SRI LANKA CERTIFICATIONS

Organic Sri Lanka – in brief

• Sri Lanka is a bio-diverse land. Biodiversity in simple terms is the variety of life at all levels of biological organization. Despite its small size, Sri Lanka has a rich eco system diversity because of its topographic and climactic heterogeneity as well as its coastal influence (Biodiversity of Sri Lanka, R Pethiyagoda et al., Natn. Sci. Foundation of Sri Lanka 2008 36 special issue 25-62)
• Sri Lanka is a pioneer exporter of certified organic products in Asia and has been exporting for over 30 years
• Sri Lanka has the second highest share of organic agricultural land extent in Asia, at 70,436 hectares in 2019 after Timor Leste (‘World of Organic Agriculture’ statistical yearbook 2021)
• It produces a range of organic products that are exported including fruits, vegetables, coconut derived products, tea, spices and herbs
• EU imports of Sri Lanka Agri-foods amounted to 32,089 MTs (2019), and the EU continues to be a key destination for Sri Lankan exports; Sri Lanka holds 21st position (2019) of countries exporting organic foods to the EU
• Major export destinations of Sri Lankan organic agricultural products in order of importance are USA, Germany, UK, Japan, France, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands

Complimenting infrastructure

• Sri Lanka organic farming is characterised by the following factors:
  • Bio-diverse ecological zones
  • Endemic product attributes
  • Wide range of products
  • Many organic producers, farmers and exporters across the country
  • Broad farming and agricultural know-how
  • Skilled workers
  • High product quality and certifications
  • Value added products
  • Efficient supply chains
  • Indigenous knowledge and
  • Farming practices that help to facilitate compliance with organic farming standards