This Model Law establishes a comprehensive legal framework for ecological (organic) agricultural production. It defines the scope of regulation, covering production, certification, labelling, storage, transport, and sale of environmentally friendly agricultural commodities. The Law applies to plant, animal, and microbial products labelled as ecological and ensures compliance with national and international standards on safety and food quality. It also provides key definitions, such as ecological production, certification, agroecosystems, and genetically modified organisms, forming a harmonized conceptual basis for regulatory implementation. The Law sets out core principles and strict requirements for ecological agri-production, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity conservation, soil fertility, and environmentally friendly farming practices. It prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms, chemical-synthetic substances, antibiotics, and growth stimulants, and requires a transition period before certification. Production must rely on biological methods, adapted crop varieties, and organic feed for livestock. Additionally, it establishes general policy objectives, including environmental protection, development of competitive organic markets, reduction of imports, and expansion of exports, supported by state measures such as financial incentives, regulatory harmonization, research funding, and capacity building. Furthermore, the document outlines governance, certification, and control mechanisms to ensure compliance. It creates a system of competent national authorities and accredited certification bodies responsible for inspections, monitoring, and issuing certificates. Producers must register, maintain detailed records, and undergo regular inspections, while only certified products may carry ecological labelling. The Law also addresses international cooperation, aligning national regulations with global standards, and promotes scientific research and information dissemination. Finally, it establishes legal liability for violations and positions the Law as a foundational template for developing national legislation on ecological agricultural production within CIS member states.
2014-04-18