Diario Libre reports that organic certification could soon be carried out in the Dominican Republic. Peter Gross of the German certification body BCS Oeko-Garantie GmbH announced the launch of a national certification program in response to the demands of small producers lacking the resources to use international entities for this purpose. In-country certification, as well as being quicker and less costly, will also increase domestic customers? confidence in produce sold under an organic label. Gross stressed the importance of the country?s recognition as a formal organic exporter by the European Union, and cited the success of Dominican organic banana and cocoa export sectors. As well as its economic value – organic agricultural exports brought in US$28.7 million in 2002 ? organic farming has a positive effect on the environment, according to Gross.