|
Option |
Benefits/Pros |
Downsides/Cons |
Comments |
A. |
Use out-of-country, established, international third-party organic certification organizations. |
The option exists now. Once certified, entry to international markets (USA, EU, etc.) is available. |
Costs are expensive. Some inspectors are not familiar with farming methods in Oman. |
Currently: One-Cert (from USA and India) and ECOE (from Egypt) certify farms in Oman. |
B. |
Establish an “Oman Certified Organic Label” (must follow international standards and create third party inspection). |
Models exist in other countries. It can be affordable for Omani farmers. |
In-country certification only valid for local markets (in Oman), unless also accredited by an international certifier. It takes time to implement and needs organizational support. |
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have implemented national organic labels and regulations. GCC set of standards was created in 2014 and could be used in Oman [97]. |
C. |
Create an Oman organic “Participatory Guarantee System” (PGS) using international standards and grower participation. |
PGS is less expensive than most third-party organic certification systems. It includes the growers directly in implementing and enforcing compliance with standards. |
Would not be recognized outside of Oman. Relies on grower volunteers and high mutual trust to follow standards. It takes time to develop and implement. It requires a strong leadership and grower organization. |
The Omani farmers association would be the right candidate for this. |
D. |
Create and promote a new “eco-label.” |
Many companies have developed alternative labels to organic, e.g., “eco” and “fair trade.” These appeal to consumers and are generally not as expensive. |
“Self-certified” labels or product claims compete in the marketplace with certified organic; this confuses consumers. Without a third party or other verification, the labels mean nothing and eventually erode consumer confidence. |
Some alternative claims can be backed up with third-party verification, e.g. “Fair Trade.” These labels could have meaning if there is government backing for verification. |
E. |
No regulation or official label for organic. No control over who uses the organic label. |
All labels can compete in the marketplace. |
There is no agreement about what “organic” means; no protection for the consumer. Without regulation, there is no penalty for misuse of the term. |
This is the current situation in Oman. |