sipposwiss import

promotion programme

The Organic Market in Switzerlandand the European UnionOverview and market access informationfor producers and international trading companies

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture(Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau)

Frick (Switzerland):Postfach, CH-5070 Frick,Tel. +49 (0)62 865 72 72,Fax +49 (0)62 865 72 73,www.fi bl.org

Research Instituteof Organic Agriculture

We put yourprojects on track

Conversion planning

Pilot and demonstration trials

Project and feasibility studies

Training and advice

Support for import and label certifi cation

Set-up of inspection and certifi cation programmes

Market surveys, marketing concepts and organic produce sourcing

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ImprintPublisherSIPPO Swiss Import PromotionProgrammeStampfenbachstr. 85, CH-8035 ZürichSwitzerlandTel. +41-1-365-52-00Fax +41-1-365-52-02www.sippo.chinfo@sippo.ch

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture(Forschungsinstitut für BiologischenLandbau, FiBL)Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 FrickSwitzerlandTel. +41-62-865-72-72Fax +41-62-865-72-73www.fibl.orgadmin@fibl.ch

AuthorsLukas Kilcher, Ranjana Khanna, Beate Huber, Toralf Richter, Otto Schmid(FiBL), Franziska Staubli (SIPPO)

Collaboration/RevisionHans Ramseier (BIO SUISSE),Stefan Schönenberger (Swiss FederalOffice for Agriculture – Bundesamt fürLandwirtschaft)

TranslationÜbersetzungsbüro fürUmweltwissenschaften,D-64297 Darmstadt, Germanyecotranslator@t-online.de

Designbootzgrolimundbootzbonadei, CH-8037 Zürich

PressDruckzentrum Sellenbüren AG, CH-8143 Sellenbüren-Stallikon,Switzerland

Edition2nd Edition, Zurich/Frick, January 2004

ISBN 3-906081-03-6

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ContentsForeword by Markus Stern, SIPPO 4Foreword by Lukas Kilcher, FiBL 5

Part A: Switzerland1. Frequently asked questions on importing organic products

into Switzerland 81.1 How does the export of organic products differ from the export

of conventional produce? 81.2 What are the issues to bear in mind when exporting organic

products to Switzerland? 81.3 What import documentation is compulsory? 81.4 What is the “Country List”? 91.5 Is certification according to BIO SUISSE standards essential

in order to market organic products in Switzerland? 91.6 May an exporter from abroad apply to BIO SUISSE

for certification of products? 91.7 Are the organic standards in Switzerland stricter than in the EU? 91.8 Is the Swiss market open to products from emerging markets

and markets in transition? 91.9 Are there separate import quotas for organic products in Switzerland? 91.10 Which inspection and certification bodies are officially recognized in CH? 101.11 Why are all the inspections and paperwork necessary? 101.12 What is EUREPGAP and what is the difference between it and organic… 101.13 What can be done to make the work of customers in Switzerland easier? 101.14 Is the present quality level satisfactory for the Swiss market? 101.15 What are the market prospects of an organic product in Switzerland

if it is not marked with the BIO SUISSE Knospe (“bud”) label? 111.16 Where can export information and figures on the organic

market be obtained? 111.17 How can potential business partners in Switzerland be contacted? 111.18 What are the differences between integrated and organic production? 11

2. The market for food and organic products in Switzerland 122.1 Economics and demographics 122.2 Consumption trends for organic products 132.3 Organic agricultural production in Switzerland 152.4 Market partners and trade structures 152.5 Demand and volume of the organic market in Switzerland 182.6 Importing organic products 192.7 Future market development 20

3. Development and potential of the Swiss organic market by product group 21

3.1 Significance of imports in the Swiss organic market 213.2 Current demand and potential by product group 22

4. Requirements and conditions relating to access for organic imports 34

4.1 Customs regulations and value-added tax 344.2 Requirements laid down in the legislation on food 344.3 The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance 354.4 Private organic labelling schemes 39

5. Services for organic agriculture 455.1 International cooperation by FiBL 455.2 Research 465.3 Advisory services, training and documentation 47

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Part B: The European Union1. The European organic market: Overview 501.1 Development of organic agriculture 501.2 Market development 511.3 Market structures 52

2. Access for organic imports: Requirements and conditions 532.1 General framework 532.2 The EU Regulation on organic production 532.3 Importing goods into the EU 532.4 Requirements relating to inspection bodies 542.5 EU logo for organic products 552.6 How the EU Regulation on organic production relates to other

standards and laws 56

3. Major markets: Selected countries 583.1 Austria 583.2 Denmark 603.3 France 633.4 Germany 653.5 Italy 683.6 Sweden 713.7 The Netherlands 743.8 The United Kingdom 76

Part C: AnnexesGuidelines, Addresses, Forms

Annex I: Swiss Ordinance of Organic Agriculture 80Annex II: EU Council Regulation 81Annex III: Comparison of standards in organic agriculture 82Annex IV: Swiss, European and International Addresses 87Annex V: Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture 129Annex VI: BIO SUISSE forms 131Annex VII: Sources 132

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SIPPO foreword

More and more consumers want to know what they are eating, and want foods to behealthy and produced without harming the environment. For these reasons, the demandfor organic products is now growing worldwide. Emerging markets and markets intransition should also share in the benefits of this demand. Those wishing to exportorganic products successfully into the EU and Switzerland need accurate information onthe potential of the organic market and the conditions for market access. The organicmarket is highly specific and therefore needs to be studied closely. At the same time it isa market which offers creative and circumspect producers and exporters excellentopportunities for success.

