When leading pioneers such as Rudolf Steiner, Robert Rodale, Sir Albert Howard and Lady Balfour propounded their thoughts on agriculture in the 1920s to 1940s, they advocated a holistic approach to agriculture as well as a way of life. Could they haveforeseen the entangling web of technical standards, regulations and conformity systems that we weave for the organic sector today? Based on a commitment to a philosophy, organic standards and certification schemes arose within the private sector in theearly 1970s. They were primarily developed by non-government associations of fanners and consumers based in Europe and the United States. Recognition as an organic producer in the early years was based simply on becoming a member of an organic association. A self declaration was sufficient. Later, informal peer reviews took place and loose guidelines were set. The world of organic standards and conformity assessment has come a long way since.
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