Beerengut Straden

"In the beginning, we lacked the know-how, marketing experience as well as the appropriate infrastructure"

Since 2008, five Styrian farming families have dedicated themselves to growing fresh organic berries at Beerengut Straden in southeastern Styria. Starting with a modest organic blueberry cultivation on about 5 hectares, the organic farm nowadays produces fresh organic berries for about nine months a year…

Organic Trade Association wins record funding to promote U.S. organic globally

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is pleased to announce it has received a record level of funding of more than $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market…

“It is our goal to make organic Fair Trade ginger more widely available”

Peru consistently supplies ginger for almost 10 months out of the year with a season that starts in July and runs through April. For Viva Tierra Organic, it’s the third year bringing certified organic ginger from Peru into the US and just added the Fair Trade USA™ certification to the program this past…

India's Northeast organic fresh produce exports sees 85% growth to London, Dubai

Organic fruit and vegetables from India's Northeast region are landing on markets in London and Dubai with an 85.34% growth over 5 years in export of agricultural products…

"Prices have not yet risen as dramatically as we are often hearing in the media"

Even as a teenager, Roy Zylka, managing director of Roy's Naturkost at the wholesale market in Nuremberg, worked in the organic fruit and vegetable sector. For more than 27 years, Zylka has been active as an organic wholesaler in Nuremberg. In the wholesale market sector, his business is also unique in a…

Growers export GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin organic oranges to Dubai

Yesterday, a trial export shipment of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin orange from Meghalaya went out to Dubai. The project is a part of its initiatives to promote exports of…

Research to help US organic growers fight HLB

A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) is intended to advance research to help organic citrus producers…

New Brazilian organic farm aims to supply EU with limes, avocados and sweet potatoes

Attentive to a global trend in the search for food grown in a sustainable and organic way, a new Brazilian farming and export business called Farmer Brazil, under the brand Verdena, has been established. Leading the new 1 000 hectare farm with about $5 million invested in new plantations and a packhouse,…

Synabio, Forébio and Fnab call on mass retailers to support the sector: “do not remove organic products from the shelves”

French organic organizations have sent the following open letter to the CEOs of Leclerc, Coopérative U, Carrefour, Auchan, Casino, Intermarché and Cora. “Gentlemen, With the rapid inflation our country has been experiencing for nearly a year, consumers are reacting by changing their food purchases.…

Moroccan table grape grower transitions to new varieties

The Moroccan grower Les Vergers du Soleil produces table grapes in the regions of Marrakech and Taroudant. The grower's flagship product, seedless table grapes, is available for export each season starting in late May.  The company currently markets up to 3,000 tons per year of table grapes, a production mainly…

California and Mexico growers unite in bringing organic vegetables to market

The Borquez family and the Deardorff family have each independently farmed for generations. The Deardorff family has been farming ever since they started in the 1930s in Los Angeles, California. The Borquez family has spent the last four generations developing its organic farming operations in various…

Eden Research gets organic certification for Mevalone and Cedroz in Greece

Eden Research PLC, a company focused on sustainable biopesticides for use in the global crop protection, animal health and consumer products industries, has stated it has…

“The current economic context keeps the onion market balanced in spite of the drop in production”

The French onion production has been impacted by the summer drought, with a significant decrease in volumes. “Like most European producers, we have suffered from the heat waves of the summer,” explains Pierre Gélébart, product manager at Prince de Bretagne. “As a consequence, our yields have dropped by…

"Organic mangoes are always sought-after during the festive season"

TOFF's first organic Kent mangoes are on their way and should arrive in week 50. "We waited until their Brix reached the desired level before shipping them," explains Wouter Andeweg. He recently visited his Peruvian suppliers and is optimistic about the season. "The harvest should be average. Last year…

Planting of organic kiwifruit in China is increasing year by year

In recent years, as consumers pay more and more attention to the quality and safety of agricultural products, the cultivation of organic kiwifruit in China has increased year by year. However, organic kiwifruit planting is also facing many challenges. Firstly, the planting cost is high, and the output is…

