Organic producers told to target global market

CEBU, Philippines - Producers of organically-produced food and drinks are encouraged to take advantage of the multi-million-dollar global health and environment conscious market.

In a statement, Control Union Philippines managing director Gayan Wejesiriwardana said that producers and traders of agricultural products need to seriously consider capturing a significant share of this market starting with securing an official certification for each product line is highly needed.

Growth of the global market for organic food and drink has been growing from $15.2 billion in 1999 to $72 billion in 2013.

A 2013 research data showed the United States was the biggest consumer of organic products comprising 43 percent, followed by the European Union's 28 member states cornering 40 percent.

Other top markets for organic agricultural products during the year included China, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and other products all contributing the remaining 17 percent.

Apart from penetrating huge markets, Wejesiriwardana said that certified produce benefit from premium price.

He believes that premium for organic products range from 20 to 30 percent. Products with growing demand are fresh/dried tropical fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, wines, juices, snacks and prepared foods.

Products that can be certified, including unprocessed and processed agriculture/animal products; agricultural, forestry, livestock and marine products; and production or handling of crops, livestock, livestock products or other agricultural products.

Control Union provides global one-stop shop for a wide range of certification programs.

Meanwhile, tourism leader Robert Lim Joseph encouraged local entrepreneurs including farmers to highlight naturally grown or produced vegetables, fruits as premium products to be offered by tourists.

According to Joseph, products that have official "organic"  label have greater advantage regardless of price.

Tourists now, Joseph said are more attracted to "back to basic" kind of products and offering freshly picked vegetables and fruits from the backyard, especially those that are grown organically are major market drawn.

Anything that is "natural" or "organic" now, is premium. Organic products for instance are now priced highly and market is growing despite high or premium pricing.

Reportedly, there are at least less than 10 organic farms certification group, most of them of are privately operated, while some are managed by the government.

In terms of organic farming promotion, Cebu is lagging behind, although the province is not an agricultural area. Negros, and Bohol are leading this movement, and Cebu is seen to trail blaze in this movement.

As provided under the Republic Act, a National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) will be created to serve as the policy-making body that will provide direction and general guidelines for the implementation of the national organic agriculture program. — (FREEMAN)