The document outlines the certification process for organic mussels in the EU, emphasizing adherence to strict regulations that prioritize environmental conservation and natural practices. It details the standards for sourcing seed, farming practices, and the traceability of production, ensuring compliance through rigorous auditing by independent certification bodies. The overall aim is to produce high-quality organic seafood while respecting natural life cycles and minimizing ecological impact.

1. Brussels Seafood Expo
7th May 2014
Certification Process for Organic Mussels
Dave Garforth, Seafood Business Manager

2. Organic Mussel Certification- Key features
• The Rules and Regulations (Standards)
• The Certification Procedures
• The Certification System

3. Organic Farming- Principles
• Organic farming is a system that seeks to
provide fresh, tasty and authentic seafood while
respecting natural life-cycle systems
• Promotes the use of natural over synthetic
products and processes
– Naturally sourced seed
– No GMO inputs
– Avoidance of chemicals
– Using natural cycles

4. Rules and Regulations - form the Certification
Standards
• Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 of 28 June 2007
on organic production and labelling of organic
products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91
• Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 laying down detailed rules
for it’s implementation
• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 710/2009 amending of
Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007

5. Key features of EU Organic Regulations-Bivalves
• Organic shellfish farms shall minimise risks to species of
conservation interest.
– Ireland has designated 96 sites with conservation
interest
– Seed must be sourced without causing
environmental degradation
– Seed must be sourced from surplus/renewable
resources
– ‘Sourced from transient beds – generally, do not
survive overwintering’

6. Sourcing of Seed Mussel
• Environmental assessment is carried out for sites
designated with special conservation interest (virtually
all of seed mussel sites in the Irish Sea now within or
near Natura designated areas)
• Seed fishery strictly controlled
– Open and Closed times (only 2 times per year for
a few short weeks in total)
– Daylight hours and for designated days
– Fished seed is monitored carefully (VMS)
– Careful fishing techniques to avoid damage to
seabed and mussels
– Careful handling techniques on vessels
• Total amount fished controlled and traced to location
and date

7. Modified dredge gear- gentle on substrate (and
mussels)

8. Transfer to designated bays for growing
• License condition requires that sites undergo initial and
annual environmental assessment
– Bio-diversity
– Physical parameters
– Benthic effects
• Seed inputs monitored (quantity)
• Productivity closely monitored to ensure carrying
capacity is not exceeded. (input – output)
• Site rotation to ensure environmental characteristics
are maintained- GPS tracking system on all plots – to
the metre!
• Managed similarly to organic agriculture ‘fields’
• Bays are natural bivalve production areas

9. All sites are identifiable and designated

10. Organic Production Sites
• Production shall use a stocking density that supports
healthy growth of mussels and does not exceed carrying
capacity of the natural environment
• Sorting and thinning adjustments shall be made
according to the biomass and to ensure healthy
productivity
• Bio-fouling organisms shall be removed by physical
means and not by invasive chemicals
• Harvesting and transfer fully traceable using on-board
tracking systems

11. Traceable Production Chain from seed to finished
product
Seed fishery and transfer
On-growing and harvesting
Primary/secondary Processing

12. Organic Certification Procedures
• EU organic model operates to third party, independent
and accredited certification norms (ISO 65/EN45011)
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate traceability to
organic rules for each step in the process
– Applicants must produce an Organic Conversion and
Management Plan
– Applicants must demonstrate environmental
performance of sites
– Annual site audits from competent certification body
– Qualified, specialist auditors with experience and
competence in shellfish aquaculture and organic
standards

13. Audit procedures
Applicant
Conversation Plan
Organic Farming Plan
Pre-Audit Plan
Full Audit
Auditor Report
Certification Committee
National Organic Forum
(DAFM)
Non Conformances
Certification Decision
Corrective Actions

14. Organic Certification System
• Organic Standard(s) formed with EU Organic Regulation
at its core
• Certification body must be accredited by IAF
Accreditation Board Member
• Qualified by the National Competent Authority (DAFM)
• Applicant audit reports are reviewed and certified by
independent certification committee
• Reports are subject to accreditation inspection/review
• Decisions are subject to National Competent Authority
review

15. EU Organic Regulatory
Framework
Organic Certification System Framework
Implemented through
National Competent
Authorities (DAFM)
Approved Contracting &
Accredited Certification
Bodies
ISO Standards for third party inspection
and certification
National Accreditation
Bodies (EN45011)
International Accreditation
Forum (IAF)

16. Summary
• EU Organic System - comprehensive and robust
framework for certification of Organic Aquaculture with
annual audits as routine
• Irish organic mussel production systems conform to
principles of organic production
– Sourced from nature
– Grown in the animals natural environment
– No chemicals or artificial additives
– High regard to environmental conservation
supported by network of protected areas
– Wholesome products conforming to National
Standards for seafood safety
– Traceable to organic methods throughout production
and supply chain

17. Thank you