Zim Organic

Know the Story Behind Your Food

Building trust between organic farmers and consumers

We are often encouraged to eat a varied diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. But alongside asking what we eat, it is worth asking another question: how was our food produced?

ZOPPA has previously conducted a small study examining pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables sold in Harare, including produce sampled from supermarkets and Mbare Open Market. The crops included tomatoes, carrots, okra, cabbage and fine beans, and samples were sent to a laboratory in the United Kingdom for analysis. The study raised questions about pesticide residues in some of the produce sampled. While a small study cannot describe the safety or production practices of all food sold in Zimbabwe. Nor does the presence of a residue, on its own, tell the full story about a person’s health. The study nevertheless highlights why transparency about farming practices and responsible use of agricultural inputs matter.

Knowing what is behind our food

Consumers usually cannot tell how food was grown by looking at it. They may not know the farmer who produced it, what production practices were followed, or whether those practices were checked. Visiting farms is not always practical, especially when producers and markets are far apart.

For farmers who follow organic production standards, there is also a challenge: how can they demonstrate the integrity of their practices and help buyers recognise their produce? A credible, understandable quality assurance system can help connect the people who grow food with the people who buy it.

Zim Organic: Making trust visible

ZOPPA developed a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) to support farmers in applying organic production standards and to provide a structured approach to quality assurance. The system is participatory: farmers take part in the process, accountability and verification help support confidence in the claims made about their produce.

The Zim Organic label makes this assurance visible in the marketplace. It identifies produce covered by ZOPPA’s organic quality assurance system; it is not simply a decorative mark or a general claim about food. The assurance is linked to the PGS process, which brings together the Zimbabwe Organic PGS standards, a producer pledge, peer review, verification and use of the label.

Through this process, Zim Organic helps consumers look beyond product appearance and price and ask about the production practices and quality assurance behind their food. It also gives participating farmers a way to demonstrate their commitment to Zimbabwe Organic PGS standards and build relationships with buyers.

Is your food choice an informed one?

Whether you are a consumer who wants to know more about how food is produced, an organic farmer seeking recognition for your produce, or a retailer, restaurant or food service provider looking for produce covered by an organic quality assurance system, ZOPPA welcomes your interest.

Contact ZOPPA to learn more about the Zim Organic label, the Participatory Guarantee System, and how farmers and buyers can take part.

Look for the Zim Organic label. Know the story behind your food.

PARTNERS

Our trusted partners

The work we do is made possible by several partners