Експерт пояснила, що таке еко-продукція та органік-продукція

Summary

In a recent segment of 'Sніданок з 1+1,' Liliyana Dmitrieva, director of a berry nursery, discussed the significant differences between eco-products and organic products in Ukraine. While organic products meet strict standards excluding GMOs and harmful chemicals, eco-products may lack certification and transparency. The conversation also highlighted skepticism about the safety of organic food, referencing expert claims about pesticide levels. Dmitrieva emphasized the importance of proper certification for consumers to make informed choices, especially given the absence of effective regulatory oversight in Ukraine's organic market. This dialogue sheds light on the complexities surrounding organic agriculture and consumer awareness.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Organic products in Ukraine must be free from GMOs and harmful chemicals, adhering to specific production standards.
• 🌍 Eco-friendly products can be marketed without stringent certifications, leading to consumer confusion.
• 🔍 A special eco-label indicates that a product meets eco-production standards; absence of this may signal a lack of regulation.
• 🚨 There is a significant gap in regulatory oversight for organic product certification in Ukraine despite existing laws.
• 📉 Dr. Henry Miller argues that organic products are often misleadingly marketed and do not offer significant health advantages over conventional ones.
• 🧪 Research from Stanford University supports the notion that organic and conventional products may not differ significantly in terms of vitamins and toxins.
• 📜 Historical practices indicate that most food was naturally grown before the mid-20th century, leading to a resurgence in demand for organic products.
• 👩‍🌾 Trust in local producers, like grandmothers selling homemade goods, is complicated by the potential use of harmful substances.
• 📈 Commercially viable organic farming in Ukraine faces challenges due to high costs and lower yields compared to conventional methods.
• 🛒 Consumers should look for certifications and clear labeling to identify genuine organic products in the market.

Q & A

What is the main difference between eco-products and organic products according to Liliana Dmitrieva?

In global standards, there is no significant difference; however, in Ukraine, organic products must meet strict criteria like being free from GMOs and harmful chemicals, while eco-products may lack such stringent requirements unless properly certified.

How can consumers identify whether a product is truly organic or just marketed as such?

Consumers should look for certification labels that indicate a product is organic. In Ukraine, this includes a certification number and a mark from recognized certifying bodies.

What concerns does Henry Miller raise about organic foods?

Henry Miller claims that the organic food market is largely a scam, suggesting that organic foods may contain natural pesticides that can be harmful and that there are no significant health advantages compared to conventional products.

How does Dmitrieva respond to the criticisms of organic products?

She acknowledges Miller's viewpoint as interesting but argues that historically, all products were organic and beneficial until modern agricultural practices changed, creating a demand for more natural products.

What is the current state of organic product regulation in Ukraine?

While a law regarding organic product certification was passed in 2013, there are no established bodies for monitoring and certifying these products, leading to potential gaps in enforcement.

What advice does Dmitrieva give to consumers when choosing organic products?

Dmitrieva advises consumers to seek products with proper certification from recognized certifying bodies, ensuring they meet organic standards.

What challenges do Ukrainian producers face in adopting organic farming methods?

Many producers struggle to implement organic farming due to the higher costs associated with organic production, which can be 40% to 100% more expensive than conventional methods.

What are some terms used for organic products in other countries mentioned in the interview?

In Germany, organic products are referred to as 'bio,' while in the Netherlands, they are labeled as 'eco.'

What is the significance of the certifying body 'Ukrorganicstandard'?

Ukrorganicstandard is the sole Ukrainian certifying body that provides certification for organic products, helping consumers identify authentic organic offerings in the market.

What risks are associated with products labeled as natural or organic from non-certified sources?

Products from non-certified sources may still contain pesticides and harmful substances, making them potentially unsafe despite being marketed as natural or organic.