Organic Agriculture Enquiries
General Enquiries About SAOSO
Organic Certification
Organic Policy and Regulations
Organic Labelling
Organic Markets
FAQ
We answer the most commonly asked questions around organics in South Africa.
Note that we have dedicated sections for farmer support, research data and consumer information.

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General Enquiries About Organic Agriculture
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What is organic agriculture?
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. It combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all.
What is agroecology?
Agroecology is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems. It seeks to optimise the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while taking into consideration the social aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and fair food system. Agroecology is science, a practice and a social movement.
What is regenerative agriculture?
What is organic in conversion or how do I convert to organic farming?
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What is conservation agriculture?
What inputs are allowed in organic agriculture?
Please refer to the Section C – appendices of the SAOSO standard which details the criteria for the evaluation of inputs, additives and processing aids for organic production and processing.
Are genetically-modified organisms (GMO’s) allowed in organic agriculture?
General Enquiries About SAOSO
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How can I support SAOSO?
You can support our work by becoming a member or by making a donation.
How can I make a donation to SAOSO?
Go to our Donations page and easily gift a one-time or recurring amount through Payfast.
How do I become a member of SAOSO and what are the benefits?
Please go to our Membership page and join us to help drive the organic agriculture movement forward, creating a sustainable, healthier future for all. Benefits include our monthly email newsletter with updates on everything organic, voting rights at the annual SAOSO AGM giving you real power to transform our food system, access to our Organic Marketplace that links you to trade opportunities, and access to our Knowledge Products and research.
How do organisations work with SAOSO to increase the uptake of organic agroecological principles?
Organic Certification
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How do I access the SAOSO organic standards?
How do I get organically certified?
Once your farm is ready to be third party certified, contact Hennie Louw at Control Union: hlouw@controlunion.com. If you are interested in second party organic certification for smallholder farmers, then please look at local PGS systems.
Can SAOSO certify me?
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What are the benefits of organic certification?
Can I sell organic produce without certification?
What is PGS certification?
Organic Policy and Regulations
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Does the South African government have regulations for organic agriculture?
Unfortunately, the Draft National Policy on Organic Agriculture (10th draft, circa 20??), has not been passed and neither has the Agroecology Strategy.
How can I be a part of advocating for policy change towards a more sustainable food system?
By becoming a member of SAOSO you can play an active part in transforming food and farming in South Africa towards a sustainable and healthier future.
Organic Labelling
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Can I trust a product that is certified organic?
You can trust the SAOSO and PGS organic certification seals that you see on our certification landscape page. If you suspect misrepresentation or if you want verification that a product is in fact organic, then please contact SAOSOvia info@saoso.org
Organic Markets
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