The decisive entry of Demeter into the food trade is at the same time a decided exit from the plastic era. First, fresh Demeter fruit and vegetables will be cleared of plastic - the new Demeter Directive obliges producers and traders to comply, with a two-year transitional period.
At the meeting of delegates on April 16 and 17, 2019 in Oberursel, Demeter was the first German organic association to decide by a large majority to say goodbye to plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables. The decision becomes part of the guidelines underlying the 
Demeter certification - making it binding for the trade. It has to be fully implemented by 1 January 2022 at the latest. Demeter sees rejecting plastic packaging as a contribution to a society-wide behavior change and a valuable impetus for the trade.
Contribution to cultural change for organic
Plastic-wrapped Demeter broccoli or cucumbers have caused many consumers to worry about the flood of packaging. "And rightly so," says Demeter CEO Alexander Gerber, "because they feel connected to Demeter and appreciate the food and the way this is produced. Plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables does not fit in there." The goal of the new directive would be to have more Demeter for more people, but with less plastic packaging. This should also boost sales.
"We see it as an opportunity to contribute to a culture change for organic that is overdue," explains Gerber. The firm rejection of plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables is consistent, as Demeter fruit and vegetables have been increasingly available within food retail for a year now. Through the commercial markets, Demeter reaches more people, but there fruit and vegetables are often packaged in plastic to make the products distinguishable from conventional products.
Inconsistency of superfluous plastic packaging
Demeter fruit and vegetables in plastic; it just doesn't mesh for the board of directors. "Demeter stands for a holistic economy. As the oldest organic association, we always keep an eye on the entire value chain, from the field to the plate. This inconsistency of unnecessary plastic packaging is no longer acceptable. Plastic should not be irreplaceable, although it is treated as such. Resulting in parts of the world now looking like a landfill," said Gerber.