Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of environmentally harmonious agricultural practices, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, mixed farming, and biodiversity-rich home gardens. In recent years, organic agriculture has gained prominence nationally as a sustainable solution to address soil degradation, environmental pollution, food safety concerns, and the increasing demand for high-quality agricultural produce. Establishing and periodically revising a national standard for organic agriculture is crucial to ensure credibility, consistency, and consumer confidence in organically labeled products in Sri Lanka.

In recognition of these national priorities and evolving global trends, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has recently revised SLS 1324:2025 – Requirements for Organic Agriculture Production and Processing. This revision marks the second update of the standard, originally published in 2007 and previously revised in 2018, offering a comprehensive and current framework for governing organic production, post-harvest handling, storage, processing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and marketing of organic products.

Need for Revision

The revision of SLS 1324 was undertaken in response to significant changes in organic agriculture practices, certification systems, international trade requirements, and consumer expectations. Growing concerns regarding misleading organic claims, environmental sustainability, traceability, and food safety necessitated a more robust and harmonized standard.

SLS 1324:2025 aligns Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture framework with internationally recognized principles and best practices while ensuring its relevance to local agro-ecological, socio-economic, and regulatory conditions.

Scope and Coverage

The revised standard applies to a wide range of activities, including:

• Crop production, livestock production, aquaculture, mushroom, and apiculture
• Wild harvested products
• Processing, storage, transport, and marketing of organic products
• Packaging, labeling, and certification claims

Key Enhancements Introduced

Mandatory Organic Management Plan (OMP)

A major enhancement in the revised standard is the introduction of the Organic Management Plan, requiring operators to document and implement systematic procedures covering land use, soil fertility, pest and disease management, record keeping, and traceability. This strengthens transparency, inspection efficiency, and accountability across the organic value chain.

Strengthened Crop Production Requirements

There is a greater emphasis on soil-based production systems, biodiversity conservation, crop rotation, and agro-ecosystem management. The revised standard explicitly prohibits hydroponic and other non-soil-based systems for organic crop production, reinforcing the foundational principles of organic agriculture.

Enhanced Livestock, Aquaculture, and Apiculture Provisions

Updated requirements ensure improved animal welfare, responsible feed management, biosecurity, environmental protection, and ethical husbandry practices. Detailed provisions are included to address conversion periods, parallel production risks, and permitted inputs.

Improved Processing, Packaging, and Labeling Controls

Significant revisions have been made to processing aids, additives, packaging materials, and labeling practices to prevent misleading claims and safeguard organic integrity. These measures enhance consumer confidence and support fair trade practices.

Clear Prohibitions and Integrity Safeguards

The standard clearly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ionizing radiation, nanotechnology, and synthetic inputs not expressly permitted. Robust requirements are included to prevent contamination, commingling, and loss of organic integrity.

Inclusion of Social Justice Principles

In line with modern sustainability frameworks, SLS 1324:2025 incorporates social justice considerations, emphasizing fair labor practices, worker welfare, and ethical business conduct within organic operations.

Benefits to Stakeholders

The revised standard provides clear and consistent guidance to farmers, processors, exporters, certification bodies, and regulators. It supports:

• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Consumer protection and informed choice
• Improved market access for certified organic produce and products
• Alignment with national legislation and international trade requirements

By promoting environmentally sound and socially responsible production systems, the standard contributes to long-term food security, environmental conservation, and rural development.

As the national standards body, the SLSI remains committed to developing, reviewing, and maintaining standards that support national development objectives and protect the public interest. The revision of SLS 1324:2025 reflects SLSI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture sector through credible, transparent, and internationally aligned standards. SLSI encourages all stakeholders to adopt and implement this revised standard to ensure the integrity, sustainability, and continued growth of organic agriculture in Sri Lanka.

The Author

Mrs. Ganiesha Jayamini De Silva serves as Deputy Director of the Agriculture Section of the Standardization Division at the Sri Lanka Standards Institution.

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