{"id":87360,"date":"2024-02-08T09:02:20","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T08:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bioecoactual.com\/?p=87360"},"modified":"2024-08-11T20:27:44","modified_gmt":"2024-08-11T18:27:44","slug":"denmark-organic-policy-and-sector-action-driving-organic-breakthroughs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bioecoactual.com\/en\/2024\/02\/08\/denmark-organic-policy-and-sector-action-driving-organic-breakthroughs\/","title":{"rendered":"Denmark: organic policy and sector action driving organic breakthroughs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Denmark has the highest market shares for organic food in the world (13%). And for many basic foods like eggs, milk, flour and many vegetables and fruits the organic market share is 30-50%. Meals in schools, hospitals, government canteens and even military barracks are going organic and the capitol, Copenhagen is at 90%. <\/p>\n

\"Denmark\"
123rfLimited\u00a9mariusz_prusaczyk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The organic farm area doubled since 2007 and the national goal is to double again by 2030. Organic policy is supported by most political parties in the Danish Parliament because organics delivers on farm incomes, climate, biodiversity and clean drinking water. None of these breakthroughs happened on their ow<\/strong>n.<\/p>\n

Organic NGOs as change agents<\/h2>\n

By building capacity in market development, farm innovation, communications and policy advocacy, Organic Denmark<\/strong> became a change agent in the market, the media, in farming and in politics. This is a missing piece in many nations where government and organic processors have not invested in their organic sector organizations.<\/p>\n

Collaboration with allied groups \u2013consumers, environment, farming\u2014has also been key. A strong feature is Organic Denmark\u2019s partnerships with supermarket chains, helping them expand organic product offers and communicate \u201cthe why\u201d of organics. More than any other factor this has made organics more available<\/strong>, affordable<\/strong> and, not least, meaningful<\/strong> for consumers<\/p>\n

Organic Policies work!<\/h3>\n

Organic Action Plans and policy drive organic innovation, farm conversion and market development, while organic lobbying ensures financing. There is now a wealth of tested national policy options as inspiration for other nations.<\/p>\n

\u201cPush\u201d policies upscale organic farming: organic conversion support, free certification and \u201cconversion checks (advice)\u201d and investments in innovation and farmer-to-farmer learning. \u201cPull\u201d policies grow market: support for supply chain collaboration, work with retail, consumer campaigns and organic public procurement<\/strong>, backed by sector collaboration with wholesalers, cities and kitchen trade unions. Denmark\u2019s organic cuisine label for 30, 60, and 90% organic has inspired labels in other nations, most recently Germany last year. Competition in policy and in the market is increasing. The organic sector \u2013also in Denmark\u2014must be on the offensive if policy makers, allies and retailers are to keep their focus on growing organics. We can make organics for all!<\/p>\n

Paul Holmbeck is former CEO in Organic Denmark. Today Paul advises governments, business and NGOs around the world in organic policy and market development<\/em><\/p>\n

Author: <\/strong>Paul Holmbeck, IFOAM Organics International World Board member<\/p>\n

Published in the BIOFACH & VIVANESS 2024 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Bio Eco Actual<\/strong>, International Organic Newspaper
\n Read the BIOFACH & VIVANESS 2024 Bio Eco Actual Special Edition<\/a> <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n