What is Ecological Product?

Ecological production or organic production is a documented form of agricultural production, which is carried out without using chemical substances as input in production activities and kept under control at every stage of production until products reach consumers. Ecological production is based on the principle of production without polluting soil, water and air resources, without harming human and animal health and the natural environment.

In the form of ecological production, the use of chemical drugs, hormones and synthetic chemical fertilizers is prohibited. In addition, the main objectives of ecological production are to provide soil fertility, to apply suitable methods for protection from diseases and pests, to make product rotation, to evaluate plant wastes, to use green manure, to use organic wastes and animal manure and to choose biological control methods.

The basic principles of ecological production are:

• Establishing a sustainable system throughout the entire production chain and ensuring high quality and sufficient production
• Working in harmony with all living systems and natural cycle within the production system
• Historical background from traditional agricultural systems is important and protection and utilization of this information
• Application of modern production techniques in parallel with the functioning of natural production processes
• Upgrading and preserving soil fertility and biological activity using appropriate soil tillage, rotation, green fertilization, animal fertilization and cultural, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to mainly taking soil fertility, production capacity and intensive input use
• Conducting disease and pest control activities in compliance with animal or vegetable production by taking into consideration the current conditions and selecting the appropriate species, breeds and varieties for the product
• Minimizing all kinds of pollution that will affect human and animal health and natural environment through agricultural activities and not using synthetic chemical fertilizers, drugs, hormones and additives
• Providing living conditions to meet the natural needs of animals during animal production
• Protection of agricultural and natural biological diversity in and around the production environment
• Reducing energy consumption to the extent possible of production activities and using local and renewable resources
• Proper use and protection of water systems and water resources
• Ensuring that all products produced do not lose their ecological product characteristics at all stages, including processing and packaging processes
• To provide a healthy and safe working environment for everyone in and around the production environment to meet their basic needs
• Encourage the creation of an ecologically balanced production, processing and distribution chain
• Auditing that the production is carried out in accordance with domestic and foreign ecological production criteria by independent and impartial audit institutions and thus providing consumers with ecological product assurance

What Does Legal Regulations Bring?

The Regulation on the Principles and Application of Organic Agriculture was published in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2010. This regulation has been published for the following purposes:

• Protection of ecological balance
• Conducting organic agricultural activities
• Regulation, development and dissemination of organic agricultural production and marketing

The said regulation sets out the principles for achieving these objectives. The subjects covered by the Regulation are as follows:

• All kinds of vegetable, animal and aquaculture production
• Production or supply of inputs to be used in accordance with organic farming method
• Yeast used as food or feed
• Collection of products from forest and natural areas in accordance with the principles of organic agriculture
• Processing, packaging, labeling, storage, transportation, marketing, control, certification and inspection of these products

The definitions of organic plant production, organic animal production and organic aquaculture production are defined as follows:

• Organic plant production, human food, animal feed, plant nutrition, procurement of propagation materials, organic raw material supply to enterprises with raw materials and medical and scientific purposes produced in accordance with the principles of this regulation and certified production activities are audited by authorized institutions.
• Organic animal production, breeding animal or animal production using sperm, animal products using human food and animal and plant nutrition products, production of raw materials to agricultural enterprises and scientific studies of organic raw materials procurement and production processes are audited and certified by the production activities.
• Organic aquaculture production, marine, inland waters and farms using organic farming methods, fish, sponges, seaweed, molluscs, shellfish and aquatic mammals and the products obtained from them used in human food and raw materials used in agriculture-based businesses, production processes for sportive, medical and scientific purposes These are production activities which are inspected and certified by the authorized institutions.

The regulation in detail sets out the following principles:

• General rules of organic agriculture
• Beginning of organic agriculture, transition process
• Organic crop production rules
• Soil protection, preparation and fertilization
• Sowing and planting, plant protection, watering, harvesting
• Organic mushroom production
• Production of organic yeast
• Organic animal production
• Organic bee breeding
• Organic seaweed production
• Processing and packaging of organic products
• Labeling of organic and transition products
• Storage of organic products
• Transportation of organic products
• Marketing of organic products
• Certification procedures
• Accredited organizations
• Responsibilities of businesses and sanctions to be applied

What Benefits Does ECO Ecological Product Certification Provide?