DaVida, the new BIO+ and CO2 neutral brand of citrus fruit to give the organic market a push

Organic citrus fruit with a positive impact, grown on preserved land in western Andalusia. This is the commitment of DaVida, the new brand developed by Arco Fruits for the French organic market. The goal is to make this brand the reference of a new organic agriculture. But DaVida also wants to become an…

Organic ginger from a Dutch greenhouse

From its outset, Sawari Fresh has had a clear mission: supplying the highest quality ginger from across the globe to its clients in Europe and beyond. In 2020, that focus led this Dutch company to move beyond importing and packaging ginger. That year, to flesh out its business strategy partners Sander…

Organic vegetables are doing well

Franco D'Angelo, manager of OP Agrologica, a producer organization located in Chiaramonte Gulfi (Sicily), reports that "the commercialization of organic table grapes is coming to an end. Despite the difficulties, we have managed to commercialize it abroad thanks to the constant demand from Germany,…

The organic market gains three new vegetable varieties

This fall, the Dutch seed company, De Bolster, is marketing three new vegetable varieties: 'Bronzy' cherry tomatoes, 'Ormato' snack tomatoes, and 'Kaikura F1' snack cucumbers. Several organic growers, including Organic Greenhouse Farm Carnas' Martin Carnas,  have extensively tested all three. Before De Bolster introduced these new…

Mozambique growers will export 400 tons of organic lychees this year

Farmers in Manica province in central Mozambique are set to export 400 tons of organic lychees to the European Union market before the end of this year.  The fruit is being supplied…

Cuba embraces eco-farming due to tightened US sanctions

Growers in Cuba are increasingly adopting ecological farming methods as the US trade embargo continues to restrict the country's access to chemical fertilizers. Without these…

Looking ahead to the Organic Grower Summit 2022

Two days of educational sessions, a sold-out trade show floor, and networking opportunities await attendees of next week's fifth annual Organic Grower Summit (OGS) in Monterey, California. The event is presented by Western Growers and Organic Produce Network and held November 30–December 1 at the Hyatt…

“We took up the challenge of restarting production of organic avocados in Corsica”

After switching to an entirely organic production in 2007, Les Domaines de la Taste has decided to give the avocado a try. The family business specialized in citrus fruit spreads over 110 ha in Pianiccia and it is currently managed by 3 brothers, Anthony, Yoann and Loïc, who share a desire for dynamism…

“Our connected hives allow us to measure the actual impact of our orchards on biodiversity”

Beyond the values advocated by organic farming, SICA Gerfruit has decided to take its commitment to agroecology even further. Given the lack of studies on the topic, the company chose to create its own database to measure the actual impact of its activity on biodiversity. Romain Tessier, producer and co-president…

Seven supermarket chains in the Netherlands agree on 100% robust potatoes for their organic ranges

On Friday, 31 Dutch chain parties signed a new deal in which they pledged to switch entirely to organic robust potato varieties. That means Bintje, Frieslander, and Agria will no longer be grown organically. Instead, seven supermarket chains will offer potato varieties that are resistant to Phytophthora.…

Knowledge and trust as well as visibility and attention in the organic industry

Why is it so difficult to communicate the content and quality of organic food? How can an organic market potential be generated? Prof. Dr. Antje Risius from the University of Göttingen addressed these and other questions and presented her findings in her lecture: 'The power of communication - what do…

Organto expands fruit and vegetable products into one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains

Organto Foods Inc., a provider of organic and value-added organic fruit and vegetable products, is pleased to announce that after recently beginning sales in the Czech…

Stable prices, moderate demand for organic ginger

Ginger is known for its healthy properties and it is popular both in the catering industry, but for some years now increasingly in home cooking as well. Christian Kaufmann, managing director of Naturkost Schramm Import-Export Ltd from Appenweier, mainly offers ginger from Peru, with occasional goods from…

"Impact of global conflicts on the German organic market"

In the "Market and Trade" thematic block, experts presented their respective findings on individual products. The discussion began with a keynote presentation by Christina Rampold on the topic of "Impact of global conflicts on the German organic market". According to Rampold, the 2021 organic acreage in…