Internationally, it is difficult to find precise and up-to-date facts and figures on organicagriculture. This is particularly true of countries where statistics are not maintained atnational level. Most of the statements in this handbook, especially indications of futureprospects, are based on the comments of experts. These comments are sourced frominterviews conducted in the years 2000 to 2003 by FiBL, the Swiss Research Institute ofOrganic Agriculture. Additional source material was provided by the International TradeCenter’s study on the international market for organics, “Organic Food and Beverages”,the study “Organic Agriculture World-Wide” from the IFOAM, FiBL and GermanFoundation Ecology and Agriculture (Stiftung Ökologie und Landbau, SÖL), and furtherstudies and monitoring of the markets conducted by FiBL. In preparing the handbook,SIPPO was able to rely fully on FiBL’s competence in all spheres of organic agriculture.

The aim of this brochure is to inform operators in emerging markets and markets intransition about the market potential and the conditions for access to the European andSwiss markets for organic products. To that end, it assembles useful facts and figures,notes and comments and contact addresses. This second edition is updated in allchapters and has in addition three new markets: Austria, Italy and Sweden. It is thereforeeven more attractive and complete than the first edition.

A further aim of this initiative is to bring suppliers from emerging markets and markets intransition closer to consumers in Europe and Switzerland.

Markus SternSIPPO Managing Director

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FiBL foreword

Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of agriculture, for both ecological and economicreasons. The move to more intensive and technologized agricultural production and theuse of genetically modified organisms entails great ecological risks. Loss of soil fertility,multiplication of diseases and pests and declining biodiversity are the consequences.Rather then constantly seeking to simplify agriculture with increasingly technicalinterventions, organic agriculture pursues a course of promoting the powers of self-regulation and resistance which soil, plants and animals possess naturally.

Many an agricultural holding subscribes to technical progress, only to reach a dead-endboth ecologically and economically. This is because over-production forces prices downwhile the costs of labour, machinery and capital rise, this in turn forces the farm toextract ever more from its soil and its livestock until it becomes impossible to make endsmeet. For many agricultural holdings in emerging markets and markets in transition,implementing costly means of production and technologies is not even an option. Theyhave to make do with what little the farmers themselves can muster.

Organic agriculture is a know-how intensive farming method as it builds on the efficientuse of on-farm and local resources: farmyard manure, natural crop protection, localseed, the application of appropriate organic/indigenous management practices such asinter-cropping and agro-forestry and the capability to promote the self-regulationcapacity of plants, animals and soil.

Organic agriculture can though, especially in poorer countries, contribute to purposefulsocio-economic and ecologically sustainable development. This is due to the organicpractice, which is low in inputs and therefore cost effective and at the same time itcreates a market – local and international – with tremendous prospects for growth, andoffers creative producers and exporters from the south some excellent opportunities toimprove incomes and living conditions.

As to whether organic agriculture is a viable proposition for a particular holding, and howto make it a viable proposition, this is something, which can only be clarified in the lightof individual circumstances. Through its research, training and advisory services, FiBLworks to make organic agriculture practicable and accessible for as many farmers aspossible, regardless of crop or region.

Organic agriculture though, as it is our belief, will only have sustained success, if thefarmers, farmer groups, traders, technicians and authorities have access to appropriateinformation and are well prepared for their work. With this handbook, which has comeinto being, thanks to the support of the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO),FiBL and SIPPO want to spread this information and contribute to enabling emergingeconomies and economies in transition to exploit the opportunities of organic agricultureto the fullest.

Lukas KilcherDirector of International Cooperation at FiBL

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Part A: Switzerland

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1. Frequently asked questionson importing organic prod-ucts into Switzerland

This chapter provides answers to a collec-tion of questions that may arise during the day-to-day commercial operations of a trading company exporting or importingorganic products to Switzerland. Most of the answers are followed up with detailed information in the following chap-ters.

1.1 How does the export of or-ganic products differ fromthe export of conventionalproduce?

• Company Objectives: In addition tobusiness objectives, ecological and so-cial aspects must also be considered.The latter form the basis of a firm’scredibility with its customers, and this

in turn is the foundation for a long-termbusiness relationship.

• Logistics: Some privately controlled or-ganic standards do not allow import byair. Transportation may only be sprayedwith pesticides or cleansing agentswhich are specially permitted for usewith organic products.

• Packaging and Declaration: Packagingmust be free from pesticides, colour-ings, solvents or cleansing agentswhich could contaminate the organicproducts. Organic products must belabelled in accordance with the regula-tions laid down by the Swiss OrganicFarming Ordinance (Bioverordnung).

• Certification: To have an importedproduct passed as “organic” in Swit-zerland, the producers, processors,exporters and importers must undergoinspection and certification at leastonce a year by an accredited organicinspection and certification body.

1.2 What are the issues to bearin mind when exporting or-ganic products to Switzer-land?

Regardless of the product, importers mustbear in mind the following aspects:

• The quality of products (prior agree-ment should be reached with the buy-er).

• Avoiding dramatic fluctuations in sup-ply.

• Efficient collection and distribution ofthe products.

• Thorough documentation of raw-mate-rial flows, production land and prem-ises (this reduces the workload and as-sociated costs of inspection).

• Small farmers’ cooperatives: ensuringthe quality of internal control proce-dures.

• Coordination of inspections by foreigncertification/inspection bodies.

• Competent advice on production, pro-cessing and commerce to avoid prob-lems with certification.

1.3 What import documentationis compulsory?

• The exporter must ensure that hiscertification body submits the Individualauthorisation (Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).

• In the case of an individual authoriza-tion procedure, the exporter’s inspec-tion and certification body must also fillout an “Attestation of Equivalence”(Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).

• If the exported product is intended formarketing under a private organiclabel, additional documentation maybe required by the private organic labelorganizations.

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1.4 What is the “Country List”?

The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance(Bio-Verordnung SR 910.18) gives aCountry List in Annex 4 stating thosecountries and accredited inspection andcertification bodies for which the exportformalities are simplified. Exports fromcountries on the Country List need notpresent an Attestation of Equivalence, forexample. (Part A, Chapter 4.3.6).

