Icelandic organic growers says goodbye to EU logo

In a small community and for many small growers many of the guidelines to be able to carry a European organic logo don’t suffice, Thordur Halldorsson contends. The Icelander is a wholesaler, retailer and importer. In his heart he is a passionate organic grower of greenhouse vegetables. After a few twenty years he said goodbye to the certification European logo. His own brand is now his organic guarantee.

The fresh produce department: filled with a wide assortment of organic fruits and veggies.

“We are no longer certified, the direction the regulations were heading in was ridiculous,” says Icelander. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for growers and producers and the rules don’t suffice in all climate types and markets.” Thordur’s vision is broader than the organic sector, he strives for sustainable growth. “This is why I want to have an open mind and be flexible. You also see that change more widely in the sector.” He noticed at the BioFach that there was more attention for trends such as slow food and less about the rules around organic.

Icelandic tomatoes, organic grown.

By the open structure of the shop, some products attract a lot of attention.

“The rules are too strict,” Thordur contends. “Using certain compost for instance is prohibited, even if there aren’t banned substances in it we still can’t use it.” The choice of letting go of the label and using their own brand, Akur, as proof of a sustainable cultivation, raised some disucssion among buyer. The Icelandic supermarkets, among other, asked questions.

Thordur Halldorsson (left) with his wife, two sons and an employee.

Two years ago there were discussions within the Icelandic market. “We explained that we work sustainably, that’s more important than a label,” according to the passionate Icelander. “Our Akur label is more well-known than the organic logo.

Organic cucumbers with the Akur label. Akur replaces the organic certificate.

Thordur grows cucumbers, tomatos, sweet peppers in a greenhouse during the winter months, among other things. He alternates the supply with a different grower who grows cucumbers in the summer months. Besides this Thordur is involved in almost all the links in the chain. He set up his own sales organisation, imports organic products for the Icelandic retail and set up an online platform. Orders through the web shop are supplied within 90 minutes.

More information:
Thordur G. Halldorsson
+354 891 89 83
+354 486 8966
askrift@greanihlekkurinn.is
www.greanihlekkurinn.is