GLOBAL CONSUMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO RISE
The release of the annual World of Organic Agriculture Statistics & Emerging Trends 2016 Edition at BIOFACH last week has confirmed continued growth of organic markets globally.
Global consumption of organic products totalled USD$80 billion in 2014, up from USD$72 billion the previous year.
The United States remains the leading market for consumption of organic products, comprising approximately 43% of the global market. Europe continues to lead per-capita consumption of organic products, with Switzerland remaining in top position at EUR$221, followed by Luxembourg (EUR$164) and Denmark (EUR$162).
Whilst the growth of consumption of organic products is strong, organic agricultural lands only represent 1% of total agricultural lands globally. The total organic agricultural land increased by 1.2%, with the largest absolute growth coming from Asia, up 4.65%.
Australia continues to hold the largest area of organic agricultural land with 17,150,000Ha, although this represents only 4.2% of their total agricultural lands.
The Pacific Islands are experiencing a strong growth trend in organic agriculture, led by Tonga (+401.8%), Fiji (+326.0%) and the Solomon Islands (+305.7%). This movement is assumed to be driven strongly by the ongoing work of the Pacific Organic & Ethical Trade Community and the development of the Participatory Guarantee System being implemented across remote island communities.
The overall growth and resilience of the organic movement remains positive. Continued development and streamlining of organic policies and standards, will no doubt clarify the current data on organic agriculture as certification becomes more accessible within developing countries.
The global General Assemble will vote on the content of Organic 3.0, delivered at BIOFACH 2014, confirming if a commitment will be made to it for future development.
Notes and sources:
* The World of Organic Agriculture, Statistics and Emerging Trends 2016 is freely available for download here
* More information on Organic 3.0 is currently open for comment and can be found here