Organic Europe needs certified ingredients

The European Organic Action Plan has set a target of 25% organic farmland by 2030. The plan is part of the European Union’s (EU) farm to fork strategy. This development highlights the importance of the organic food market in Europe. The demand for health products is also increasing. This provides an opportunity for suppliers of certified ingredients for health products. It makes targeting European buyers easier and more profitable.

The EU wants to increase the demand for organic products and strengthen consumer trust. Governments in Denmark, France and Sweden, are already promoting organic foods. For example, in schools, government organisations and catering establishments.

To realise the 25% target by 2030, organic farmland and food production must triple. The EU plans to speed up the conversion rate with
•    financial support from the Common Agricultural Policy;
•    more research into organic farming; and
•    promotion funds.

As the current starting point is 8.5%, this is an ambitious target. There are also differences on a country level to consider. Austria has the highest share of organic land (25%), followed by Estonia (22). But the shares of organic land are lower in Bulgaria (2.3), Ireland (1.6) and Malta (0.5).

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has boosted organic food sales in many countries. For example, the sales of organic products in the United Kingdom increased by 12.6% in 2020. This is the highest increase in the last 15 years. Consumer demand for organic products will most likely increase  even more in the coming years.

Opportunities for suppliers in developing countries

Such developments present opportunities for growers and suppliers in developing countries. They generate a strong demand for imported organic ingredients. Many food and health product companies need certified organic aloe vera, baobab, turmeric, and related ingredients. A European importer of turmeric says, “organic has become an industry standard.”

These developments also present opportunities for exporters of natural ingredients for health products. They should consider certifying their ingredients as this will increase their chances when exporting to Europe. The demand for organic products will continue to grow in the future. Producers in developing countries should follow the EU Organic Scheme. Many certification agencies in Africa, Asia, and other regions offer this certification.

Find out more

Would you like to know more about European requirements, standards and certification? Read the CBI study on buyer requirements for natural ingredients for health products.

Other helpful websites you can visit include:

• Organic Action Plan,
• Farm to Fork Strategy,
• Common Agricultural Policy.
• Organic farming statics (Eurostat)

Ecovia Intelligence wrote this article for CBI.

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