Quick answer: Collection points are where farmers deliver their coconut sugar before it goes to processing. If both organic and non-organic sugar arrive at the same place, they must be kept apart to protect organic integrity. This means separate labelling, storage areas, scales or cleaning routines, and clear records. Auditors check that separation works in practice, not only on paper.
Key takeaways – Organic and non-organic sugar must never mix. – Separation covers receiving, storage and records. – Clear labels and trained staff make it work. – Auditors check both records and practice.
Why is separation so important?
Organic certification depends on proving that organic products stayed organic at every step. If organic sugar is mixed with non-organic sugar, even by accident, the whole lot may lose its organic status. Collection points are a high-risk step because many farmers deliver there, often at the same time.
What does good separation look like?
| Area | Good practice |
|---|---|
| Receiving | Check the farmer is on the organic list before accepting sugar as organic |
| Containers | Use clearly marked containers or bags for organic sugar |
| Storage | Keep organic stock in a separate, marked area |
| Equipment | Use separate scales and tools, or clean them between lots |
| Records | Record farmer name, date, weight and organic status for every delivery |
| Transport | Load organic sugar separately or with clear separation |
How do farmer lists help?
Organic group certification usually works with an approved farmer list. Staff at the collection point should check each delivery against this list. Sugar from farmers not on the list, or with suspended status, must be handled as non-organic.
How should staff be trained?
- Explain why separation matters.
- Show how to check the farmer list.
- Practise labelling and recording deliveries.
- Explain what to do if mixing happens.
- Repeat training regularly and keep attendance records.
What if mixing happens?
Staff should stop, separate the affected sugar, label it as non-organic, record the incident and report it to the internal control officer. The cause should be found and fixed to prevent it happening again.
What do auditors look for?
Auditors may visit collection points, check that farmer lists are current, compare delivery records with stock and look at labels and storage. They often do mass balance checks, comparing how much organic sugar came in with how much went out.
How does this link to farmer training?
Farmers also play a role by delivering sugar in clean, marked containers and following organic rules on their farms. Training programmes help farmers understand these rules. Under the GIZ develoPPP programme, farmer training and organic certification support are part of the work.
Where does IMC fit?
PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) has produced coconut sugar in Central Java since 2012 and exports to customers abroad, including the USA. Through the GIZ develoPPP programme, IMC supports farmer training and organic certification. Buyers can ask the IMC team about organic controls for their orders.
FAQ
Why separate organic and non-organic sugar? Mixing can cause organic status to be lost.
What is a mass balance check? Comparing organic quantities received with quantities sold.
What if a farmer is not on the organic list? Their sugar must be handled as non-organic.
Who checks separation? Internal control staff and external organic auditors.
Questions about coconut sugar for your products? PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group), a Central Java producer since 2012, is happy to help. Email info@organic-coconut-sugar.com or WhatsApp +62 811 880 62273.
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