Inclusion of the resource-poor in organic production and trade: Opportunities and constraints posed by certification
Background
The global organic market is estimated to be worth US$11 billion, with organic imports from developing countries calculated to be worth US$500 million. In recent years there has been an increased demand in the UK for fresh year-round produce and in many cases response to this demand has involved the sourcing of both conventional and organic produce from developing countries. It is likely that this demand will continue to rise. Therefore there is the potential for the poor farmers to improve their livelihood through involvement in this market trend.
There is concern, however, that some policy issues and certification schemes geared primarily to organic production in developed countries hinder the inclusion of the resource-poor in developing countries, leading to a scenario whereby many farmers and producer groups may be excluded from this potentially lucrative activity.
Research activities
Detailed interviews with collaborators in Zambia, South Africa and the UK, as well as other key stakeholders in the UK (accreditors, certifiers, importers, supermarkets). A one-day workshop attended by collaborators and other interviewees was held prior to the completion of the report, to review findings.
Findings
The organic food industry is big business throughout the world and developing countries have large market potential to supply Europe with these products. Sixty-two developing countries export organic produce to the EU and a significant proportion of some imported organic products, for example coffee and cocoa, are produced by smallholder farmers.
Certification is an absolute requirement for any individual or group producing organically for export to the EU. The regulations and procedures for the production and certification of organic products and for authorisation to import these into the EU are very complicated. In the case of smallholder farmers, organisation into producer groups is essential for cost effective group certification and partnerships have to be formed at an early stage with potential exporters and EU importers who are responsible for obtaining import authorisation. There are many contraints associated with the production and certification of organic produce. Despite these, it is also evident that being able to sell produce with an internationally accepted certificate has many benefits for farmers and producer groups and that farmers do receive a reasonable proportion of the organic premium.
Output
Smallholder farmers and organic certification: accessing the EU market for the developing world. Barrett HR, Browne AW, Harris PJC and Cadoret K (2001) Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 19(2), 183-199.
Staff
Phil Harris
Katel Cadoret
Collaborators
African Studies Centre, Coventry University, UK
Organic Producers and Processors Association of Zambia, Zambia
Organic Agricultural Association of South Africa, South Africa
Independent Consultant (inspecting experience), UK
Exotic Farm Produce Ltd, UK
Contact
Julia Wright, International Research Coordinator, jwright@gardenorganic.org.uk
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