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) describes the principles of ecological production as follows:

• To produce high quality nutrients with high nutritional value and in sufficient quantity
• In production activities, instead of dominating the natural conditions, to operate in harmony with natural systems
• Supporting an agricultural system that will stimulate plant and wildlife
• To provide sufficient income for producers and organizations and to provide a safe working environment
• To accept the ecological production system as a way of life and to think with a broad perspective

The first objective of an efficient ecological production is to ensure efficient resource utilization. In this system, the demands of the consumers are determined in advance and the production is not overpowered. This requires strategic planning. In this way, natural resources are not consumed unnecessarily.

The second objective of effective ecological production is to achieve social justice. According to the estimated figures, unregistered production rate in food sector is in 80 percent.

The third goal of effective ecological production is to create added value. In this system, all production processes are recorded and every stage of the production is controlled by the control and certification bodies from the project stage to the delivery of the product to the consumer.

The components of ecological production are: agricultural land, water resources, production activities and human health. These components are important for the ecological balance.

The benefits of ecological product certification studies in various aspects include:

• To keep the chemicals away from the table. No synthetic chemicals are used in the production of ecological agricultural products. In this way, clean products that are not hazardous to health are produced and presented to consumers safely.
• Consume more healthy and delicious products. In ecological agriculture production, the products mature in their natural development processes, give their natural flavors and there is no interference from outside.
• Protect future generations and ensure healthy growth. This is the most important purpose of ecological production activities. Production is carried out without the use of synthetic chemicals and children are encouraged to consume these healthy foods first.
• To provide consumers with food safety, controlled, traceable and documented products. All production processes are audited and certified by independent and impartial certification bodies from the field to the consumer's table.
• Protect the health of agricultural workers. In ecological production studies, applications ranging from fields to consumers' table are accepted as a chain. By not using synthetic chemicals on this chain, the health of agricultural workers is protected.
• An important benefit of the system is to support rural development. The low socio-economic level in these regions causes migration from village to city. However, ecological production activities create employment and generate income in rural areas. Ecological studies mobilize these people and encourage them to stay in agriculture.
• The system also helps small farmers. In today's economic conditions, many agricultural workers do not have the financial power to afford the cost of high-yielding seeds that require a lot of fertilizer and pharmaceutical use or synthetic chemical inputs required for traditional farming methods. There is also the problem that these products cannot be marketed. In ecological production, small scale producers are organized in cooperatives and certified ecological agricultural products are also found in foreign markets.
• To provide biological diversity and sustainability. Sowing the same product to the soil every year, using unconscious and unnatural inputs, and even worse, making production with GMO and processing the soil incorrectly are the factors that prevent the fertility of the soil. In addition to this, important environmental problems such as loss of organic matter and vitality in soil, deterioration of physical structure of soil, deterioration of nutrient balance and wasting of soil affect the productivity of soil. These factors are the factors that cause the deterioration of ecological balance. In time, the chain is broken between the living things in nature and the living things that keep the balance disappear.

The concept of sustainability is always prioritized in ecological production activities. Sustainability of production has two meanings. The first meaning is the protection of natural resources in the long term and ensuring their efficiency. Its second meaning is to establish a balanced production system in terms of social, economic and ecological aspects.

• Finally, one benefit of ecological production is to prevent soil erosion. Unconscious and improper use of the soil causes erosion over time. Efforts to prevent erosion are also shown in ecological production. Soil production is done by processing the lowest amount, which prevents soil losses.

Importance of Ecological Product Studies in Turkey

In spite of the many benefits mentioned above, even in many legal arrangements on this subject, people's perspective on the concept of ecological product has not changed in our country. Since there is not much awareness, ecological production is generally based on exports. However, our country is extremely suitable for ecological production due to its climatic conditions and geographical features. It also has high export potential. However, if we look at the world ecological product trade, our country does not have a serious share in the world ecological food market.

Taking into consideration the increasing demand for ecological products in the world and the advantages of our country in this direction, ECOMark Ecological Product standard has been developed by TÜRCERT. This standard is based on the Eco-Label Regulation 1992 / 2010 / EC, designed by the European Union in 66 and updated in 2010.

The Environmental Labeling System, which is applied in European Union countries, deals with the whole life cycle of ecological products. In this process, some criteria have been determined on the basis of various product groups in order to reduce the negative effects of production activities on nature. The Environmental Label System is updated periodically by taking into account whether the specified criteria are applicable, environmental and market research and various analysis results. The most important note that is emphasized in these studies is that at which stage of the production works the most damage to nature is the most.

