Italian Cooperation - Gerusalemme

NEWSLETTER n.84- Training in Italy.The training in Italy was carried out with the support of ICEA (Istitutoper la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale), the main Italian body fororganic certification and counterpart in the project. The participants,divided into three small groups, attended the training sessions in differentregions in Italy at ICEA branch offices, experiencing trainingon the field, on inspection and certification processes, visiting differentfarms, packing and marketing factories, and attending administrativesessions. Their progress was monitored through exams.The introduction of new farming techniques aimed at launching theincipient Organic Agriculture in the rural areas of the West Bank andGaza Strip through this project is making a significant step forward.How Palestinians can apply for OrganicCertification?COAP will certify individual farmers, cooperatives, companies, processingand marketing corporations.To apply for certification, applicant should follow the indicated belowsteps:1.Filling the full application2.Presenting to COAP the annual production plan and the farmmanagement plan3.Presenting a stamped map of the farm in addition of a copy ofland ownership or renting documents. In case of cooperatives,the registration and the by law should also be presented.4.In case of processors, they should present production mapand the quality control system.5.A first inspection has to be required and will be conductedby the responsible inspectors of COAP. They will verify the informationreported in the application and maps; the compostpreparing methods; the water resources; risks assessment. Areport on the inspection will be carried out.6.Further indications and instruction on Organic Farming Systemwill be given directly to the applicants by COAP expertsand technicians.COAP CONTACTSRamallahTel: 02 2989537fax: 02 2963850Zababdehtel: 04 2510462fax 04 2510461Gazatel: 08 2805041fax: 08 2805039P.O Box 25128 Shu’fat, JerusalemPag. 18