Growing production and exports of Organic Agricultural in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

The organic sector has great potential to growth in domestic and international markets, especially with high added value products such as sugar, honey, olive oil and wine.

 

 

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have 6.8 million hectares under organic production, which represents 15% of the total area destinated to this type of production in the world. Currently, worldwide there are 43.7 million hectares certified for organic production, which represents 1% of the land suitable for global production.

 

These statistics were shared at the international seminar "Organic production as a strategy for adding value in agribusiness" that was organized in Argentina by the Ministry of Agro Industry in the framework of the Eighth Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Commission for Organic Agriculture (CIAO) which joins more than 600 people.

 

Argentina increased its exports of organic products about 15% in the last year and has 1,200 producers.

 

Mr Nestor Roulet, Secretary of Added Value of the Ministry of Agro Industry, said that “Argentina is the second largest exporter of organics in the world” and said that "Argentina has 3 million hectares organic certified and have natural potential to the growth of quinoa, chia, wine and red fruits that give us many opportunities to make high quality food."

 

Mercedes Nimo, Undersecretary of Food and Beverage noted that organic farming "seems to be interesting for its potential to add value and to differentiate alternative food; and also to develop domestic markets and think about the most demanding consumers, who are looking for products which help to preserve and protect the environment."

 

During the seminar there were panels showing institutional strengthening, organic agriculture in the world, institutional strategies for its development, promotion policies and experiences developed; and innovation applied to the organic production.

 

During the activity, 17 major producers from across the country had an exhibition space food such as honey, pecans, yerba mate, noodles, rice, raisins, jams and wine.

 

During the meeting, representatives of twelve countries concluded working plans for 2016-2017.