Control and certification activities play an important role in introducing ecological products to domestic and international markets. The explanations on ecological products increase the consumer confidence in these products. ECOMark Ecological Product standard has been an important study in terms of the basis of these control and certification studies. Ecological products bearing the ECOMark environmental label accelerate consumer orientation towards environmentally friendly products.

One of the results of the certification studies is to raise the awareness of protecting nature. Awareness has been created for producers and consumers about the effects of ecological products on production, consumption and waste processes.

Products with the ECO ecological product certificate prove that:

• These products are produced without damaging the natural environment or within the limits of damage given.
• These products are manufactured in strict accordance with natural conditions
• These products disappear spontaneously and in a short time in the natural environment.
• Product packaging has no negative impact on nature
• The document does not guarantee that the products are of good quality, but creates confidence in their quality.

Features of ECO Ecological Product Certification System

In the third section of the Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Agriculture issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2010, it describes the certification activities under the heading of Operation of Control and / or Certification System.

Ecological production is characterized by the fact that every stage of the processes is under control and the product is certified. Control and certification are two main factors in securing ecological products. Control and certification can be carried out by the same organization or by different organizations.

Producer companies are obliged to submit all information and documents related to ecological production to the control and certification body and to keep them at the same time. In addition, producer companies have to prepare transition and production plans to organic agriculture which contain information related to their field of activity.

The information and documents to be provided by the manufacturers for control purposes are as follows:

• Identity information of the enterprise, the date of transition to organic agriculture, the history of the land until that date information
• Activity area
• Previously applied production method in the enterprise
• Plans of business and business buildings
• Plans and sketches of Azar
• Machinery and equipment owned by the enterprise
• The location of the business, the features and suitability of the warehouses
• Product change plan
• Records of entries to be used
• Trading books showing the goods of the enterprise
• Product exit plan, product quality, stock status, quantity, packaging material and packaging type
• In case of collecting products from nature, information such as descriptions of the collected area, official permits, technical interventions on the site, disasters and quarantine measures

Certification is the certification of the final status of the enterprise, product and input after all control work. Following the checks carried out by the competent authority, an ecological product operating certificate and an ecological product certificate shall be issued to the products produced, if deemed appropriate. The information that these documents should contain is included in the annex to the regulation (Appendix 11 Certificate examples). The document prepared is also notified to the Ministry.

The features of the certification system are as follows:

• Certification works are carried out by real or legal institutions that have received this authority from the Ministry. The receiving authority cannot transfer this authority to another organization.
• The control and certification body shall establish a certification plan and submit it to the Ministry. In addition to the price list applied by the organization, this system must include information about the document sample, testing and inquiry method, analysis method, techniques applied and documentation system.
• If the certification body has not carried out the control work itself, it receives all control information and reports of the manufacturer from the inspection organization to ensure that ecological production is carried out. The inspection body must provide this information to the certification body.

At the same time, the inspection and certification body must ensure compliance with the criteria and certification principles described in the regulation in accordance with the TS EN ISO / IEC 17065 standard (Conformity assessment - the standard of requirements for organizations that issue product, process and service certification).

Why is Ecological Product Production and Consumption Necessary?

Ecological production is important in many respects. Here are the main reasons:

• The first reason is the saving of water resources. Irrigation requires a large supply of water and a large amount of energy. With a simple calculation, an irrigated field needs three times more energy than a field that receives the same amount of rain.
• Plant and animal fertilizers used in ecological production keep the soil moist for a longer time. This shows that ecological production provides less water consumption.
• Pesticide-based agrochemicals and synthetic chemical fertilizers, unconsciously and incorrectly used, the residue of this substance with the rain goes down to ground water resources. In this case, such spring waters are found to be hazardous to human health, such as nitrate and nitrite.
• In traditional production methods, fossil fuels are generally used as energy sources. In this case, energy consumption in traditional production methods is higher than ecological derivation. This leads to depletion of energy resources. In ecological production methods, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind are used besides energy saving. In this way, the energy saving is higher.
• An important reason for ecological production is to provide a balanced economy. In ecological production activities, manufacturing companies apply seeding and produce more than one product in the same period. In this way, manufacturers are not affected much by the fluctuations in market prices. In addition to this, input costs in production are reduced and the enterprise has an advantage.

Recent research results show that ecological production has improved positively. According to the results of the analysis, ecological products generally contain lower levels of nitrate, animal foods, antibiotics and herbal foods, pesticide residues and more vitamins and minerals, and have a more balanced protein profile. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also acknowledges that ecological products contain less pesticide residues and less nitrates.

