OCIA International Continues to Offer Organic Certification Services to Japanese Agriculture Standards

The Organic Crop Improvement Association International (OCIA), a worldwide leader in the organic certification industry will continue to offer organic certification services to Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) through OCIA Japan located in Tokyo. JAS organic certification allows certified growers and processors to market their organic products in Japan.

Lincoln, Neb., (PRWEB) May 5, 2006 -- The Organic Crop Improvement Association International (OCIA), a worldwide leader in the organic certification industry will continue to offer organic certification to Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) through OCIA Japan located in Tokyo. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) recently released new regulations regarding organic agriculture. OCIA International is in the process of training its staff, administrators, inspectors and certified associates on the changes and new procedures required under the new Japan organic law.

“OCIA has about 500 associates who certify to JAS. Through OCIA Japan, we will provide organic certification services for JAS, allowing our certified associates to market their products in Japan.” said Jeff See, Executive Director.

Some of the most substantial changes in JAS law are related to training. Anyone certifying to JAS must have attended a JAS training seminar covering the new law prior to application, or else submit proof that they are registered for an upcoming JAS training seminar. According to See, even if a grower, or food processor has had previous JAS training, they are still required to attend a training seminar covering the new law.

“JAS training is critical,” said See. “OCIA is in a position to provide this type of training to those who certify with us,” he stated.

The Organic Crop Improvement Association International, Inc. (OCIA) world headquarters is located at 6400 Cornhusker Hwy, Suite 125, Lincoln, NE 68507. They can be found on the worldwide Web at http://www.ocia.org. OCIA has regional and/or chapter offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Spain. OCIA will celebrate it 20th anniversary of incorporation in 2008.

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