What does the German term “BIO“ (organic) mean:
The Greek word "bios" means life ' - and is used in Germany in many ways, e.g. as a prefix or abbreviation such as for biology and the science when concerned with life and living creatures’.
What is BIO (organic)?
When used in connection with foodstuffs today, it means that ‘the raw materials' used originate solely from organic farming sources, i.e. conventional cultivation methods using fertilizers, artificial fodder, etc., are strictly forbidden! At least 95% of the raw materials in an organic product are required to be of organic origin by the EEC's Eco-Regulation EEC No. 2092/91.
How are organic products made?
The ecological compatibility of all economic activities is an obligation when growing organic plants and running an organic farm. This means that natural resources are preserved and maintained as far as possible. Therefore, the protection of the soil and vegetation in all forms, minimizing water usage and protecting the climate all become major goals. Food produced using raw materials from organic farming are granted the title: Organic.
Who produces organic products?
The farmers who work in an ecologically-oriented way and who supply raw milk to the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy, are members of the organic farming associations Bioland, demeter, Naturland or Biokreis. They run their organic farms and handle their business in accordance with the strict rules of these associations. The rules are much stricter than the state-defined minimum requirements of the EC Eco-regulation. Additional ingredients such as fruits which are used in the Andechser NATURE yoghurt also originate from and are prepared by monitored and certified organic farms. With these valuable organic ingredients, the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy makes the high-quality Andechser Nature milk specialities according to the guidelines of the organic farming associations and in accordance with our philosophy “Leave natural things natural”.
Who monitors organic products?
The 'boards of control for organic products' are state-accredited, independent companies. They check produce regularly (and unannounced) to make sure that the legal requirements of the EC Eco-regulation are fulfilled during the production of food from organic farming. The various boards of control in Germany can be identified by a so-called 'bio-code', which you can find on the organic product packaging. In addition, the dairy and the Andechser Molkerei Scheitz dairy milk suppliers are also regularly inspected by the cultivation associations they belong to
How are organic products checked?
The boards of control check during both the production of organic raw materials and the production of organic food. They review documents and products and ensure that everything can be seamlessly traced right back to the farmer. Every work process that is permitted is an organic one and must be fully comprehensible and well-documented in writing: commodity production, the purchasing of goods, warehousing and transportation as well as the production and delivery to the shops. This level of transparency makes it possible to trace each product to its originating farmer! Try it out now: track the organic history of your product.
How can you recognize an organic product?
The “bio-code” number of each inspection is stamped upon every single package of an organic product. If the organic product meets all “organic regulations”, it may be rewarded with the government's quality organic-seal. This uniform labelling enables consumers to choose their food. Additional quality seals of the organic farming associations indicate an organic product quality improvement. The ANDECHSER NATUR products for example are marked with the BIO and demeter symbols.
What are the benefits of organic products?
Numerous scientific studies prove that organic products maintain our environment due to the affiliated sustainable economy and therefore our livelihood. Other studies prove that organic food tastes better and more intense than industrial food due to its unaltered rich ingredients and is thus "naturally healthy". Reviewed data shows specific examples: the purchase of a liter of Andechser NATURE organic milk can - statistically speaking - ecologically farm a land area of 2.5m². The improved environmental overall situation generates a variety of grasses as a natural food of cows. This organic milk features a higher value of natural omega-3-fatty-acids than conventionally produced milk! The need for these unsaturated omega-3-fatty-acids for humans is now scientifically proven. We are not able to produce these fatty acids ourselves, we need to obtain them through our food.
