Organics-  Challenges and Opportunities...

We all are justifying why Organic foods and products should be preferred over conventional one with scientific proofs and studies, logics and facts about nutritional qualities of Organic foods, detrimental side effects of pesticide residues in conventional foods, environmental impacts of conventional farming (including uses of GMOs), social injustice in conventional farming favouring factory farming and much more. We all proved that Organic farming alone could feed the world- one of the biggest challenges to be addressed by 2050.  

With all individual and collective efforts now Organic markets are growing at handsome rate to achieve estimated $188 billion level by 2019 from $70 billion in 2012. Is Organic industry ready to achieve this healthy growth rate?

Comparatively untouched Organic markets like India are expected to grow at 25% CAGR. Similar markets are about to open their doors for Organics across the diagonals of the world map. Is Organic industry ready to cater to those in healthy spirit?

We at Organic industry should be ready to take the challenge and opportunity to grow more and more Organics in its true spirit otherwise high demand and low or un-organized supply may lead to:

• Loss of opportunities to cater healthy food to the masses
• Unhealthy industry practices /malpractices (spoiling Organics name in long run)
• Higher cost for production, supply chain, marketing leading to lesser acceptance
• Higher failure rates in Organic businesses in long run

There are list of issues those needs to be given deep thought and to make ourselves ready for the opportunities on our way. Lets we all synergize efforts and harvest this Organic opportunity. Otherwise GMO, chemical lobbies.... are ready to create all sorts of obstacles on the way.

I propose below set of points to be discussed and to be taken action:

1. 1. How to increase Organic production

   
   

   a.       Varietal strengths to be improved

   b.      Soil fertility to be enhanced

   c.       Addressing new pest challenges

   d.      Weed management

   e.      Regulating plant growth
2. Research and development arm of Organics (with efforts to increase productivity and decrease expenses with quality control mechanism to ensure Organic integrity
3. Harmonization of standards and global platform for political lobbying
4. Developments to be achieved in supply chain management
5. Organic marketing efforts to reach to the second level of interested /potential consumers including consumer awareness campaigns.

I propose to use existing platforms like IFFOAM, OTAs for the purposes and not to get into new organizations or platforms which may dilute the focus and efforts.

I request everybody to add relevant points to the list if they think important for the industry to discuss on common platform like this. It’s crucial for all of us to put individual and collective actions to achieve the Organic growth of Organic industry.

Organically.....

Amol

Twitter: missionorganic

Skype: mundadaamol