WHEREAS, consumers’ demand for organically produced agricultural products and foodstuffs is globally increasing and thereby a new market for the country’s organically produced agricultural products is being created;

WHEREAS, the market price for such products is higher, and contributes towards the attainment of better price and economic perspective for the rural population while the way in which they are produced involves less intensive use of land and the protection of biodiversity and the environment;

WHEREAS, in response to the rising demand, for such agricultural products and foodstuffs are being placed on the market with labels stating or implying to customers that they have been produced organically or without the use of synthetic chemicals. Therefore, it is necessary to show to the customers that proper labeling of organic agricultural products is essential;

WHEREAS, the way in which all agricultural products produced in the country fulfills the requirements of organic agricultural production methods and gives the possibility of easily supplying the products in the international market;

WHEREAS, countries that represent important target markets have already adopted rules and inspection arrangements for the use of such products;

WHEREAS, in the interests of producers and consumers of products bearing labels referring to organic production methods, the country should prescribe the minimum requirements which must be complied therewith;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to adopt this internationally accepted production, processing and distribution system in our country; and all operators using labels referring to organic production should be subjected to regular follow-ups, carried out by accredited inspection and certification bodies, to ensure that they meet the prescribed minimum requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55 (1) of the Constitution, of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: