A lot of people attended the "Bio: la crescita del settore e la nuova normativa per le sementi" convention organised by Assosementi, Federbio and Convase at the University of Bologna. In 2021, the new regulation concerning organic produce will become effective. Italian producers are however dissatisfied with it, as they were hoping for stricter rules. In addition, the regulation establishes a derogation for seeds until 2035.
Professor Angelo Frascarelli started by illustrating the data concerning the public consultation with 332 thousand European citizens (16% from Italy, 62% from Germany). It emerged that European citizens prefer organic produce and that consumption is changing and becoming increasingly respectful of the environment.
"Change is opportunity. In 2017, organic products only represented 3% of purchases, but the percentage is destined to increase. I believe it will reach 30% in just a few years. The products cannot only be found in niche markets, as they are now available from retailers. The future of organic production is no longer payment per hectare, but research and innovation. Unfortunately, Agricultural Departments are behind when it comes to organic productions."
Organic products must stand out so consumers can recognise them. Convase President Eugenio Tassinari talked instead about organic seeds. In order to guarantee seeds of high-quality, it's not enough to guarantee the use of the tanning agents allowed and in the recommended dosage, as quality must also be guaranteed.
"This is the reason why we have defined a new project to qualify our productions through a new specification, a certification and a new selection within our consortium. Seeds must be healthy and with no problems."