1.5 Is certification accordingto BIO SUISSE standardsessential in order to marketorganic products in Switzer-land?

To market a product as organic in Switzer-land, the Swiss legal formalities must besatisfied. BIO SUISSE certification is onlynecessary if the customer wishes to mar-ket the product under the BIO SUISSEKnospe label (a graphic depicting a budand the letters “BIO”, shown in Chapter A4.4.1 of this handbook). However the BIOSUISSE label does make marketing sub-stantially easier. BIO SUISSE is the associ-ation of Swiss organic agriculture organ-izations. It operates its own standards andowns the Knospe label.

1.6 May an exporter from abroadapply to BIO SUISSE for cer-tification of products?

The exporter cannot apply directly to BIOSUISSE for certification of products. Theapplication must be made through a BIOSUISSE licence holder. A list of these canbe found at www.bio-suisse.ch. As amatter of principle, BIO SUISSE onlygrants a licence to firms or producers inSwitzerland.

1.7 Are the organic standards inSwitzerland stricter than inthe EU?

The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance isstricter than the EU Regulation on OrganicProduction (Annex II of this handbook) inseveral points, particularly in its stipula-tions on whole-farm systems and biodiver-sity (see the comparison of regulations inAnnex III). However the requirements onconversion are less strict than in the EU.

Switzerland does not observe a “yearzero” (1st year of conversion). Most private-ly operated label programmes in Switzer-land and the EU have certain conditionswhich exceed the minimum requirementsof the Swiss and EU organic regulations.

1.8 Is the Swiss market open toproducts from emergingmarkets and markets in tran-sition?

Access to the Swiss market (and also tothe EU) for products from emerging mar-kets and markets in transition is regulatedby means of regulations on equivalence.The production, processing, inspection,certification and labelling of organic prod-ucts in emerging markets and markets intransition must take place according to re-quirements which are equivalent to thoseof the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance.This is not to say that identical proceduresare imposed. In fact, it is desirable toadapt organic farming standards to localconditions and make use of certificationbodies in the emerging markets and mar-kets in transition. The Research Institute ofOrganic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick (Switzer-land) can be of assistance with feasibilitystudies and detailed market research.

1.9 Are there separate importquotas for organic productsin Switzerland?

No, Switzerland does not impose separateimport quotas for agricultural productsfrom organic production on the one handand conventional produce on the other.Customs law takes no account of whetherproducts are organic or not. The main is-sue for importers is that import quotas forfruits and vegetables are set, in coordina-tion with the seasonal availability of Swissproducts.

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1.10 Which inspection and certifi-cation bodies are officiallyrecognized in Switzerland?

An inspection and certification body isofficially recognized by the Swiss author-ities if it:

a) appears in the Country List in Annex 4of the Ordinance of the Swiss FederalDepartment of Economic Affairs onOrganic Farming (Verordnung desEidgenössischen Volkswirtschaftsde-partement über die biologische Land-wirtschaft SR 910.181) (see also http://www.admin.ch/d/sr/c910_181.html

b) has a valid accreditation document inaccordance with either ISO 65 or EN45011 standards, and is listed with theSwiss authorities (Swiss Federal Officefor Agriculture – Bundesamt für Land-wirtschaft).

1.11 Why are all the inspectionsand paperwork necessary?

Consumers of organic products want tobe certain that the “organic” label on theoutside is a true indication of an “organic”product on the inside. To avoid abuse orfraud, national legislation protects theseterms. This is why farmers, processorsand traders must submit to an accreditedinspection process. As part of this, the en-tire production cycle must be documentedso that, in the event of an objection, aproduct can be traced back from the finalconsumer to the original producer.

1.12 What is EUREPGAP andwhat is the differencebetween it and organiccertification?

The Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group(EUREP) represents leading Europeanfood retailers and is aimed at promotingand encouraging best agricultural prac-tices in the farming of fruits and vegeta-bles, in animal production, combinablecrops, and also flowers and ornamentals.Therefore, EUREP developed a frameworkfor Good Agricultural Practice, called EU-REPGAP. The main aim of the initiative isto ensure food safety in the productionchain, in a lesser extent the frameworkalso pays attention to social issues(www.eurep.org/guidelines).

In the light of the recent developments inEurope on food safety, meeting EUREP-GAP standards will be more and morenecessary for retail suppliers of farm prod-ucts. It is widely believed that EUREPGAPwill become an important internationalstandard. For now, it is only applicablewhen you want to supply to the supermar-kets being part of this initiative.

1.13 What can be done to makethe work of customers inSwitzerland easier?

It is very helpful if the farm in the exportingcountry prepares the most comprehensivedocumentation possible as part of theAttestation of Equivalence. If BIO SUISSEcertification is desired, the inspectionoffice must be informed of this intentionbefore the inspection.

1.14 Is the present quality levelsatisfactory for the Swissmarket?

For export, it is necessary to check thatthe quality of products meets the stan-dards of the target market in Switzerland.This involves not only the requirements ofthe Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance, butalso Swiss food legislation. In general,Swiss consumers have very high expecta-tions in terms of product quality. Organicproducts must usually meet the samequality standards as conventionally pro-duced goods. The only slight allowancesare made in the case of fruits. The require-ments also relate to food packaging. It iscommon practice to provide the importeror potential customer a representativesample of the organically produced prod-ucts. On this basis, agreement can bereached with the trading partner as towhether the quality is sufficient to satisfymarket requirements.

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1.15 What are the market pros-pects of an organic productin Switzerland if it is notmarked with the BIO SUISSEKnospe (“bud”) label?

Even organic products without the Knospelabel can be marketed successfully inSwitzerland, for instance through thelarge-scale distributor Migros. Smallerretailers market other organic productsalongside Knospe products. However themarketing effort made by BIO SUISSE forits Knospe label is considerable. As the“bud” becomes increasingly familiar toconsumers, it will become more importantto use this label. The symbol possesseshigh status and credibility in the minds ofSwiss consumers.

