Naturland associations for organic agriculture

Naturland is one of the major international associations for organic agriculture and promotes organic farming worldwide. Currently over 65,000 farmers, bee-keepers, fish farmers and fishers in 58 countries are working according to the Naturland Standards. The Naturland organic agriculture certification program is unique in that, unlike other organic certifications (e.g. the USDA’s National Organic), Naturland has included social responsibility into the standard with equal weight. In November 2006, the Naturland Assembly of Delegates adopted the first Standards for Sustainable Capture Fishery. The Naturland Wildfish certification standards approach sustainability holistically and include ecological, social, and environmental dimensions. Naturland Wildfish Social Responsibility standards include: – respect of basic human rights as listed in UN conventions and ILO conventions and/or recommendations; – freedom to accept or reject employment; -freedom of association and/or access to trade unions; – equal treatment and opportunities; – the complete absence of child labor; – basic health and safety provisions; – employment contracts; – fair wages; – payment in kind; – fair working hours; and – basic coverage for maternity, sickness, and retirement.