Capitalizing on organic grape experience

For Awe Sum Organics, there are a few things it looks forward to at this year’s IFPA Global show. This includes connecting with new and existing customers, industry leaders and partners along with showcasing its 100 percent organic product line, including grapes, kiwis, blueberries, pears, citrus,…

Two new ed sessions announced for Organic Grower Summit

An ed session focused on a systematic approach to managing pests in organic agricultural systems and an interactive workshop offering insights into research by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (OAI) have been announced as part of the educational…

"New organic apple season's outlook is better than last year"

The Belgian organic apple market seems to be recovering slightly. "Last year was very difficult, but this year's prospects are considerably better. The harvest looks good," begins organic grower Hugo Jacobs of Jacobs Fruit. This Belgian cultivation company grows organic apples, pears, and cherries on…

“In 2023 we're the first and only Argentinian exporters of organic lemons to EU in 20 years"

Amidst all the challenges facing Argentina’s citrus sector, they had some good news with the first Argentinian organic lemons in 20 years exported to Europe this season. Gonzalo Díaz Lozano, from CMZ Citrus in Argentina: “Thanks to the newly opened European market, we exported 45,000 kg of organic lemons…

Carrefour signs 4 new organic supply chains

At the Tech&Bio trade show, Carrefour announced the signature of four new organic supply chains: pears with Vieux Pointet (84), clementines with Agrucorse (20), mushrooms with Maison Vialade (66) and endives with Prymex (59). Photo: Benoit Soury LinkedIn “We are delighted to have signed new partnerships with…

"Organic production is key to meeting the challenge of climate change"

Luis Planas participated, through a video, in the inauguration of the European Congress of Organic Production that is being held in Cordoba, within the framework of the…

USDA

Organic US strawberries bring growers higher prices than conventional berries

Fresh strawberry prices tend to exhibit strong seasonal trends in part because of their relatively short shelf life. Even being refrigerated immediately after harvest, fresh-picked strawberries last about 1 to 2 weeks, reducing the ability to store the crop and maintain a consistent supply. In the United…

Organic labelling laws under spotlight in Australia

Rugby league legend and 2023 Australian Organic Awareness Month Ambassador, Anthony Minichiello, has backed the push for stronger regulations around organic ‘greenwashing’. Now a qualified nutritionist, Minichiello advocates for certified organic farming practices as a key element of a nutrient-dense diet.…

"Shift from tomatoes to other fruiting vegetables due to risk of ToBRFV"

The Spanish fruit-vegetable season began slightly later than last year. "But we'll soon be back on par," says Stephan van Marrewijk, who works in the commercial department of the Spanish cooperative Vicasol. "We had a scorching summer, significantly affecting the early planted crops. Fortunately,…

Embrapa application will facilitate organic cultivation in Brazil

Last week, researchers from Embrapa Territorial (Campinas-SP) presented the results of the Pró-Orgânico project, developed since 2020 by research centers from the Embrapa and…

Demand for organic Lebanese apples and nuts exceeds supply

The Lebanese organic market has dropped since the latest crises, yet there are opportunities for organic growers thanks to Lebanon's proximity to a relatively large, wealthy purchasing base in the Gulf states. Agreen Organics exports a wide range of organic products, fresh or processed, plant or animal,…

Regenerative agriculture and what it means for organic

'Regenerative agriculture' is a fast-growing term helping reshape how food is grown, but what does it mean for the organic fresh produce industry? A panel of organic industry leaders will address the trends and future outlook related to regenerative and organic production at the Organic Grower Summit…

Satisfactory market for Sicilian organic tomatoes in Germany

OP Agrologica, well-known for its organic production, also boasts a table grape range. FreshPlaza has talked about it with Claudio Parrino, sales manager, who reports that "together with table grapes, tomatoes rank first when it comes to commercialized volumes." Claudio Parrino "Our main markets are…

“We wanted to return to a 100% market trading floor tradition”

Desmettre Bio, French organic fruit and vegetable wholesaler, “made a 360° turn” several months ago, with a return to traditional know-how: the market trading floor! Louis-Marie Asselin, managing director of Desmettre Bio, explains the reasons for this choice and gives an initial assessment of the…

US is the first destination for organic bananas from Ecuador

The export of Ecuadorian organic bananas has recovered in 2023, like that of conventional bananas. Its main market is the United States. Between January and July 2023, Ecuador…

Growing interest and attention to regenerative agriculture practices are driving new research

Increasing populations and changing climate conditions will require both innovative and ancient growing methods to feed the world. Regenerative agriculture, a movement both burgeoning and broad, is underpinned by the public’s growing awareness of how land stewardship and agricultural production…

First B2B edition of Sana 2023 proved to be a success

With 650 exhibitors, 20,000 square meters of exhibition space and 12,500 operators, 10 percent of them from abroad, 12,500 visitors (the same number as the previous edition, but this time exclusively B2B), the verdict on the International Exhibition of Organic and Natural Products-Sana 2023 is more than…

"Reduced purchase quantities for fresh organic fruit and vegetables in Germany in the first 6 months of 2023"

In 2022, the organically farmed area in Germany continued to grow, increasing by 11.26 percent to a total of 1,869,227 ha. The number of producers and processing partners who are members of the associations (Naturland, Bioland, Demeter, to name but a few) is steadily growing. Sixty-four percent of the…

US (CA): Grant expands the SCOPE of organic ag education

UC Davis' student-led program in organic farming will expand to include new crops and new partners, with the aim of exporting its educational model to other institutions. The expansion is being funded with a $2-million grant from the Organic Research and Extension Initiative, part of the United States…

Organic Grower Summit 2023 features AI-themed session

The explosive interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture continues to impact all facets of the growing process—from crop-yield predictions to soil monitoring to autonomous robots. "Unlocking the Value of AI on the Digital Farming Journey," the second-announced ed session for Organic Grower…

The Lebanese fresh produce sector will be in the spotlight in the coming weeks

Last September, Piet Schotel of the Center for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) and Fresh Publishers manager, Pieter Boekhout, took a work trip to Moldova. They visited some 15 fruit growers in this small European country, wedged between Ukraine and Romania. You can read all about…

Bridges Produce adds to sales and marketing team

Bridges Produce is excited to welcome Rodrigo Velasquez to its sales and marketing team. “Rodrigo will help round out our sales team here and will manage some grower relations. We are very excited to bring his wide range of experience throughout many growing regions and produce categories,” says Ben…

Belgian, French potato sectors sign new 2023-2026 Robust Organic Potatoes' Convenant

Earlier this week, the Belgian and French organic potato sectors signed the new 'Covenant on robust organic potatoes 2023 - 2026'. That happened at the international Potato Europe trade show in Belgium in the presence of that country's federal agriculture minister, David Clarinval. It is the first time France is also signing such a deal. The first Belgian agreement began…

Support plan of 60 million euros for organic farming

At the beginning of August, the European Commission validated the 60 million € [64.28 million USD] in aid promised by the French government “for organic farmers hit by the current crisis in organic consumption and for those who have suffered significant economic losses.” The French Prime Minister first…

Supermarket price differences hinder organic ware potatoes' growth

Last season, Dutch organic ware potato yields were normal. Still, not all were sold as organic; some were marketed as conventional. Conventional table potatoes were in short supply, so prices, fortunately for organic growers, were good. "You wouldn't have wanted this year's mainstream prices to be low,…

"The organic farm of the future will have to strike a balance between biodiversity, ecology and professionalism"

At the start of the new apple harvest in the North Rhine region, we spoke with Dr. Andreas Mager, managing director of Naturhof Wolfsberg as well as a board member of the Fördergemeinschaft Ökologischer Obstbau e.V. (FÖKO). "In direct marketing this year, we were able to reach approximately the level of…

"Less French competition this season could bode well for Belgian organic leeks"

Belgian grower Pieter Vandooren started harvesting his new organic leek crop a few weeks ago. He says the season looks promising. "Demand's been good so far, but it was last year around this time, too. More people begin with organic leeks in early October, so we'll have to wait and see how the market…