1.16 Where can export informa-tion and figures on the or-ganic market be obtained?

• Details of the statutory foundations ofthe Swiss Organic Farming Ordinancecan be found at www.blw.admin.chand www.admin.ch.

• The BIO SUISSE homepage (www.bio-suisse.ch) provides information on agri-culture in Switzerland and the address-es of BIO SUISSE licence holders to-gether with BIO SUISSE standards andforms.

• The Research Institute of Organic Agri-culture (FiBL) in Frick (Switzerland) canbe of assistance with feasibility studiesand detailed market research projects(www.fibl.org).

• Information on the EU Regulation onOrganic Production can be obtained athttp://www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/.

1.17 How can potential businesspartners in Switzerland becontacted?

Contact can be made with potential (new)business partners in Switzerland in writing,by telephone or in person. An address listcan be found at the end of this handbook.Trade fairs are a good opportunity forproducers and exporters to present theirproducts to future consumers and traders.One of the most important organic tradefairs internationally is BIOFACH in Germa-ny, which Swiss customers are also likelyto attend. Other trade fairs are listed withaddresses at the end of this handbook. In the search for potential business part-ners, SIPPO – Swiss Import PromotionProgramme (www.sippo.ch) – can also beof assistance.

1.18 What are the differencesbetween integrated andorganic production?

Compared with conventional methods,integrated production already containsimportant steps towards more environ-mentally sound practices in agriculture,such as biological pest control and theutilization of synthetic crop protectionagents according to the control thresholdprinciple. Organic production, in contrastto integrated production, bans syntheticcrop protection agents, fertilizers and her-bicides. Permitted methods of productionand labelling conventions for organic prod-ucts are regulated internationally. Productsfrom integrated production cannot there-fore be described as “organic”.

2.1.2 Employment

In Switzerland the proportion of workingpeople above 15 years is about 68%.Almost 77% of all men and 59% of all wo-men in this age bracket were employed in2002. The distribution of employment byeconomic sectors shows 4% of Swissemployment to be in agriculture and fore-stry, 25% in industry and 71% in the ser-vice sector (see Table 1).

As a consequence of the high employ-ment rate, leisure time in Switzerland is inever-shorter supply. Domestic chores areincreasingly farmed out to service provid-ers, and even for food shopping less timeis available.

2.1.3 Consumer prices and spend-ing patterns

Consumer prices have risen considerablyin the last few years. In the period bet-ween 1997 and 2003, food price inflationwas 8.2%, slightly above the averageinflation rate for consumer goods andservices in Switzerland. In the sameperiod, producer prices for farmers havedropped by 9.2% and is now only 90.8%of the 1997 price level.

Only 8.4% of all consumer spending in 2001 was allocated to foods and bever-ages, in line with the falling trend that hascontinued for decades and will persist infuture. The main reason for this is theincreasing expenditure on insurances,vacations and spare time activities.

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2. The market for food and organic products in Switzer-land

2.1 Economics and demo-graphics

2.1.1 Populations and households

Switzerland’s 7.3 million inhabitants live inan area of 41,284 km2. Over half of thepopulation lives in and around Zurich,Basel, Geneva and Berne. Switzerland’spopulation density is 176 inhabitants perkm2. In the next 20 years the population isexpected to grow to 7.6 million, the mainreason for this trend being increasing lifeexpectancy.

In the year 2020, over 50% of the Swisspopulation are likely to be over 50 yearsold. The 50–70 year-old age bracket isconsidered to have special purchasingpower due to its relative affluence and lei-sure time. In comparison with youngerconsumers, the food intake per head forolder consumers is lower in quantity, butas a group they tend to focus morestrongly on quality and health. This consu-mer segment is thus of particular interestas regards demand for organic products.

In Switzerland there are more than 3million private households, a figure whichcontinues to rise. This is not just a resultof population growth but also of decreas-ing household size. Smaller householdshave a greater demand for high value andpre-processed products, and for smallerquantities per package. They are also lessprice conscious than larger householdsand they dine out more frequently. Theyare less inclined to choose organicproducts than larger households andfamilies with children.

Table 1: Proportion of population employed andits distribution across sectors in 2002

Men

Women

Agriculture (Primary Sector)

Industry (Secondary Sector)

Service Sector (Tertiary Sector)

Switzerland

77%

59%

4%

25%

71%

EU

73%

53%

5%

39%

56%

Source: EUROSTAT, 2002

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2.2 Consumption trends for organic products

2.2.1 Current trends

Although a series of external influenceshave affected demand for organic prod-ucts positively in the last few years, thereare also consumer trends in Switzerlandwhich counteract higher demand for or-ganic products.

A growing group of quality oriented andprice-conscious shoppersIn future, Swiss consumers will become(even) more critical and price consciouswhen purchasing food. This is conditionedby their high level of education, food scan-dals, and the growing significance of lowprices in the marketing of mass-market re-tail chains. This means that the most suc-cessful marketing of organic products willbe achieved where the price premium overconventionally produced products is per-ceived to be moderate, while organic pro-ducers and marketing bodies at the sametime project a credible image.

Growing awareness of health and fitnessissuesGrowing numbers of people, especiallyolder consumers, are focusing on the he-alth aspects of their diet. Younger consu-mers aspire to ideals of well-being (or“wellness”, as it is termed in German-spe-aking countries). Trend researchers there-fore anticipate that demand will grow fororganic and diet foods.

Growing awareness of regional specialitiesIdentification with the home region will in-crease as a reaction against globalization.Imported products, especially those whichcould be produced in Switzerland, aregreeted with scepticism by certain Swissconsumers.

