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GAA -
Germany
Gäa e.V.
Vereinigung ökologischer Landbau Bundesverband (statewide central
organisation) is a diverse, multifaceted membership organisation and
certification body for organic farmers, processors and marketing partners.
One of its main focuses of activity lies in the organic sector in East
Germany where Gäa additionally supports capacity building and the
strengthening of the structural development of organic agriculture.
Gäa has a
membership structure and runs two regional offices.
Gäa has developed
private standards and the Gäa private seal certification program. Operators
are organised in 2 regional Gäa branches (own legal entities) and 6
additional regional groups which are linked to the respective Gäa branches.
The Gäa e.V.
Bundesverband is in charge of certification, documentation, public relations
and lobbying. The board of directors has the overall responsibility for
certification, the final certification decision is made by the Gäa e.V.
certification committee.
The Gäa e.V.
certification committee is composed of regional sub groups. The regional sub
groups, under supervision of Gäa e.V. staff and representatives (all
contracted by the Gäa e.V.), each are chaired by a senior certification
officer who evaluates the inspection records of the operators in their
region.
Inspection is sub-contracted
to private inspection bodies in Germany.
The Board employ
a Managing director and a Quality Manager who works across all branch
offices and manages IFOAM accreditation and internal audit procedures.
Appeals are considered by the Gäa Appeals commission.
Gäa associated
member operations, vary from small scale horticultural enterprises to
agricultural co-operatives that are managing up to 2000 ha. Gäa certifies
300 operators all over Germany.
Gäa has been
IFOAM accredited since 2003.
Gäa's IFOAM
Accreditation covers crop production, livestock, wild harvest, processing
and handling and certification transference.
Mrs Kornelie
Blumenschein – President
Mrs. Swanje Kohlmeyer – Managing Director
Mr Christian Pein - Quality Manager |