Rugby league legend backing Australian Organic Awareness Month

Anthony Minichiello’s feats on the rugby league field are the stuff of legend, but in the age of sports science, he’s determined to dispel some of the myths around health and fitness.As an ambassador for Australian Organic Awareness Month 2023, which launches today, the former Sydney Roosters, New South…

Educational session on Strengthening Organic Enforcement

With March 19, 2024, comes the full implementation of the National Organic Program's (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, and with that, new challenges are coming into view for producers, distributors, and importers. Navigating and adhering to these new requirements for organic producers…

"Organic mushroom market has developed positively and sales are satisfactory"

Since August 1, 2022, the Stadler mushroom farm has been producing organic mushrooms for the Swiss market. "We already conducted the first trials of organic production for…

An Italian company is among the finalists in the "Best organic producer" category

The EU Organic Awards is a competition that celebrates operators who stand out in the agricultural sector at a European level. Roberto Giadone from Italy, founder of Natura Iblea, Thomas Moschos from Greece (Moschos Farms) and Mikhaylo Haliv from Spain (Tomelloso) are the finalists in the "Best organic…

"We want to carry a wide range of organic and conventional fruit and vegetables"

Robert Blomsteel has over 23 years of experience working in organic and conventional fruit and vegetable sectors. On June 1, 2023, he and his associate Ron den Hoedt started a new company: EDN. This Dutch company focused on importing and exporting organic and conventional fruits and vegetables. "Ron…

Ukrainian organic products enter international markets

Organic businesses in Ukraine occupy a unique niche. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine took the second position among exporting countries, following Turkey, in terms of the…

"If conventional pears are well established in the market, organic will soon follow"

The new organic Belgian top fruit sector has started, too. Expectations are exceptionally high in conventional, and the organic market should also have a better season than last year. "When conventional fruit does well, there's always more demand for organic too. That follows each other. We'll have to…

Organic pears thrive in Hood River micro-climate

This spring was a nearly optimal pear growing season in the Pacific Northwest, with moderate weather and not too many extremely hot days. As a result, the region is looking forward to a solid organic pear crop this season. “Average sizes might be just a bit smaller than normal, but overall crop volume…

Räss Wildbeeren AG

"There has been a consolidation and professionalization of the organic berry market"

About three years ago, the management of Räss Wildbeeren AG decided to comprehensively restructure the organic fruit growing operation. Both the cultivation of the three main crops strawberries, raspberries and blueberries as well as the fruit processing on the own farm were increased, without losing…

Shorter supplies of Mexican organic bananas continues

It’s been a strange year in organic bananas from Mexico. “We usually have a lot of production during the summer months and that has not been the case. Production has slowed down quite a bit, at least in Mexico,” says Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO of Organics Unlimited. The significant slowdown…

Poster campaign for organic products targeting 80 million consumers in the Paris subway

Prince de Bretagne’s volumes of organic broccoli are starting to grow, just as the cooperative is about to promote them to the general public. “The weather has been favorable for broccoli production since last week. The timing is perfect, given that we will be running a poster campaign from August 22nd…

More organic California table grapes coming on

Supplies of red, green and black organic table grapes are ample coming out of the Bakersfield-Delano region of California. “All colors of grapes are tasting fantastic and look sharp. We have Flames and Thompsons from Fresno, Ivory and Ruby Rush from Bakersfield, Stella Bella and Red Sparkle from Delano…

"Pistacchio di Raffadali DOP" is now organic

The new organic pistacchio di Raffadali DOP is becoming increasingly popular thanks to Luigi Brucculeri, a pistachio producer from Castrofilippo (Agrigento) whose company includes a historic pistachio grove (among the first with a rational layout). The company was also one of the first to comply with the…

"A growing interest in French origin as the organic market stabilizes"

Although actually cucumbers and tomatoes are the showpieces of the Loire-based French growers' association SAS Racines Carrées, gathering 16 certified 100% organic growers from the Nantes region, it also cultivates and markets a wide range of other products: everything from zucchini, eggplant, melon, and…

