Organic sector growing in Switzerland

The organic sector in Switzerland is beating records. In 2013 turnover was over the 2 billion franc line for the first time ever. Market share for organic produce has gone up to 6.9% compared to 6.3% in 2012, according to Bio Suisse.

The organic produce umbrella organisation announced in a press release that turnover and market share of all products has grown. Fresh produce had over a 1 billion franc (€820,661,000) turnover and a 9.1% market share. Pre-wrapped produce saw a 12.4% growth.

In 2013 195 new producers joined the organic market, compared to 245 in 2012. 5,884 farm producers and 847 packagers work under the federation's specifications and its brand ''Le Bourgeon''. To this one must add on the 484 farmers who apply the organic order from the Confederation.

This represents 11.8% of all Swiss farming companies, says Daniel Bärtschi, Director of Bio Suisse. Organically farmed surface area has grown 5,000 ha in 2013 (mainly plains). ''Almost an eighth of agricultural surface is now organic'' adds Mr Bärtschi.