twitter Facebook Linkedin acp Contact Us

Getting small farmers´ organic food into supermarkets

Organic farming is a promising pursuit for small farmers in many of the world´s poorer nations.

Organic farming is a promising pursuit for small farmers in many of the world´s poorer nations.rganic farming is a promising pursuit for small farmers in many of the world´s poorer nations.
Demand for organic produce is growing, and customers pay higher prices for these goods. With some training, farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America - who already have experience in growing without pesticides and other chemicals and who tend their small plots diligently - can meet standards for organic crops. But now as supermarkets account for an increasing share of organic sales, producers must also meet supermarkets´ own standards, such as Global GAP, which have stringent health and safety requirements for fresh produce. With their vast clientele, these chains are where developing-country farmers want to do business.
Agricultural experts and government officials met at UNCTAD´s Geneva headquarters on 10-11 December 2009 to discuss how organic food standards and GLOBALGAP, for global "good agricultural practices" might be reconciled. To prepare the way, UNCTAD commissioned a study to find common ground between GLOBALGAP and a sample regional organic standard (in this case, the standard of the European Union).
The Ad hoc Expert Meeting on Facilitating Access of Small Organic Farmers in Developing Countries to Supermarket Shelves will discuss how farmers might meet GLOBALGAP and organic standards without having to go through two costly certification processes and two sets of inspections - a combination that can be too expensive and demanding for small farmers in poor nations. Experts reviewed the findings of the comparative study; debated practical options for achieving "partial equivalence" between GLOBALGAP and organic certification systems or other arrangements to streamline the certification process for dual certifications; and sought to establish a "road map" of activities for achieving a scheme that is affordable to small farmers. Experts presented, also, brief papers on company and country-level experiences with multiple inspections and certifications - and possible simplified approaches.

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Evolving concept of energy security must address energy demand, system flexibility, technology access and infrastructure development, says IRENA. (Image source: IRENA)

World Bank & African Development Bank partner to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, leveraging public-private investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At WFES, Gotion High-tech will showcase its latest products and leading green energy solutions at its booth. (Image source: Gotion High-tech)

The new Perkins 5012 is a full-authority electronic engine optimised and purpose-built for power generation applications. (Image source: Perkins)

SSAB will begin deliveries of the new products in 2026.

The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hyphen is developing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, most advanced and only fully-vertical integrated green hydrogen project. (Image source: Hyphen)

According to Liebherr, the Used Equipment Marketplace is extremely user-friendly. (Image source: Liebherr)

Electricity storage will be pivotal in unlocking renewable projects and meeting energy demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State. (Image source: Africa Data Centres)

A Cat PM310 Cold Planer in action. (Image source: Caterpillar)

A larger stockholding of WEG products facilitates ready access for customers. (Image source: WEG Africa)

African nations have turned to the concept of power pools to address the continent's energy deficit and foster regional cooperation. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)

Dietmar Siersdorfer is expanding his role as Middle East managing director at Siemens Energy to include Africa. (Image source: Siemens Energy)

The Msikaba Bridge has anchor blocks 17 m wide which contain around 21,000 tons of concrete. (Image source: Sanral)