Organic fresh produce sales and volume edge up in Q2

Organic fresh produce grew slightly in sales dollars and volume in the second quarter of 2023, reversing a trend of volume loss seen in 2021 and 2022, according to the Q2 2023 Organic Produce Performance Report issued by Organic Produce Network (OPN) and Category Partners. Overall, organic fresh produce…

An assessment of Peru’s organic ginger crop

An importer of organic ginger from Peru, I Love Produce, met with their supplier in Peru Rainforest Organic to discuss the season. The owner, Mr. Guillermo, and his nephew and Commercial Manager, Edwin Medrano, led the tour of their fields and facilities. The Rainforest Organic packing house team…

“For equal purchasing power, education is key”

The 23rd Economic Meeting of Aix-en-Provence took place on July 7th,8th and 9th, 2023. This year, the theme of the event was “Recreating hope” to “spur stakeholders into action and thus create conditions for economic, social and political renewal.” According to the organizers, “there is a convergence of…

“We have two varieties that have adapted well to our land”

Roussillon La Tour brings together 24 French growers within a 30km radius of the commune of Millas. The 100% organic cooperative is looking ahead to 2023, with a diversification into citrus fruit, peaches and nectarines, water management, as well as a Biocoop membership. First 100% organic cooperative in…

Organic greenhouse grown strawberry launched

Greenhouse producer Nature Fresh Farms introduces its Nature Fresh Farms Organic Greenhouse Berries™. The company says it has become the only greenhouse producer to grow and market organic greenhouse-grown strawberries in North America. "We are always looking for ways to support our customers by…

Star Group starts partnership with Canadian organic grower

The Star Group, via its Consolidated Fruit Packers (CFP) division, announced it will partner with Harker’s Organics, a fifth-generation, family-owned farm and organics…

Lowest prices in 15 years for organic peaches

Agrobiodrom, a company of producers specializing in organic fruit and vegetables, began harvesting peaches on June 8th. This year, the campaign was marked by particularly bad weather conditions, and the final blow for some growers were the hail storms of July 13th. “Until now, the peach harvest was…

"Organic mushrooms from German cultivation are enjoying increasing popularity"

The persistent heat in southern Germany has also had an effect on the supply situation for cultivated mushrooms, he said. "In the case of mushrooms, there is a lack of quantities in some cases, but demand is constantly present. During the holiday season, which will soon begin here, demand is…

Delayed National Organic Agriculture Bill may affect Uganda's export leverage

Stakeholders in Uganda’s agriculture value chain have asked the government to foot the Organic Agriculture Policy with the formulation and passing of the National Organic…

Heavy rains seem to increase spread of TR4 in organic bananas in various Piura producing areas

In just two months, the number of sources of infection increased from 137 to 200 in various Piura producing areas. Industry sources is that it could spread to other regions of…

"Despite good quality, Belgian organic cherry sales still lag"

Most people in the Netherlands and Belgium have noticed that the cherry season is in full swing. The weather invites consumption of this summer fruit par excellence, but Belgian organic cherries sales have been disappointing so far. "That's a shame because the cherries are of wonderful quality. Consumers seem to have yet to discover they're abundantly available again…

Bio Kartoffel Erzeuger e.V.

"This year, climate change poses major challenges for organic onion production"

"The first deliveries of the new domestic harvest of organic onions took place at the end of week 27. At the moment, the demand is mainly covered by goods from the Netherlands", Josephine Hardt informs us. She is the managing director of Bio Kartoffel Erzeuger e.V. "The plantings were delayed all over…

"Organic papayas thrive in Almeria's greenhouses and remain free of diseases or pests"

The tropical crop season continues in Almeria's Levante with the upcoming start of the passion fruit campaign in July. The harvest of these in the greenhouses of the province will follow that of papayas. "The papaya campaign will be practically finished this month; we will continue to sell some small volumes…

Year-round organic apple supply due to dual-hemisphere growing strategy

The Washington apple crop experienced a decrease in overall volume this 2022-23 season. While the organic apple supply was only down about two percent, organic Honeycrisp saw a downtick of 14 percent according to Washington storage reports. While retailers have had to be flexible and promote other…

