A total of five farmer groups consisting of 254 farmers has been able to obtain organic certification from internationally accredited certification bodies and are able to have improved access to international markets following the implementation of the organic certification assistance scheme implemented by the Export Development Board (EDB).

The beneficiary farmer groups uplifted through this assistance scheme were those engaged in the production of spices, coconut-based products, processed/ raw fruits and vegetables, coffee, traditional rice, and Kithul, among others.

“Empowering farmer groups by assisting them to obtain organic certification will facilitate Sri Lankan agro-industries to move into organic agriculture in line with the global trends and to obtain high value for their products,” the EDB said in a statement to the media.

At present, organic certifications are offered by private sector certification bodies accredited and recognized internationally. Due to the high costs to obtain the certification, it is observed that farmers operating on small scale are reluctant to go through the process, and instead join hands with organic exporters willing to invest in the certification.

“In such situation, organic certification is owned by the exporter and farmers are not in a position to access direct market or supply their products to other exporters and traders. Hence, the independent decision-making ability of Sri Lankan organic farmers and processors is poor, as they have to depend on the exporter/ trader to market their products,” the EDB highlighted.