"A good harvest means we can meet local, organic apple demand until July"

In the Netherlands, Elshof Organic Fruit is just about finished harvesting its new crop of organic top fruit. "We're now only picking our Bellebio apple brand, and thanks to a wonderful summer, this year's quality is outstanding. Of course, the economy is challenging in several ways, but when people…

The volume of organic tomatoes will increase by 15%

According to an estimate by Coexphal, its affiliated producers will market about 4% more conventional tomatoes in the 2022/23 campaign than in the previous campaign. Pear…

How can 30 percent organic farming succeed in Germany?

30 percent organic farming in Germany by 2030 - that is the declared goal of the German government. But how can this be achieved, in view of existing crises and challenges? How can new farms be won over, old organic farms be preserved and consumers be convinced of the benefits of organic produce? Experts…

Despite the challenges, the organic industry shows willingness to discuss and look for solutions

Representatives from all sectors of the organic industry met at the 6th Bio-Fachforum Gemüse und Kartoffeln in Visselhövede. On the one hand, they talked about current crises and challenges, but they also focused on new developments and marketing opportunities, as well as strategies and solutions to cope…

Kenyan farmers in Kiambu lured by benefits of organic farming

Organic farming was introduced to local residents in Kiambu, Kenya, and was embraced by them, who now grow crops that will find a market daily. In farm visits to Gitiha…

Gemüsebau Roland Bötz GbR

"If these cost increases continue, the situation will eventually become very critical"

In October and November, the marketing of organic cress is encountering the seasonal sales slump. "Although we observe a certain buying restraint among consumers, the demand is still there," says Nuremberg cress specialist Roland Bötz. However, the omnipresent production cost increases are making things…

New ed sessions announced for Organic Grower Summit 2022

A pair of recently announced educational sessions will explore the growing importance of biologicals as a tool of organic crop production and offer a look at the growth of organic fresh produce sales at grocery stores across the nation this year as the final parts of the 2022 Organic Grower Summit (OGS)…

"Our ideal world is a single European certificate for food quality and sustainability"

Xenia Europe, the sales organisation of more than 70 Xenia growers in the Benelux has successfully undergone a QS Agency audit for the third time. QS certification is important for the largest German customers. Bernd Feenstra says: "We have a complete package of certifications as a sales organisation,…

Organic food sales are down for the first time in a decade

As the current inflation numbers are forcing consumers to reconsider their priorities, sales of organic food have dropped for the first time in a decade. According to new…

Export turnover of Vietnamese organic products has reached about US$335 million/year

The organic product market is becoming important in countries such as China, Korea, India, and Thailand. Organic tropical fruits, nuts, and spices account for a large…

Interest in organic pears picking up

Supplies of organic pears out of Washington continue to be strong. Ethan Abendroth, senior buyer for Earl’s Organic Produce says it has good volumes of organic Bartlett, Anjou and Bosc and while the early fall red pear, the Starkrimson is wrapping up, its late fall counterpart red Anjou is taking its…

Organic consumption holds up if the supply range is extended

It's Bio is a project funded by AOP Gruppo Vi.Va to promote the consumption of organic products in Italy, Belgium, and Greece. During the workshop, recently held in Bologna…

A&R Fruchtimpex GmbH

"It is particularly important to us that everyone can afford organic goods"

Since the beginning of the month, Rosbach-based organic trading company A&R Fruchtimpex has been offering rescued organic fruit and vegetables for regional food retailers. This service kills two birds with one stone, says managing director Klaus Reinhard. "This product is of course clearly a thing born…

Vegetable grower showcases new organic product size offering

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a grower of fresh vegetables and citrus, will spotlight its new single-count Organic Celery Heart product at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show…

"Mushroom demand, luckily, keeps being good; the organic segment is struggling, though"

This year's mushroom market is very tumultuous, notes Maurice Koppen of the Dutch company Oakfield Champignons. "Growers' energy costs - depending on their contracts - increased sharply. But so did energy costs at raw material suppliers, who've pushed up their prices significantly. Minimum wages are to…

