Organic agriculture is an alternative to industrialised, external input based farming. Today, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) has 750 members in 150 countries. The percentage of members in the South is close to 40%, and makes up the fastest growing membership sector in the movement.

This growth is largely due to consumer demand for organic produce. The market share of organic products in Northern markets averages 1-2% of fresh produce sales, with growth rates averaging 25% per year (40% in the UK). It is widely believed that the organic market will continue to grow, and most studies indicate a share of 10% before growth will level off. While the premium for organic is going down, the cost of conventional production is going up, and for consumers it is expected that any remaining price differential between organic and conventional produce will become a minor issue.

NRET works closely with organisations in organic agriculture, and has produced two overviews on the role of organics in developing countries.

For more information contact NRET.