Only organic

The growing international demand for organic products poses a niche opportunity for South African farmers and one which other African countries are making visible use of, ECDC’s investment promotion manager Pierre Leppan said.

Leppan has recently returned from the world’s largest organic products fair, BioFach 2008, which is held annually in Nürnberg, Germany, where 3 000 international exhibits and over 45 000 visitors attend.

Although organic farming in South Africa is on the increase, it remains small compared to other countries’ organic output and in terms of total output. South Africa was only represented by honey bush tea, according to Leppan. Products from other African countries included coffee, tea, cotton and cocoa, he said.

The EU’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mariann Boel, said in many markets clear increases in production were not keeping pace with demand – which is showing very encouraging strength. Interest is growing among supermarkets, restaurants and caterers. Organic products have firmly established themselves in all market chains.

'The ECDC would like to make contact with local organic producers to facilitate the expansion of their organic farming through linkages,' Leppan said. Of particular interest amongst visitors to the exhibition was organic health products that promoted well-being. 'We have seen the phenomenal rise in the aloe vera industry,' concluded Leppan. 'We believe the market is open to the new next best thing, and we would love that to emanate from the Eastern Cape.'      

For more information contact:

Mlamli Nodada
ECDC
Tel.: +27 43 743 5600
Email: mnodada@ecdc.co.za
Website: www.ecdc.co.za