Kazakhstan is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for organic agriculture: key national standards for the production and distribution of organic products have been approved

Three national standards establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development of organic agriculture have been approved in the Republic of Kazakhstan and will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The adopted documents cover Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), group certification of organic production within producer associations, and the regulation of organic products derived from wild raw materials.

The standard was developed by the Union of Organic Product Producers of Kazakhstan in collaboration with the specialized Technical Committee for Standardization No. 100 "Organic Products" with financial support from UNDP.

The Committee of Technical Regulation and Metrology of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that the adoption of these standards systematically eliminates the previously existing regulatory gap concerning the normative regulation of mechanisms for confirming compliance in organic production. This includes decentralized (PGS), group (ICS), and models based on the use of wild resources, thereby forming a complete regulatory environment for the development of the organic sector. This decision is aimed at removing key structural constraints that previously hindered the industry's development, as until now, Kazakhstan lacked an integrated and scalable model ensuring the simultaneous involvement of producers, reduction of entry barriers, development of cooperation, and the formation of traceable value chains. Collectively, this creates conditions for the sustainable growth of the sector, expansion of the domestic market, and enhancement of the export competitiveness of organic products.

The implementation of the standard ST RK 4041-2026 "Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). General Provisions" creates a new tool for integrating small producers into organic agriculture by transitioning from a centralized to a decentralized conformity assessment model. By eliminating the mandatory involvement of a third party, financial and organizational barriers are significantly reduced, allowing for the inclusion of personal subsidiary plots, small farms, and cooperatives into the sector. The expected effect includes the expansion of the domestic market for organic products, the development of short supply chains, and increased accessibility of organic products for the population.

The standard ST RK 4042-2026 "Organic Products. Production of Organic Products within an Association of Organic Product Producers (Simple Partnership). Special Requirements" institutionalizes group certification and creates a mechanism for scaling organic production through producer associations. By implementing an internal control system and using a single certificate of conformity, a significant reduction in per-unit certification costs is achieved, which is particularly critical for small businesses. As a result, conditions are created for producers to transition from the local market to more complex sales chains, including export directions. An additional effect is related to harmonization with European regulatory approaches, enhancing the compatibility of the national system with international markets.

The standard ST RK 4043-2026 "Organic Products from Wild Raw Materials. Requirements for Collection, Harvesting, Processing, Packaging, Transportation, Storage, and Labeling" establishes a regulatory framework for the development of the organic products segment from wild raw materials, which was previously outside systematic regulation. Introducing requirements for the entire chain—from collection to sale—ensures product traceability, reduces contamination risks, and creates conditions for the sustainable use of natural resources. In the long term, this opens opportunities for developing an export direction based on Kazakhstan's natural potential while adhering to environmental constraints.

In terms of expected impact, the combined implementation of the three standards aims to achieve several key results. Firstly, a quantitative expansion of the participant base in organic production is anticipated through the involvement of small farms. Secondly, a reduction in average certification costs is expected, which will improve the economic sustainability of producers. Thirdly, conditions are being formed for the growth of the domestic organic products market and a gradual increase in export potential. Fourthly, environmental sustainability is enhanced through the regulation of wild resource use and the implementation of traceability principles.

It is important to note that these standards do not operate in isolation but are integrated into a broader regulatory system, including the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Production and Circulation of Organic Products" and legislation in the field of technical regulation. This implements the so-called "dual logic" of regulation, where specialized requirements for organic production are complemented by mandatory safety, conformity assessment, and labeling requirements.

From the perspective of institutional development, the adopted standards create a multi-level sector model. In this model, PGS serves as the basic level for engagement and domestic market development, group certification facilitates the transition to more scalable forms of production, and the regulation of wild raw materials creates the resource and export foundation for the industry. Such a model aligns with international practice and ensures balanced sector development.

In the short term, the key factor in achieving the stated effects will be the implementation phase, including the development of methodological materials, training of market participants, development of institutional and advisory infrastructure, and monitoring of the actual impact of the standards. In the medium term, effectiveness will be assessed based on indicators of producer engagement, market dynamics, and the level of trust in organic products.

Thus, the adoption of these standards represents not only a regulatory but also a structural transformation of the industry, aimed at forming a sustainable, inclusive, and economically efficient model of organic agriculture in Kazakhstan.