In the report published by the Food Standards Institute, nutritional values ​​found in ecological products are higher than in non-ecological products. For example, protein percent 13, beta-carotene percent 54, potassium percent 3, sodium percent 9, copper percent 8, magnesium percent 7, phosphorus percent 6, sulfur percent 11, zinc percent 11 and phenolic compounds are higher than 14 percent.

In the meantime, one should not go without mentioning a point. The word ecological has the same meaning as organic and biological expressions. Other expressions such as natural, natural, hormone-free, pure or village products, which are used to suggest that the products are healthy, do not bear any guarantee and have no legal basis. If synthetic fertilizer or some pesticides are used in production without hormone, these products cannot be said to be ecological or organic. In the meantime, another issue is whether the products with EurepGAP or GlobalGAP or Good Agricultural Practices are ecological products. These products may not necessarily be ecological products. This document demonstrates that chemicals are used in agricultural products at the lowest and correct level and that the products are produced in compliance with hygienic conditions, but not ecological or organic products in terms of their health and environmental impact.

Therefore, ecological production is a very different production system. As a matter of fact, even the seeds are not innocent, the importance of ecological production becomes more important today. Nowadays it is almost a dream to find old local seeds in Anatolian soil. Today, it is generally used by manufacturers to look good, to be attractive in shape, to be resistant to transport and storage of the product, in short, commercial concerns and the structure of the seeds are used. In traditional production systems, seeds of this kind are modified and called hybrid. In addition, legal regulations allow gene transfer (GMO) seeds.

In ecological production, only ecologically certified seeds are used. If these seeds cannot be found, then local seeds that have not been interfered with in their original structure, and hybrid seeds without drug and gene transfer are permitted.

The control and certification bodies control the seeds, seedlings and seedlings used by the producer companies as well as the invoice and other documents for the purchase of seeds and have these seeds analyzed when necessary.

Why Consuming Ecological Products is Useful?

From time to time in newspapers, news about the importance of ecological products and why it is necessary for human health. These news are beneficial for people to become conscious about ecological production and to prefer these products. It is important for people to turn to products with ecological product certification and not only for health, but also for the protection of the ever-growing nature. Here are a few reasons for the benefits of consuming ecological products:

• Once ecological products are more delicious. It is an indisputable fact that the products that are grown in well-preserved soil with strong nutritional properties are more delicious.
• The guarantee of ecological products is certified. Certification studies of the products bearing the ecological label on them are obliged by legal regulations. Each stage of the production process of these products is audited by independent and independent control and certification bodies.
• Ecological products reduce human health risks. Scientific researches show that chemicals and pesticides used in agricultural production have negative effects on human health. Especially for vulnerable children, the elderly and people working in agriculture.
• Ecological production protects the soil. The structure of the soil in ecological production is aimed to be healthy and productive. Numerous microorganisms in the soil meet the water and nutrient needs of the plants. In ecological production, soil is protected by suitable tillage methods and rotation studies. Natural fertilizers used instead of chemicals increase the fertility of the soil.
• Ecological production conserves water resources. Water is an indispensable food for all living things. One of the basic principles of ecological production is the protection of water resources. Since the use of pesticides is prohibited, the transfer of toxic residues to groundwater resources is prevented.
• Ecological production is open to innovative approaches. Particularly, crop rotation and diversity, green fertilization, use of beneficial insects in soil, botanical and biological control methods, composting, cultural and mechanical weed control and close monitoring of soil, plant and natural life are part of ecological production activities. At the core of the ecological production activities are continuous observation, investigation, research and development studies.
• Ecological production protects rural people. Another basic principle of ecological production is to increase the production cycle, income levels and safety of small farmers. Producers who make ecological production add value to their products with the certificate they receive.
• Ecological production works for the protection of plant diversity. Because of the known reasons, the earth is experiencing climate changes, global warming is increasing and ecological balance is turned upside down. In the meantime, many living species on earth are disappearing and seed resources are decreasing. In this respect, ecological production activities support the increase of plant diversity and protect the nature and other life forms.
• There is no place for genetically modified (GMO) products in ecological production. This type of production, which carries a risk for human health and protection of nature, is prohibited in ecological production.
• Animal health and welfare are important. In ecological production, animals are used in natural environments and fed with natural nutrients to obtain animal products. Animal health and welfare is the most important issue.