Farmers who are certified organic or non-GMO, amongst other certifications, can increase their credibility by getting themselves certified. 

See PODCAST below

Tozie Zokufa, executive director of the NGO, A Greener World SA (AGW), explains that the NGO identify, audit, certify and promote practical sustainable farming systems in South Africa. He further adds that there are two ways that they support the latter and this includes supporting the farmer who farms sustainably, while also informing the consumers about these producers.

The five certificates that they offer are: Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grass-fed by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW, and Certified Organic by AGW.

Zokufa says that the benefits of being certified include that consumers will rest assure that what they are consuming comes from a farm that looks well after their animals. 

Meanwhile, AGW was launched in South Africa in 2017, to build on the success of its certification programmes globally to offer world-renowned certification in Africa.

The organisation aims to “identify and promote agricultural systems that have a positive impact on the environment, society and animals (wild and farmed); to educate consumers about the environmental, social and animal outcomes of their food purchasing decisions; to establish and promote trusted farm certification programmes that help reconnect the consumer and food producer by encouraging - and rewarding - positive farm management changes, and to support independent farmers who are committed to sustainable livestock production.”

For more information on how to apply for these certificates, visit AGW’s website. 

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