Growing awareness of environmental issuesThe Swiss population has been relativelywell sensitized to environmental issues.The involvement of the individual in envi-ronmental issues and active concern overfood may well increase further. That is agood prerequisite for further growth in themarket volume of organic products.

The trend to keep up with trendsOne of the key influences on modern con-sumption patterns is that exerted by themedia in general and advertising in partic-ular. This will heighten the trend to pur-chase according to brand awareness. Inthis environment it is important for compa-nies marketing organic products to pos-sess a strong brand and to maintain a me-dia presence.

Hybrid purchasing patternsPurchasing patterns vary according to sit-uation, mood, and the product required.Thus today it is rare to find one standard-ized consumer group or consumption pat-tern. Instead, buying behaviour often fol-lows parallel or even contradictory “hybrid”trends. Organic food and conveniencefood, for example, can be combined with-out apparent problems.

2.2.2 Consumption patterns fororganic products

Organic foods are by no means novelproducts on the Swiss market. It is morethan 50 years since farmers realized thebenefits of organic practices on theirfarms. However the increase in demandhas only come to the attention of the foodindustry and trade in the last 20 years.The increased demand for organic foodsis predicated on a variety of key factors:

• Food safety: Food scandals such asBSE repeatedly undermine consumerconfidence. Consumers question thesafety of food production and intensiveconventional agriculture

• Environmental awareness: Mostconsumers have been sensitized to en-vironmental issues. Themes such aspesticide residues, recycling and sus-tainable agriculture are widely debated.

• Animal welfare: Consumers are sen-sitive about intensive livestock rearingwhich does not fulfil animal welfare re-quirements.

• Media attention: Television, radio andprint media constantly draw the popu-lation’s attention to food safety, envi-ronmental issues and animal welfare.

• Credibility: Certification systems, labelprogrammes and standards estab-lished by legislation have ensured agreater degree of credibility for organicfoods. Consumers can now have morefaith in the authenticity of the products.

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• Availability: Since the two largestSwiss supermarket chains COOP andMigros have begun to market organicproducts actively, it has become moreconvenient to purchase organic foods.The scope of the organic range in thesupermarket chains is also growingcontinuously.

• Level of education: Studies haveshown that consumers of organicproducts tend to have a higher level ofeducation.

There is a parallel range of factors restrict-ing the growth of the market for organicfoods:

• Price: A high price-differential betweenorganic products and conventionallyproduced foods is the most powerfullimiting factor on demand. However, incomparison to other European coun-tries (Germany, for example) the pricedifferential between organic and con-ventionally produced foods is lower inSwitzerland.

• Trade and processing structures:One reason for high prices for organicproduce is that distribution is oftenrather inefficient and involves manyintermediaries (separate collection oforganic produce in minimal quantities).With increasing availability, larger quan-tities and more efficient distribution, theprice-differential over conventional pro-duce will fall.

• Availability: Many branches of themass-market retail chains still lack afull selection of organic products (e.g.of fruits). This is coupled with the factthat the organic range does not keeppace with every general trend in con-sumption (e.g. in deep-frozen foods orconvenience products). Not only that,there are product sectors in which po-tential demand far exceeds the avail-able supply (e.g. pork, poultry meat).

• Quality issues: In some productgroups (for example fruit) the organicproducts do not always come up tothe same visual quality standard asconventional products. Organic prod-ucts are more prone to show signs ofageing due to their slower turnoverrate.

• GMO-free production: Neither Swissnor EU standards for organic productsaccept the utilization of geneticallymodified organisms (GMO) in produc-tion or processing.

2.2.3 Price premiums and willing-ness to pay for organic prod-ucts

Price premiums on organic products varyaccording to product group and type ofmarket. The average price premium onorganic products in Switzerland is40–50%, which is higher in fruits andvegetables and lowest in milk. The pricepremiums are dictated in part by higherproduction and distribution costs andby the willingness of consumers to pay the premium. They tend to be higher inspecialist organic food stores/natural foodstores and lower in supermarkets andmainstream consumer outlets. In the latter two market types, premiums for thefollowing product groups are approxi-mately:

• Milk/dairy products: 10%• Vegetables: 40–80%• Potatoes: 50%• Cereals/cereal products: 40–50%• Fruits and nuts: 50–60%

The majority of consumers accept a pre-mium for organic products of between 10and 30%, with a somewhat greater willing-ness to pay the premium for plant prod-ucts produced to organic standards thanfor organically produced animal products.People are willing to pay a higher premiumfor speciality products.

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2.3 Organic agricultural produc-tion in Switzerland

Organic agriculture has undergone dy-namic development in Switzerland overthe last 10 years. Since the early 1990s ithas been acknowledged and promoted by

politicians and government bodies. Thearea of agricultural land being farmed ac-cording to organic standards is expandingrapidly. By the beginning of 2002 it hadreached some 103,000 ha. Since the early1990s, the number of organic holdingshas increased almost eight-fold. By thebeginning of 2003, the number of organicfarms was 6,466. This corresponds to10.8% of all agricultural holdings inSwitzerland. Further growth in farm con-versions to organic agriculture is to beexpected in the next few years, albeit at aless rapid growth rate.

In terms of area, the most significant or-ganic crops grown in Switzerland arebread cereals, fodder cereals, vegetablesand potatoes. The main organic productsof animal origin are milk, dairy products,meat or meat products and eggs. Dairyproducts stand out as one of the most im-portant product groups within organic ag-riculture in Switzerland as a whole.Organic products are grown in Switzerlandon private family farms. The average sizeof holding is 16 ha.

