Organic Certification empowers South African producers to tap global demand
Vienna, 18 June 2026 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), equipped more than 150 producers and industry stakeholders to access organic markets after gaining practical knowledge on certification requirements and cost-effective certification models, helping to make certification more accessible and inclusive for smallholder producers. The technical seminar on “Organic Certification Demystified: Myths, Markets and Must‑Knows”, hosted within the UNIDO Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) in South Africa, fostered collaboration across the organic sector, laying the foundation for future investments in certification readiness and sustainable production systems for enhanced product credibility and market access.
There was consensus that organic certification is no longer simply a luxury value addition; it is increasingly a requirement for access to key international markets particularly in Europe and North America, which together account for the majority of global organic consumption. Discussions focused on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including the cost and complexity of certification. Participants explored innovative approaches such as group certification and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) models, which reduce costs through shared systems and peer-based verification. Accredited third-party certification remains critical for access to international markets, while PGS offer more accessible alternatives for small-scale producers.
Industry experts and producers shared practical experiences on aligning production systems with buyer requirements. Key insights included the importance of traceability, quality management systems, and understanding evolving market standards. The industry also agreed that certification must be supported by strong quality systems and a clear understanding of customer expectations. Quality remains the foundation for successful market entry. Participants were also invited to provide feedback through an Expression of Interest to guide future capacity-building activities and support for certification readiness.
The technical webinar can be accessed here
The GQSP-SA project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in close cooperation with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
For more information, please contact: Bernard Bau, Project Manager, B.Bau [at] unido.org
