Third Party Certification: Benefits, Problems, and Effects on the Business Operations of Selected Certified Organic Operators in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV – A (CALABARZON), Philippines

The demand for organic products has been increasing since people are becoming more health and ecoconscious. Although many claim their produce as organic even without the seals provided by third party certifying bodies, there are only a few certified organic operators in the country. Third party certification is the sole certification recognized by the Philippine national government, as stated in Republic Act 10068 for produce to be called “organic”. This study aimed to determine the benefits, problems, and effects of third party certification on the business operations of selected fruit and vegetable organic operators in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 4-A (CALABARZON). Four organic operators were personally interviewed, and data content analysis was done. The results showed that the benefits, problems, and effects of third party certification varied depending on the situation and history of the organic operators. The main benefits identified were access to new markets and increase in sales and profit. However, all of the companies experienced difficulties in complying with the standards set and found recording and heavy documentation tedious. Moreover, there was ‟no policing‟ when it came to organic products, even if there is a law stating that produce cannot be called organic if it is not certified by a third party certifying body. The effects were mostly on the areas of marketing and finance, as seen in the benefits of third party certification. Minimal effects were observed on production, with the standardization of the processes and raw material used. Only two respondents perceived an improvement in the recording skills of their farmers. Recommendations were directed to farmers or businessmen who would want to apply for third party certifications like financial stability, their purposes, and the preparedness of the applicants.