Growth of the directory of certified organic operators bioC has increased several hundred percent in the last few years, as suppliers of organic fruits and vegetables worldwide aim to streamline the business process.

"Having assured valid certification data is an advantage because it gives complete confidence in the certification status of the producer and products," said David Gould, program facilitator & North American representative at the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

"Changes in allowed production inputs might affect some fruit or vegetable growers… it is important to be aware of the different standards' specific requirements," he added.

"The benefit is equal for all kinds of producers and traders."

In conversation with www.freshfruitportal.com, Gould explained that the more data from bodies and suppliers on the platform, the more effective it was for the fruit trade.

The registry currently receives the highest participation from Europe - Germany, Austria, the U.K. and Switzerland in particular.

"We are now aiming for global participation and expect certification from all parts of the world to be coming in shortly," Gould said.

Currently 28 certification bodies from various countries participate in the registry, and 70,000 certified organic growers are listed.

Most recently over 4,000 certified organic operators from the U.K. were added to the database, including Organic Farmers & Growers, Organic Trust, Organic Food Federation, Scottish Organic Producers Association and Soil Association, among others.

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