2.4 Market partners and tradestructures

The Swiss organic market is extremely di-verse: numerous small and medium-sizedfirms – sometimes going back decades –are engaged in the supply, processing anddistribution of organic products (Figures 2,3). In 2002 organic products have beenresponsible for a turnover of € 677 million,which leads to a market share of more

than 3.5% (Swiss info 2003). Howevertwo supermarket chains have taken up adominant position as sales intermediaries:since the entry of the two largest Swisssupermarket chains COOP and Migros,in the early and mid-1990s respectively,sales of organic products have progressedin leaps and bounds. Currently around75% of all organic products are soldthrough the two supermarket chains.In comparison to many other Europeancountries, supermarket chains occupy adominant position in Switzerland (seeFigure 4). Furthermore there are a seriesof wholesale firms, importers and agentswho have specialized in the import oforganic products (addresses in Annex IV). 1

985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

322

368

442

485 67

2 803

940 11

60 1405 16

30 2121

4287 47

53 5070 53

00

3700

6169

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

6466

Figure 1: Development of organicagriculture between 1985 and 2002

Source: BIO SUISSE, 2003

Number of holdings

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Figure 3: Trade structures in the Swiss organic market (remains the same)

Producer

Processor

Exporter

ImporterProducer

Outside Switzerland

Within Switzerland

Processor

Wholesaler

Retail: Supermarket chains, natural food stores, direct sales

Final consumer

Source: FiBL

Source: Richter et al., 2003

Figure 2: Sales channels for organic products in Switzerland, 2002

Direct sales: 5%

Health and Bio shops: 16%

Migros:25%

Bakers and Butchers/small chains: 4%

Coop:50%

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2.4.1 Supermarket chains

COOP has sold organic products sincethe early 1990s. In 2002, sales achievedby COOP were CHF 526 million, whichrepresented 50% of all organic foods.COOP has set itself ambitious salestargets: to double turnover in the next fewyears and gain 10% of market share forkey products by 2005. COOP also ownsfood-processing plants, some of whichmanufacture organic products. COOPorganic products are marketed with theBIO SUISSE label, the Knospe (“bud”).They are also sold under COOP’s owntrademark “Naturaplan”, although underthis label animal products may be soldwhich only conform to integrated produc-tion standards, since products of organicquality are not available in sufficient quan-tities. The certification of COOP organicproducts is carried out by bio.inspecta.According to figures provided by COOP,the product range extends to over 1’100organic items and is increasing. COOPalso markets textiles made from organiccotton under the “Naturaline” label.

The Migros bio label has becomeincreasingly important in Switzerland. In2002, Migros accounted for 25% of Swissbio sales and the bio turnover figure wasCHF 264 million. The company strives toreach 5–6% organic sales by 2005. Swissproducts have a definite priority. TheMigros range currently comprises some850 organic items. Migros is alsoconsiderably expanding its range of biocotton products in the clothing and hometextiles sector. These products carry thebio cotton label.

2.4.2 Smaller retail chains

Various wholesalers exist which deal inorganic products. The USEGO-Trimerco-Holding purchases products and suppliesthem to over 5000 retail outlets, includingPrimo supermarkets, Vis-à-Vis shops andnumerous independent retailers, many ofwhom stock organic products (e.g. “BioDomaine” products and Knospe prod-ucts). Other chains such as Volg AG (ba-sed in Winterthur), Manor (based in Basel)and Spar (based in St. Gallen) stock or-ganic foods. Annual sales of organic prod-ucts in these retail chains are currentlyaround CHF 10 million and development isfar less dynamic than at COOP or Migros.

Figure 4: Proportion of organic products marketed through supermarket chainsin Switzerland and other European countries

Sweden (1.5–2%)

Denmark (3.5%)

Finland (1–2%)

Great Britain (1.2%)

Austria (2.9%)

Switzerland (3–4%)

Luxembourg (1.1%)

France (1%)

Germany (2.3%)

Italy (1.2%)

Belgium (2.2%)

Greece (0.3%)

Netherlands (1.4%)

Countries (organic market share in %)

Source: Hamm et al., 2002; FiBL 2003

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100% points

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2.4.3 Health food stores, specialistorganic stores, direct mar-keting

Until the early 1990s, specialist organicstores were the most important sales out-lets for organic products, together withfarm-gate sales and weekly farmers’ mar-kets. While organic product sales throughCOOP and Migros are rising steadily, salesof organic products through organic foodstores and health food stores have stag-nated, as has the direct marketing of or-ganic products by farmers. The annualturnover of organic produce in health foodstores and specialist organic outlets wasCHF 160 million in 2001 and moved toCHF 170 million in 2002. It can be clearlyobserved that growth has been very lowand slow in comparison with the retailchains. Direct sales have remained equallystatic since 1997 at around CHF 50 millionper year (BIO SUISSE, 2003).

2.4.4 Catering

The marketing of organic productsthrough catering companies and work-place canteens is in the very early stagesof development. The turnover of organicproducts is increasing quite considerablyhowever. Some of the main suppliers are:SV-Service in Zürich, in cooperation withBIO SUISSE (joint project to supply univer-sity canteens and COOP restaurants withorganic foods).

2.4.5 E-commerce

E-commerce is not the medium of firstchoice for the food sector, since it is adifficult way to market fresh products. Inthe case of organic products an additionalfactor is that the target group does notbelong to the most enthusiastic group ofInternet users.

In the Business-to-Business sector, effortsare being made to establish electroniccommerce. One example is theGreentrade (http://www.greentrade.net).However even this labours under the con-straint that dealing with organic productsrelies primarily on direct contacts.

2.4.6 Organizations for organicagriculture

Swiss organic farmers belong to morethan 30 different organizations, practicallyall of which are members of BIO SUISSE(see Part A 4.4.1).

2.4.7 Inspection and certificationbodies

To be marketed as organic produce, aproduct must be certified by an accreditedinspection and certification body. The prin-cipal inspection and certification body inSwitzerland is bio.inspecta AG. It certifiesmost of the agricultural holdings producingto BIO SUISSE, Demeter and Migros-Bioorganic standards. The Bio Test Agro AGfirm only carries out inspections of agricul-tural holdings. Individual processing opera-tions are inspected by the SQS firm(www.sqs.com). The Institute for MarketEcology (Institut für Marktökologie, IMOwww.imo.ch) supplements its internationalactivities by inspecting importers,exporters and processing companies inSwitzerland.