Leafy greens producer celebrates 50 years in organics

Misionero proudly commemorates its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1973 by Floyd Griffin, the company has grown from humble beginnings. With a deep-rooted history and commitment to organic practices, it continues to offer organic products and solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Griffin…

Five new salad SKUS to be unveiled at Organic Produce Summit

Braga Fresh is a sponsor of the 2023 Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California where the company will debut five SKUs under the Josie’s Organics brand in booth #607 at the summit exhibition on July 13. These three organic Farmer’s Market Favorites salad blends--Organic Heirloom Crisp, Organic Bistro…

Does shelf-life hinder organic lemon exports from Argentina to the US?

The organic lemon season out of Mexico is off to a good start. “We’re just beginning to ramp up and are now shipping about 20 to 30 loads per month,” says Gene Loudon with Dovex. The company sources most of its organic lemons in Mexico. “The big months are August through November and during that time…

"The doubling of organic carrot prices saved our season"

Overall, the organic sector in northern Germany can look back on an eventful marketing season. "Due to the drought, we have had to accept hard losses of up to 50 percent,…

Price for organic plums from Spain 13 percent higher

"We received the first plums from Spain in mid-June. Usually, the first batches come to us from the regions of Murcia and Valencia, followed by plums from the region of…

French TV program attacks the HEV label

Broadcast on July 3rd on TV channel France 5, the new edition of the program Sur le Front, presented by Hugo Clément, focuses on the HEV label. It is presented as a simple “greenwashing operation” that is “partly responsible for the drop in organic consumption.” A “false debate”, according to…

Organic and fresh-cut vegetables on display

Lipman Family Farms will exhibit in booth #511 during this summer's Organic Produce Summit, where it will showcase its Grown True organic vegetable line of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, peppers, and green beans. "Our organic vegetables are picked fresh from our fields for consistent quality and taste,"…

Launching clear, sustainable packaging for mushrooms

Highline Mushrooms, a grower of organic mushrooms, is addressing plastic concerns by taking significant steps toward sustainability. Recognizing the urgent need for environmental advancements and the well-being of future generations, the grower is committed to finding better and more environmentally…

"In Austrian stores, conventional complements organic"

With this nice weather, plenty of watermelons are being loaded in Southern Europe, destined for the northern countries. Fruitprint, a Dutch company that links retailers and distributors directly with organic growers worldwide, organizes watermelon sales from Greece, delivering most to Austrian and Danish…

EastFruit

Organic products in Georgia – high demand, low consumer awareness

Greenhouse farm “Bostani” (translated as “Vegetable Garden”) will not be able to export for several more years. Beka Barjadze, the founder of the organic farm, talks about the reasons why “Bostani” does not plan to export for 4-5 years. “Even though we have obtained the bio-certificate and opened the way…

Reichenau-Gemüse eG

Slight decline in turnover of goods

The General Assembly of the producer cooperatives Reichenau-Gemüse eG and Raiffeisen-Lagerhaus eG took place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in the hotel "mein inselglück" on the island of Reichenau. The cooperatives, due to the multitude of crises, looked back on a challenging business year. In his welcome…

“We are asking the French public authorities to work hand in hand with us”

On the 24th of April, MediTerraBio, through its president Corinne Ayme, sent an open letter to the French president. With this letter, the group of 15 organic producers from the southeast of France wished to alert the public authorities to the emergency of the situation facing a sector that is currently…

"Forward thinking, cooperation central to sustainability talks"

Belgian potato, vegetable, and fruit traders and representatives from the processing sector gathered on Tuesday, 27 June, for Fresh Trade Belgium, Belgapom, and Vegebe's annual FVPhouse event. After the general meeting, sustainable food and the agriculture and horticulture of the future were the focus of…

French Council of State cancels marketing ban on organic heated greenhouses

On the 28th of June, the French Council of State repealed the provision banning the marketing of organic summer vegetables grown in heated greenhouses between December 21st and April 30th, on the grounds that it legally placed French producers in a situation of competitive distortion in relation to…