Global Crisis: Effects on organic production

We cannot deny the global financial crisis and shows its first effects. Organic products are not immune to this phenomenon, since products are usually more expensive and easily replaceable. But the future is not all black, some people might argue an encouraging look.

Because organic products are consumed by consumers aware of its benefits. We refer to a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, fair trade and environmental stewardship.

Today we face a market in full expansion. Example is the constant and growing demand from supermarkets, who want the novelty of the products of this type. In general we can say today that this is a market that has not stopped growing and that, as production increases, demand also rises. "The demand is far from being covered," explains Andrea Raggi, manager markenting of Apofruit, Italy.

Obstacles to face

The greatest concern of organic producers is possible and inevitable increase in the price of their products. They could increase by between 10 and 100% more, depending on how concerned the season and the place i.e. become disposable products.

"It is clear that when there are problems because the consumer does not buy two bunches of grapes but one, so the organic market could be affected. It doesn’t mean that people prefer to stop buying, but to limit their purchases," explains Manfred Pulm – Dirk, commercial manager of Nature Lehmann of Germany.

Consumer confidence

One of the key points to prevent the negative effects of a crisis and turn into an opportunity for producers, would not, for example, losing the confidence of consumers and food safety is central to the boom that has taken organic production.

Consumers opt for organic products because they are considered healthy foods that do not destroy the environment or human health. "In Europe and the United States the problems that have arisen in safety have made consumers lose confidence, this cannot happen to the organic. You cannot depreciate if appropriate measures are taken. Organic production is based specifically on the consumer confidence, and we should not lose it "emphasizes Bernward Geier, Director of International Relations of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM).

Trade in organic products or organic is a healthy business involving more than 50 million hectares in about 120 countries and sales exceeded $ 38.6 billion, 5 billion over the previous year.

Germany is one of the countries where consumption has increased more organic – 4.5% of sales of organic foods were 15% and this was more than the previous year, and major supermarket chains have their own certification.

Source: Ecoalimenta.com

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