France: good start of the season for the organic Juliet apple

The harvest of the famous organic Juliet apple is taking place in particularly great conditions this year. “We started harvesting the first fruit at the beginning of October when the sugar and starch regression rates indicated optimal ripeness. The harvest usually takes place in 2 or 3 rounds, and we are…

Spurs TV

Tottenham Hotspur on the lookout for organic gardener to grow fresh fruit and veg

North London football club Tottenham Hotspur is looking for an organic gardener to grow fresh fruit and veg for its players. The gardener will look after vegetable plots and fruit trees at the club's training ground. Alas, compared to Tottenham's multi-millionaire players, the gardener's wage is a little…

“Very unique and toughest year for Israel’s carrot industry”

A strong local currency, almost no scope to export to Europe and the war affecting the major export market of Russia, sharp increases in shipping and input costs all contributed to the toughest year for Israel’s carrot industry. “This year is one of the toughest years for Israel’s carrot industry.…

Inflation hits US organic fresh produce in Q3

Ongoing inflation resulted in higher retail prices of organic fresh produce during the third quarter of 2022, generating a 4.1 percent increase in total organic dollars but also contributing to a decline of 4.5 percent in organic volume compared to the same period last year, according to the Q3 2022…

"Moderate sales and high costs could eventually kill organic"

Sales are going to be the biggest problem for the upcoming organic top fruit season. "We sell our fruit mainly through the Belgische Fruitveiling and are already seeing almost 60 per cent lower sales in apples, for example, compared to previous years," says Gerard Kenens, who runs organic cultivation…

Possibilities for Costa Rican organic crops to enter Denmark

The study “Marketing models of fresh and processed organic products in Denmark” carried out by the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) reveals the possibilities of…

Rising energy prices: warning from French organic producers

The drought has already had a strong impact on the volume of the harvests, but French groups of 100% organic producers are now faced with two new major difficulties: the sharp…

Organic Grower Summit 2022 announces Grower of the Year

The Organic Grower Summit, presented by Western Growers and OPN, will honor long-time organic grower Jeff Huckaby as the fifth annual Grower of the Year. Huckaby, president…

Almeria's organic production area increased by 22%

According to estimates based on data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), which is still provisional until Eurostat publishes the final data, the area…

"We all knew that the peak in demand that prevailed during Covid could not be sustained"

In December 2020, the Franken-Gemüse Knoblauchsland producer cooperative from Nuremberg commissioned the "GemüseWert" project, which is 80% financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The project deals with organic regional vegetable cultivation and its marketing. We…

Keynote for Grower round table announced for Organic Grower Summit 2022

Leadership from three of the nation's most progressive organic growing operations have been confirmed as panelists for the keynote presentation at the upcoming Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2022, presented by Western Growers and OPN. The event is slated for November 30 to December 1 in Monterey,…

Shortages of organic zucchini and cucumber in the markets continues to drive prices up

The delays in organic zucchini and cucumber plantations in Almeria and the early end of the production in central and northern Europe have led to supply shortages in the markets and skyrocketing prices for these products. "For the 2022/2023 campaign, the area planted with zucchini has been reduced by between…

Demand for organic produce outgrows supply in the US

Demand for organic produce has outgrown the supply in the US. Worse, instead of growing to meet the demand, the number of farmers switching to grow organic crops is dropping.…

Organic grower-shipper reflects on its evolution as Orlando show approaches

Bridges Produce looks forward to the return of the IFPA this year in Orlando, Florida. It has been exhibiting at the PMA Fresh Summit, now IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, since 2009. During this time, the company and the industry as a whole have gone through numerous transformations and many…

Organic fruit from Lake Constance: top quality pome fruit and a bigger yield for organic apples

Obst vom Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft (OvB) can report positive figures from the organic harvest this year, says Markus Schraff, Sales Manager of the Organic Division of OvB. Markus Schraff and Larissa Lorch from Obst vom Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft (OvB) and Hans-Josef Stärk from BayWa Obst  & Co at the…