By 2030, 25 percent of European agriculture must be organic. In May, the European Commission published a new agricultural strategy to make the European food system healthier. Also more social and more sustainable for humans, animals and the ecosystem, with a clear commitment to organic. The organic sector provides more ecological and social value and causes less external costs.
Organic sales volume in supermarkets increased by 4.9% in 2019, compared to 4.3% total growth. This means that the organic sales volume in supermarkets share has slightly increased to 3.21% (IRI, 2020). A new stimulus policy must stimulate both supply and demand. If we really want organic to take up a larger share in the Dutch supermarket, a rigorously different approach is required than in recent years. This is the only way we can ensure that the demand from consumers and the supply in the Dutch retail sector will rise equally.
Recommendations for more organic sales volume
In September 2020, the organic sector will share its recommendations with the Dutch government. Which should lead to substantial growth in the organic market. The incentives are necessary in both supply and demand to prevent farmers from being left with surpluses. For example: a VAT reduction can encourage consumers to buy organic more often and targeted advice can help farmers to make the switch to organic products easier.
Green manures, natural pest control, organic fertilization and other issues (that the advisory reports are now full of), have always been the hobby horses of organic farming. Moreover, organic farming has been counting on growing appreciation from citizens for decades. For example, organic farming succeeds in generating an additional cost for sustainability.
Higher yield and higher quality
Organic fertilizers of Benefert will contribute to conventional and organic farmed soils by maintaining and increasing its fertility. This honest way of growing with respect to the planet will lead to higher yield and to higher quality of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Whether this is by organic cultivation in its purist form or by combining organic with conventional farming.
Sources: de Volkskrant and AGF