2.5 Demand and volume of theorganic market in Switzer-land

Today the great majority of Swiss consu-mers buy organic products fairly regularly.In response to a BIO SUISSE survey, onlya quarter of respondents stated that theybought no organic products (Figure 5).

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However, shoppers identify not only certi-fied organic products as “organic”. Often,true organic products are confused withproducts from high-welfare livestock man-agement, integrated production or regionallabel programmes.

Whereas in the past consumers of organicproducts were mainly those who linked anorganic diet with a holistic, ecological life-style, today a growing number of averageconsumers have a positive attitude to or-ganic products. However, this is onlytransformed into real demand by attractiveoffers. Thus the entrepreneurial efforts ofretail chains in Switzerland are primarily di-rected towards better fulfilment of consu-mers’ aspirations towards healthy, naturaland enjoyable foods, but also towardstrend products produced to organic qual-ity.

In line with the increasing demand for or-ganic products, the Swiss organic marketis undergoing dynamic development. Turn-over of certified organic products was esti-mated at 1,056 billion CHF (€ 677 million)in 2002 (approx. 3.5% of the entire Swissfood market). Around two thirds of organicproducts sold in Switzerland can be pro-duced domestically. The remainder is lar-gely constituted of products that are notgrown in Switzerland, such as coffee orcitrus fruits. Further products are importedto compensate for seasonal fluctuations insupply (e.g. vegetables).

2.6 Importing organic products

In the past, the range of imported organicproducts was fairly wide, but restricted fora long time in terms of the quantities avail-able, to the occasional frustration of pro-ducers, import/exporters and retailers.This can be explained by the followingmain factors:• BIO SUISSE dominates the greater

part of the Swiss organic market. Inthe year 2002, 60% of all Swiss organ-ic products were certified according tostandards set by BIO SUISSE. BIOSUISSE sets tough requirements forimported products, for example insist-ing on whole farm organic manage-ment, refusing to award the label tocompeting products, and prohibitingair transport.

• High quality requirements imposed bytraders for organic produce.

• Logistical problems affecting importedproduce (too small quantities, inade-quate distribution network).

• Many consumers of organic foods as-sociate organic farming with regionaland seasonal production. With the en-try of supermarket chains to the mar-ket, the significance of this aspect isnow declining.

Despite these factors constraining cross-border trade in organic products, importsof organically produced foods and bever-ages into Switzerland are constantly risingdue to the strong surge in demand,especially for durum wheat, bread andfodder cereals, Soya, rice, citrus fruits anddried fruits. The trend for rising imports isexpected to continue in the coming years.The increased demand for organic meat

Figure 5: Frequency of purchase of organic products in Switzerland

Do not buy at all

17%

Several times a week 17%

At least once a week38%

Less than once a week

28%

Source: Richter et al., 2003

High market shares and growing ratesonly could be achieved by a consequentsubstitution of conventional products withorganic products in retail outlets or by anincreasing distrust of consumers for theconventional agriculture or by a highermarketing power of the leading marketersof organic products. There is at present noevidence of the above three aspects.

Even if there is a dynamic rate of farmconversions to organic farming for productgroups like milk, meat or vegetablesadditional or extra efforts would berequired.

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and organic eggs has also enhanceddemand for fodder cereals. Currently onlyaround 40% of Switzerland’s totalrequirement for organic cereal is producedin Switzerland. There is really no import oforganic milk and milk products.

In general, it is recommendable to use theservices of an importer to introduce or-ganic products into Switzerland ratherthan selling them directly to the food in-dustry or trade. Importers can provide theexporter with information on market condi-tions, quality standards, market access re-strictions and import formalities. Just asimportantly, they can provide the logisticalservice needed in order to reach the cus-tomer quickly. In addition, many industrialbuyers prefer to obtain goods from familiarintermediary organizations which take onthe upfront workload and costs of impor-tation on their behalf.

2.7 Future market development

The development of the Swiss organicmarket in the nineties and the first years of the new millennium were extremelydynamic. For the future market develop-ment, opinions differ quite significantly: theretailers (especially COOP, which happensto be the main retailer of organic products)and BIO SUISSE have a more positivevision of market development than theprocessors and wholesalers. While on onehand the processors and wholesalersestimate for most product groups that themarket-growth will drop down from 20%to 5–10% BIO SUISSE on the other handconsiders a doubling of the organicmarket in the next 3-5 years to an organicproduct sales of CHF 2 billion as realistic.That would mean at least 20% marketgrowth per year.

At the moment it remains quite unclear bywhich factors the organic product salescould be driven up to 20% annual marketgrowth. In the last few years the growingrates resulted in a growing penetrationrate of organic products in the market andbigger organic assortments per retailer,thus presently nearly each market inSwitzerland offers a sufficient organicproduct assortment. The market seemsrelatively matured for the moment.

Web information corner for the foodand organic market in Switzerland

http://naturaplan.coop.ch/Information on the NATURA plan rangeby COOP.

http://www.engagement.ch/ Overview of the Migros supermarketchain.

http://www.miosphere.ch/Overview of the Migros Bioproducts.

http://www.bionetz.chDirectories of the organic food stores,restaurants, wholesalers, foodprocessing in Switzerland, recipes andfree small-ads.

http://www.bio-suisse.ch/html/e_handel_1.htmlFirms licensed by BIO SUISSE tomanufacture products by Knospequality. Searchable database of firmssupplying organic products, includingaddresses.

http://www.bio-suisse.ch/html/e_konsumenten_2.htmlRestaurants in Switzerland offeringorganic products.

http://www.volg.chhttp://www.spar.chhttp://www.manor.chOverview of different retail chains.

