Now, an unprecedented and conclusive study links economic health to organic agriculture. Organic is the fastest growing sector of the U.S. food industry. In many countries, British organic is seen as the best that you can possibly buy - particularly in the Far East, US and Europe. Other common food labels should also not be confused with organic labels. [8] The organic food movement began in the 1940s in response to the Green Revolution. Organic food is food that has been grown or processed without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. The organic food market has seen a significant growth in the last two decades. Whilst the organic sector is still only 1.5% of the total food and drink sector this report suggests that the rise of consumers choosing organic might just be kept in place by current food trends. Growth was noted for all important indicators: Area, producers and retail sales. Food is Main Consumer Entry Point. Bez explains that food is frequently a consumers’ first organic purchase. Organic food production is a self-regulated industry with government oversight in some countries, distinct from private gardening.Currently, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan, and many other countries require producers to obtain special certification based on government-defined standards in order to market food as organic within their borders. However, high rates of market growth do not guarantee success on this attractive market. Organic food sales increase by double digits annually, far outstripping the growth rate for the overall food market. Many supermarkets – and even some farmers markets – are now requiring certification to make the organic claim. The global organic food market is valued at $81billion and the UK represents around 4% of global sales.

For example, the guidelines for certified organic beef include — among a number of requirements — access to pasture during a minimum 120-day grazing season and no growth hormones. Overall, nearly half (49%) of Soil Association Certification licensees are exporting products with an estimated value of exports at £250m. Organic Farming Statistics Organic agriculture world-wide and in Europe The main results of the latest survey on certified organic agriculture world-wide show (data end of 2017) that nearly 70 million hectares of agricultural land are managed organically. According to the report, the market for fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs, meat and poultry account for about three-quarters of the organic industry’s overall value.