Organic Farming Information System
Centralized database of current EU legislation pertaining to organic farming
Description
The Organic Farming Information System (OFIS) is a centralized database facilitating the exchange of information and notifications between the European Commission and the Member States, as requested in the latest legislation related to organic farming. One of the main roles of the system is to support the rapid notification of irregularities identified within the organic supply chain. OFIS gathers information on: 1) ingredient authorisations; 2) control authorities and control bodies in the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland; and 3) control bodies and equivalence authorities. The EU Member States upload information on the current legislation related to organic farming. The OFIS database supports the exchange of agricultural data on organic products among the EU nations and the European Commission, as well as up-to-date information to the public.
Technology
OFIS is a web-based application that can be accessed after registering with the European Commission on the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) AWAI portal (webgate.ec.europa.eu/agriportal/). The database is divided into different sections.
Target
OFIS is intended for use primarily by the European Commission and by authorised Competent Authorities in the Member States. The application operates for the benefit of market operators, farmers, consumers and businesses, which can verify the certification status of organic products and access contact information about competent authorities.
Business model
OFIS is co-funded by the European Union and access is free of charge, although users must have a registered account (username and password) recognized by the European Commission.
Impact
Electronic information systems like OFIS have the potential to increase consumer confidence in organic labelling, leading to a broader acceptance and willingness to pay for organic products. By standardizing and sharing certification information across the Member States, OFIS can simplify compliance checks, supporting the free movement of organic products within and outside the EU market, and thus reducing the bureaucratic barriers to organic farming and businesses. The system has also strengthened fraud detection and regulatory compliance through its inclusion of information on all Member States, supporting the rapid detection and remediation of non-compliances. The result is a more uniform enforcement of organic standards across the European Union and beyond.
Four Betters
Better production
Better nutrition
Better environment
Better life
