MALAYSIAN ORGANIC SCHEME

 

MALAYSIAN ORGANIC SCHEME


MALAYSIAN ORGANIC SCHEME (SOM)

Picture

Organic Farming

Organic farming is production system which evades the use of synthetic (inorganic) fertilizers and pesticides.
Apart from this, the farmer also takes steps to protect the environment and conserve biodiversity. Compost, animal wastes, leguminous plants, green manure and organic fertilizers are used to improve soil fertility and plant growth. Mechanical and physical methods; and cultural practices including rotational cropping and biological control are used to tackle the problem of pests, diseases and weeds.

Products from systematic organic farms are safe from undesirable chemical pesticide residues,

Malaysian Organic Scheme (SOM)

SOM is an certification programme to accredit the farmer who operates his farm in compliance with the standard conditions set by the national organic standard, MS 1529:2001.

Skop

Scope In the early stage of this scheme the focus is on production and handling which cover
   - wrapping,
   - storing,
   - transportation, and
   - direct sale of the cultivated organic food crop.

Basis for Certification


The scheme is based on compliance with a standard set of practices as set by the national organic standards.
The standards set out guidelines concerning:

   - production,
   - wrapping,
   - transportation, and
   - direct sale of the cultivated organic food crop.

Among the things considered in the scheme evaluation are:

  • Suitability of planting site
  • Transition period from conventional to organic system of production.
  • Pesticide residue and heavy metal
  • Crop buffer and buffer zone distance
  • Soil fertility management
  • Good water management
  • Use of seed and plant material
  • Use of fertilizers, soil conditioners and pest and disease control materials
  • Management of weeds, pests and diseases
  • Wrapping, storage and transport of farm products.
  • Direct sale of product
  • Record keeping



Scheme Implementation

The scheme is implemented by DOA Sarawak. Farm inspection is carried out by the inspector and the decision to certify whether a farm is organic or not is made by a Certification Committee comprising of members from various government departments/agencies.


Benefits for producer


Products which have been produced by a certified organic farm can be labelled as organic. The producer is entitled to use the logo of Organik Malaysia on all his/her products. Labelled as such the products may be marketed as organic products at the appropriate prices.

Benefits for the consumer


The consumer is assured that organic products that he buys are truly organic and safe from undesirable chemical residues as they have been produced in compliance with the national organic standard.

Benefits to the environment and workers

Because use of of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited under the organic farm system, environmental pollution or incidental poisoning of farm workers are minimized.

 

Who can participate in this scheme?

The scheme is open to all entrepreneurs involved in organic crop production.

 

For details, please contact :

Secretariat,
Malaysian Organic Scheme (SOM),
Headquarters, Department of Agriculture,
Tingkat 14, Menara Pelita,
Jln Tun Abdul Raman Yaakob,
93050 Kuching,
Tel: 082441000
Fax: 082-440202


[ Top ]