These guidelines have been prepared for the purpose of providing an agreed approach to the requirements which underpin production of, and the labelling and claims for, organically produced foods.

The aims of these guidelines are: ♦ to protect consumers against deception and fraud in the market place and unsubstantiated product claims; ♦ to protect producers of organic produce against misrepresentation of other agricultural produce as being organic; ♦ to ensure that all stages of production, preparation, storage, transport and marketing are subject to inspection and comply with these guidelines; ♦ to harmonize provisions for the production, certification, identification and labelling have organically grown produce; ♦ to provide international guidelines for organic food control systems in order to facilitate recognition of national systems as equivalent for the purposes of imports; and ♦ to maintain and enhance organic agricultural systems in each country so as to contribute to local and global preservation.