Cosun news

02/23/2006

Organic grows naturally

Judging by the exhibits at the Biofach, the world’s biggest organic trade fair, it seems clear that the organic sector has grown up. It is no longer the province of the goats’ wool socks brigade but attracts businessmen from all corners of the Earth. Organic has become big business. The number of Dutch exhibitors from the primary sector, and their enthusiasm for their organic products, was very noticeable. Their pride in their quality products was obvious. Ecomel (the organic arm of Campina) had one of the busiest stands with Zuiver Zuivel (pure dairy). Lots of cheese specialities were on display to be tasted and inspected. Ecomel’s Edwin Crombags declared that sales are booming, both in organic food shops and ordinary supermarkets. He is not in favour of using low prices to tempt consumers to buy organic. In his view, the advertising campaign in which organic farmers play the main role and are allowed to tell their own stories has a greater and more enduring impact. “Steadily increasing numbers of consumers are prepared to pay extra for quality food, including delicious dairy and cheese products with an authentic story behind them. This trend may not last for ever, but it shows no signs of slowing down yet.” Innovations Suiker Unie was also at the Biofach. Organic sugar is a niche market, as the staff on the Suiker Unie stand emphasized. Organic cheese schnitzels were also on offer, as were organic cocktails based on fruit juices and alcohol – an innovation of the Haarlem company ‘The Juicy Sisters’. Wine connoisseurs found plenty to warm their hearts in the organic wine hall, and there was lots to interest beer drinkers, too. Organic coffee and tea completed the ‘liquids’ assortment. The number of suppliers of wellness products was remarkable. Facial and body care items, aromas, scented waters, healthy snacks and vitamins were well represented, as well as farmhouse holidays with organic food. Other delights included organic snacks, chocolate and sweets; clothing made from organically cultivated cotton and silk, and coloured with natural dyes; and woollens galore from organic sheep. There was even organic footwear. Chains One of the factors that producers of organic products have to deal with is the fact that the production chains are separate from mainstream production. As a consequence, costs are often higher and distribution may also be more difficult. One of the problems of composite products is finding good raw materials and ingredients in sufficient quantities. Trading companies will therefore probably play a more important role in the breakthrough of organic products. Alongside small-scale activities – from the farmer directly to the consumer – larger-scale chains will increasingly be involved in future. This is an essential step if growth is to be maintained. Niche or mainstream? The key question was and still is “Will organic remain a niche market or is it a trend that can serve as an example for mainstream crops and products? In other words, will organic and non-organic move closer together as non-organic farmers use fewer pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilisers and pharmaceuticals? Representatives of the organic primary sector make their position very clear: organic farming requires emotional as well as intellectual commitment. The more the better. <<< back