Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
‘South African farmers missing out on organic market’
The market for organic produce continues to grow, but South Africa is lagging far behind in meeting this demand, as farmers remain sceptical about shifting to organic production.
The EU, the largest market for South Africa’s fresh produce, along with the US, make up the greatest proportion of organic consumers.
Leif Rehder, a researcher at the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, recently reported that Germany’s demand for organic produce alone grew by 22% in 2020.
“Germany is the largest consumer of organic products, after the US. While the EU has already set itself a target of 25% [of agricultural land under organic farming] by 2030 in its Farm to Fork Strategy, the new German government has even more ambitious plans, aiming to increase the share of agricultural land under organic farming to 30% by 2030.”
While organic farming in Germany is on the rise, Rehder said that domestic production was unable to meet demand, resulting in higher import volumes and values.
“In general, the German organic market offers good opportunities for suppliers who are creative in their choice of products, and who work with the organic community to tailor their production to meet demand from food producers and the retail trade.”
Lianne Jones, country manager for Southern Africa at the International Fresh Produce Association, said that South African farmers were wary of growing organic produce.
“It’s a difficult route to follow when it comes to production, and often the returns are very [low]. Consumers have to pay a premium for organic [products], and affordability plays a major role in demand.”
Jones added that EU policies were driving the increased uptake of organic produce, and over time they would influence the type of produce exported to this region and others.
“I believe that other countries will start to follow similar regulations as [that of] the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, as we’re seeing growing demand in countries such as China and Turkey.
“Market opportunities are growing, because health became a primary concern amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with global consumers seeing organic products as a reassurance of food safety.”