that started on 1 September 2008 aims to optimize the certification procedures European-wide. The project is funded from the 7th EU Research Framework Programme. Besides IMO, nine other European institutions are participating, including the Aarhus University, Denmark, Aberystwyth University, Great Britain, Ege University, Izmir/Turkey, FIBL, Switzerland and Kassel University, Germany. The project is directed by Professor Stephan Dabbert of Hohenheim University, Germany. More information at www.certcost.org .
(01.10.2008)
(01.10.2008)
Recognition by CARTV former CAAQ
We have the pleasure to announce that IMO’s has renewed its recognition by the CARTV - Conseil des Appellations réservés et de Termes Valorisants du Québec (formerly CAAQ – Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Québec). Products certified by IMO are therefore accepted for organic sales in Québec when they are used in the geographical and product categories granted scope.
(24.07.2008)
(24.07.2008)
Organic textiles: IMO certifies traceability of organic cotton
IMO newly offers certification according to two recently developed new organic cotton standards: OE 100 Standard and OE Blended Standard.
The Organic Exchange has recently established these world-wide standards for companies who wish to support their organic cotton products with a fibre-only–claim that is highly credible due to third-party certification. IMO has contributed significantly to the development of the two standards and now offers certification.
More information ...
(12.02.2008/mn, ih)
The Organic Exchange has recently established these world-wide standards for companies who wish to support their organic cotton products with a fibre-only–claim that is highly credible due to third-party certification. IMO has contributed significantly to the development of the two standards and now offers certification.
More information ...
(12.02.2008/mn, ih)
IMO approved for GlobalGAP Flowers and Ornamentals Scope
The GLOBALGAP/EUREPGAP Team proudly announces that IMO is now approved by FoodPlus for certification in the Flowers and Ornamentals Scope.
(17.12.2007, soh/ih)
(17.12.2007, soh/ih)
NOP: Change of Subpart 205.606 and interim Final Rule
On June 27th 2007 the NOP has publisehd an interim Final Rule that contains new nonorganically produced agricultural ingredients (§205.606) that can be allowed as minor ingredients in products labeled "organic" if these ingredinets are non available organically produced. More information...
(20.07.2007, fd)
(20.07.2007, fd)
German authorities allow Calcium Carbide for flower induction in pineapple
Upon our request, the German authorities of import BLE has informed IMO , that they consider Calcium Carbide as equivalent to Ethylene, meaning that it can be approved for flower induction in organic pineapple production. However, please note that this is a specific position by the German authorities – and we can NOT guarantee that other European authorities of import will rule in the same way. The German authorities in their statement however point out, that they have also discussed the issue with the French authorities. However, since Calcium Carbide is not listed in Annex II of EEC 2092/92 (the European Regulation) please contact IMO before starting to use Calcium Carbide for flower induction in pineapple so that we can check the question also with other countries of import – and other (private) standards if necessary .
(04.07.2007 bw/ih)
(04.07.2007 bw/ih)
Expansion of the IMO website
Many IMO group offices offer their own domain where all important information is offered in the local language. We invite you to explore the new domain of :
IMO Switzerland
IMO China
IMO India
Click here for an overview on the IMO offices and contacts worldwide.
(02.07.2007/ih)
IMO Switzerland
IMO China
IMO India
Click here for an overview on the IMO offices and contacts worldwide.
(02.07.2007/ih)
New EU regulation for organic production and labelling
The new EU regulation for organic production and labelling has been approved by the EU consilium. In fact, the changes have been in the pipeline since the Commission proposal at the end of 1995.
The Regulation will enter into force in January 2009, giving member states time to adapt their own legislation accordingly. More information...
(19.06.2007 sa/ih)
The Regulation will enter into force in January 2009, giving member states time to adapt their own legislation accordingly. More information...
(19.06.2007 sa/ih)
IMO approved for Bio Suisse certification in Switzerland
IMO is now officially approved not only as inspection body, but also as certification body for the green bud (“Knospe”) of Bio Suisse in Switzerland. IMO can offer this service from 2008 onwards. Operators in Switzerland can now choose between several certification bodies if they want to label their products with the “bud”.
This decision marks a milestone in the Swiss organic sector. The new system aims to support fair competition, to further develop the quality of the Swiss organic market and to reduce costs by an efficient certification service.
In addition to the “bud” certification IMO offers its customers other possible and interesting combinations. IMO certifies since more then 20 years environmentally and socially sound production, such as organic products, food-safety, sustainable fisheries, eco-textiles, sustainable forest management, natural cosmetics or fair-trade.
Operators wishing to be certified by IMO for 2008 must act immediately; due to the long terms of notice from bio.inspecta the change has to be announced until 30th of June 2007.
>> Download press release in German
(25.05.2007 sa/ih)
This decision marks a milestone in the Swiss organic sector. The new system aims to support fair competition, to further develop the quality of the Swiss organic market and to reduce costs by an efficient certification service.
In addition to the “bud” certification IMO offers its customers other possible and interesting combinations. IMO certifies since more then 20 years environmentally and socially sound production, such as organic products, food-safety, sustainable fisheries, eco-textiles, sustainable forest management, natural cosmetics or fair-trade.
Operators wishing to be certified by IMO for 2008 must act immediately; due to the long terms of notice from bio.inspecta the change has to be announced until 30th of June 2007.
>> Download press release in German
(25.05.2007 sa/ih)
NOP and ICS
The NOP has made an announcement on May 2nd 2007 that additional rulemaking is necessary regarding the issue with ICS certification under NOP. More information...
(09.05.2007 fd/ih)
(09.05.2007 fd/ih)
EUREPGAP Revision of Integrated Farm Assurance Standard
The revision process of the EUREPGAP Integrated Farm Assurance Standard Version 3.0-Me07 has been finalised and this new version is available on the EUREPGAP website at http://www.eurepgap.org. More information on IMO and EUREPGAP...
(07.05.2007 ue/ih)
(07.05.2007 ue/ih)
