For years the south of Germany has been a frontrunner in the organic sector. But now Hamburg has joined the group of “organic” German cities and with the foundation of the Hamburg.bio, the Hamburg region is quickly catching up. The recently established information center informs and assists conventional producers, growers, processors and sellers that plan to convert to organic production. "We are pioneers in this business," states Matthias Deppe, one of the initiators.
The main aim of the association is to bring interested parties together and increase the share of organic companies in the Hamburg region, continues Deppe. “From 2018 on, we intend to increase sales of organic products as well. And through consultation and analysis, we will create a foundation and organise all aspects of the organic sector." Hamburg.Bio will also contribute to the transparency of the organic sector by providing accurate representation of its members. “And we will publish all relevant information, especially about the origin of the products," states Deppe.
Certification
The wide range of knowledge, which existing organic companies freely share, is the main reason for most members to join. An example is Torsten Bunge, owner of nabuko, an organic wholesale service in Uelzen. “It is very good that an impartial association takes care of the certification and the expansion of the organic sector. Hamburg.Bio also represents organic distributors, while other associations such as Bioland and Demeter focus on producers and farmers."
Despite these positive developments there are still many challenges to overcome before organic companies can compete with their conventional colleagues. Bunge: "Unfortunately, the organic range in supermarkets is still lagging behind. And furthermore the organic sector in south Germany is much bigger than here in the north."
For more information:
Hamburg.bio
Representative: Matthias Deppe