Get certified!

We are delighted about your interest in a certification in accordance with our Guidelines! By participating in our certification programmes you are making a valuable contribution to the promotion of GMO-free soybean cultivation in the Danube region as well as in Europe. In addition, you are showcasing your ambitions for a sustainable protein supply to the public and specifically, the whole soya value chain.

Donau Soja & Europe Soya mean:

• Non-GM
• Guaranteed from the Danube region / Europe
• No deforestation (cut-off 2008) & no conversion
• Transparent and consistent traceability
• No use of glyphosate prior to harvest (desiccation)

The Donau Soja and Europe Soya guidelines are based on the continuous certification of Donau Soja and Europe Soya products from the farm to the consumer.

Certification of the participating partners by external certification bodies (approved by Donau Soja Organisation) begins with primary agricultural collector including the suppling farmers and ends with the marketer.

Have a look at our brochure “Steps of Certification” to gain a quick overview of the points to consider for a successful certification:

All operators downstream of the soya bean farmer (e. g. agricultural collectors, traders, primary processors, compound feed producers, animal keepers, food processors or marketers) who participate in the Donau Soja and Europe Soya programme must sign an inspection contract with a certification body recognised by the Donau Soja Organisation in order to gain certification.

Depending on the risk level, certification is not always required for soya bean farmers. However, by signing the Declaration of Self-Commitment for farmers and participation in a group certification with their primary agricultural collector, compliance with the Donau Soja and Europe Soya requirements is assured.

To ensure traceability, a lot certification system is in use for trading/transportation of Donau Soja or Europe Soya soya beans from the primary agricultural collector through to the primary processor. Lot certificates are usually issued at the seller and accompany the produce to the buyer. Particular care should be taken to ensure that produce is purchased and sold with a valid lot certificate only, as otherwise the soya beans cannot be recognised as Donau Soja or Europe Soya produce. Lot certificates are only required for soya beans, not for processed soya products or compound feed.

Certificates of Traceability additionally confirm traceability and compliance with the Donau Soja or Europe Soya requirements (including non-GM and sustainability criteria) of processed soya products (such as meal, oil, protein concentrate, protein isolate and lecithin). On a voluntary basis, soya processors can request issuance of such certificate by their independent certification body. It is valid for the specific lots as listed on the certificate.

Apart from the general requirements, the guidelines include particular requirements for the following participants in the system: