The paper discusses third party certification, for both individuals and farmer groups, as well as participatory certification. Case studies from Thailand, India, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Brazil engaged in organic rice and organic fruit and vegetable production are examined. Issues analysed include the organizational structure and marketing strategies in the organic supply chain. The paper also discusses the institutional development that is needed to provide business and technical services and establish the organic quality assurance system. Organizational, managerial and business skills required by the lead stakeholders in the organic chain are analysed as well as the costs that they incur for effectively managing organic projects. Similarly, the managerial skills required at the farm level are considered as is the use of costbenefit analysis. The paper also reviews the legal and institutional framework that facilitates organic production and certification.

The paper is aimed at staff of government, private and non-government organizations working at the policy level and in the field, and at donors’ organizations that support organic production and certification.