REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION, CIRCULATION AND LABELLING OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Objective. Organic production is a certified activity that is carried out in compliance with the requirements of the legislation in this field. The purpose of the study is to systematise Ukrainian legislation, which is the legal basis for organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products. Methods. The study uses general scientific and special research methods. In analysing the regulatory and legal framework for organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products, the article uses grouping as a method of scientific research. The historical method was used to summarise the main stages of development of the organic food market. Graphical research methods were used to gain a deeper understanding of the object and subject of the study, to identify their structural elements and to establish the relationship between them. Results. The development of organic production is quite relevant today due to a number of environmental, economic and social benefits inherent in this field of activity. The modern consumer makes a thoughtful choice, prefers safe and high-quality products, cares about their health and the state of the environment, and, as a result, chooses natural, free from impurities and ecologically safe organic products, confirmed by labeling signs. The majority of Ukrainian organic products are raw materials for the production of the final product (grains, legumes, oilseeds). On the other hand, it should be noted that in recent years, organic crop production has begun to actively develop, namely the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, berries and the processing of these products (there are already Ukrainian certified cereals, jams, juices, syrups, dried fruits, teas, meat, dairy products etc). The specified industry is regulated by the Law of Ukraine, 5 Resolutions and 10 Orders. The standards for compliance with which organic production and products are certified are divided into three groups: basic international, national and private. Scientific novelty. The article defines the fields of organic production and characterizes the main regulatory documents, according to which the certification of organic production and products is carried out in international and domestic practice and the subjects of the organic product market, including: the operator, the certification body and the foreign certification body. A list of foreign certification bodies is provided: IAO Standard, EU Regulation 2018/848, Canadian Organic Standard (COR), Bio Suisse, Naturland, KRAV, Danube and European Soy and others. It has been established that among them is the domestic organization «Organic Standart» LLC, that became the first certification body accredited in accordance with Ukrainian legislation on May 25, 2023. Practical significance. Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework in the field of organic production, circulation and labeling of organic products and compliance with its requirements will contribute to ensuring the effective activity of organic market participants, primarily producers, creating prerequisites for consumer trust, opening of sales markets, cooperation, product assortment diversification, quality management products and risks arising in work.