A DIP IN THE MARKET AND A RISE IN EXPORTATION
During the Biofach 2023 edition in Nuremberg, the lack of growth of the Organic sector in 2022 was discussed. The reasons for this dip were mainly due to the energy crisis related to the war in Ukraine and the increase in household prices throughout Europe. Despite the increase in consumption in 2021, due to the post-pandemic effect, the market in Europe remains quite static.
Once the historical/economic difficulties have been overcome, the market may recover, even if it should be noted that the organic market in Europe has reached a certain maturity and stability. The aim is to work on the growth of consumption, the increase in cultivated land, and support of the market in general. In addition, the need to invest in effective communication and awareness-raising campaigns directed at consumers and aimed at increasing interest in its products was duly noted.
Taking a look at the Italian market, we see that domestic consumption suffers while exports grow. The value of exports grew by 16% compared to the previous year, reaching 3,372 million euros (an increase of 181% compared to 2012). [1] This implies that there is room for expansion in the exportation of European Organic countries, especially towards emerging markets.
Unfortunately, the decline was also reflected in the numbers of the Fair at Biofach, due to the proximity to the July edition and companies affected by the economic crisis.
A positive note is found in the publication of the 24th report ‘The world of organic agriculture 2023’, which includes data on the EU market. In Europe, the market reached 54.5 billion euros, growing by almost 4% in the decade 2012-2021. [2]In 2021, moreover, 0.8 million hectares were converted to organic land, +4.4% compared to 2020. Therefore, the European agricultural area under organic farming has increased to 17.8 million hectares.[3] However, sales have decreased, compared to + 15% recorded the previous year, in 2021 they grew by only 3.8%.[4]
“The overall picture that emerges from the report prepared by FiBL, in collaboration with IFOAM, is positive. European policies aimed at the ecological transition of agricultural and food systems, starting from the ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity 2030’ strategies, have favored consolidation of market trends”.[5]
In conclusion, we must roll up our sleeves, invest in communication and training and try to expand the network with a look towards exportation, which offers several interesting opportunities. For this reason, initiatives such as the Organicity Project play a fundamental role in enhancing international ties, new relationships, and effective exportation opportunities from Europe towards evolving markets.
[1] http://www.tespi.net/FOOD/BIO170223.pdf
[2] http://www.tespi.net/FOOD/BIO170223.pdf
[3] http://www.tespi.net/FOOD/BIO170223.pdf
[4][4] http://www.tespi.net/FOOD/BIO170223.pdf
[5] http://www.tespi.net/FOOD/BIO170223.pdf
