The organic inputs evaluation network is an umbrella organization for institutions which evaluate inputs for organic farming. The goal of the network is to harmonize input evaluation in Europe.
The organic inputs evaluation network is an umbrella organization for institutions which evaluate inputs for organic farming. The goal of the network is to harmonize input evaluation in Europe.
Inputs are non-agricultural products such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, plant protection products, disinfectants, products for the control of animal parasites or animal feedstuff. For Europe, Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 lists the substances which can be used as inputs for organic farming. Many producers’ associations or ‘label organizations’ further restrict the use of inputs for their members. In addition, most categories of inputs (e.g. plant protection products) are also subject to national legislation and their registration is mandatory in many cases. During inputs evaluation, each input has to be evaluated against all relevant legislations and private standards.
For Switzerland, Germany and Austria, separate teams of experts carry out these evaluations and publish lists of inputs which can be used in organic farming in the respective countries.
