CERTIFICATION
A system of self-checks and certification began at the market
in 2005. Members are certified as being organic venders or in
the process of being certified as organic venders. Single source
products of which the origin is traced were the first to be
certified. These products include lettuce, coffee and honey.
More complicated products require additional investigation.
It's not clear whether related services such as transportation,
recycling and cooking will be considered in the future.
For example, will the cooking process -- most of which uses
charcol -- be factored into the equation? Will certified charcol
be used to produce certified organic memelas and enchiladas?
Or would only solar-oven cooked food be double certified?
LONG-TERM PROCESS
No one is claiming that the certification process is perfect.
Most of the venders and the representatives from Certimex, a
Oaxaca-based research institution assisting the market in this
endeavor point out that this project is just completing its
initial phase.
Certification is a long-term process," said Taurino Reyes
Santiago of Certimex.
"Change does not occur in one day. We have taken the first
step."
CERTIFICATION IN MEXICO
According to Certimex figures, 85% of organic products produced
in Mexico are exported. One of the outcomes of this internal
certification program is the growth of a new national sector
for organic goods.
ABOUT THE MARKET
The market began in November 2003 at the Pochote Cultural Center
with the support of Oaxacan artist Francisco
Toledo.
REFERENCES
Mexico
Markets
Agriculture
Guide
Oaxaca
City Markets
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