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3. Development and potentialof the Swiss organic marketby product group

Development of the organic market inSwitzerland is dynamic and there exists formost product groups a growth potential.This chapter provides companies wishingto import organic products into Switzer-land with detailed first-hand information on this development and the potential fororganic products in the Swiss market. The data is based on an expert surveyrecently conducted by the ResearchInstitute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).

Market data are not currently available forall products. The figures on national andinternational supply cannot claim to beexhaustive (Table 2). Figure 6 belowpresents estimated figures and is intendedto give an overview of the product groups.

3.1 Significance of imports inthe Swiss organic market

Natural factors limit the options for Swissproduction and restrict domestic supply.Ever more imports are flowing intoSwitzerland due to the high level ofdemand. The import share differs in sizedepending on the product group (Table 2and Figure 6). However, organic products“under conversion” have difficulties in theSwiss market based on the startingmarket situation for organic products.Therefore, producers must sit out the two-year conversion period before theycan export to Switzerland. By international comparison, Switzerlandimports a lower percentage than, e.g.Germany or England, the most importantimport countries. Historically, based on therelatively high Swiss producer price leveland the high tariffs in foreign trade withother countries for most of the products,there have been few exports too.Specialities such as organic chocolate orsome cheese are an exception.

Table 2: Domestic supplies and importsin Switzerland, 2001

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruits (incl. Nuts)

Wine

Milk

Eggs

Domestic

produce (t)

11,800

80

11,000

19,700

3,600

10,400

191,000

26,200

Imports

(t)

67,667

8,573

198

5,253

10,995

433

0

0

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2002

Source: FiBL – estimates 2003BIO SUISSE – estimates 2003

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Coffee, cocoa and tea

Tropical fruits

Sugar and sweeteners

Oilseeds

Cereals

Fresh fruits

Fresh vegetables

Wine

Potatoes

Milk and eggs

Figure 6: Estimated import shareof Organic products in Switzerland

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3.2 Current demand and poten-tial by product group

3.2.1 Fresh and stored vegetables

Fresh vegetables were among the earliestorganic products. Over the years thisproduct group has gained a position ofgreat importance in the market. Depend-ing on the type of outlet and the region,over 25% of vegetables sold are oforganic quality. This is true not only of thespecialist retail trade but also of super-markets, which now account for over 70%

of organic vegetable sales. In the last fewyears, annual growth in turnover of 10%has been registered. Growth would remainon a lower level of 5% in the next fewyears. Experts rate the future marketsituation for fresh vegetables as verygood, and assess that the outlook forstored vegetables will also remain good.In 2002 about 10% of all vegetable salesin Switzerland were organic. In the Super-market COOP, the main retail sales chainfor organic products, about 15% of allvegetables sold were organic, carrotstaking the limelight of which nearly 40%of the sales were organic.

Significance and sources of importsSwiss traders and retailers prefer home-produced goods whenever possible.Nevertheless imports take up an importantplace to supplement domestic suppliesout of the local growing season and tobridge bottlenecks in supply. This calls forquick reactions to the market situation onthe part of exporters and importers: sinceimport quotas are determined weekly, theycan change quite rapidly. Measured byquantity, imports of fresh vegetables areconstantly increasing. The primary

countries of origin for imported organicvegetables are Italy and France. Smallerquantities are imported from Spain, TheNetherlands, Austria, Israel, Canada,China, USA and Rumania. In future, it isexpected that more vegetables will bepurchased from the Mediterraneancountries, especially in winter and fromIsrael and Egypt in particular. Germanyand Austria can also be expected tosupply more organic vegetables, mainly for the processing and winter vegetablesout of cold storage such as carrots andonions.

Policy and trade environmentThe supply of organic vegetables from theMediterranean region will continue togrow. This will lead to pressure on pricesfor the domestic production in Switzer-land. At the same time, however, demandfrom the major retail chains is increasing.The sufficient domestic production com-bined with the current WTO-compliantcustoms legislation practically prevents theimport of stored cabbage, celery, carrotsand beetroot. Swiss import restrictions arethe constraining factor: domestic produc-tion is protected by high trade dutiesduring phases of good domestic provision.However it is enshrined in law that phaseof high duties must be interspersed withthe phases of low duties. These periods of low trade duties mostly coincide withperiods of insufficient domestic supply(between November and April). Thebilateral treaties between the EU andSwitzerland should have a stimulatingeffect on trade in organic vegetables.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Most Swiss buyers prefer vegetables

from neighbouring countries. Vegeta-bles from overseas have little prospectof market access, since various organ-ic labels prohibit import by air.

• Swiss importers want producers tooffer more dependable delivery, lesslogistical workload and very highquality.

• Foreign producers and Swiss importerswant more rapid processing of importapplications by the Swiss FederalOffice for Agriculture and by theorganic label organisations (e.g. BIOSUISSE). For example, they shouldhave the option of submitting the ac-cumulated documentation for a com-plete month rather than for eachindividual consignment.

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• Importers want more transparency inrelation to import quotas.

• Foreign producers would like BIOSUISSE to harmonise its agriculturalstandards with EU regulations.

3.2.2 Processed vegetables

Market situation and potentialThe trend in favour of convenience foodand ready-to-serve meals has heightenedthe demand for processed vegetables.The greatest demand is for organic prod-ucts of Knospe (BIO SUISSE’s “bud” label)quality. Some firms have already special-ized in this area. For example there is along-standing tradition of Swiss organicvegetable juices and these are exportedworldwide. The newer firms are also inter-ested in exporting processed vegetables.As with fresh vegetables, over half ofthese products are sold in the COOP andMigros supermarket chains. The trend forprocessed vegetables will continue to rise.In particular, demand from the restaurantsector is expected to grow. Experts ratethe market situation as good in the future.

Significance and sources of imports Most produce of this type is grown do-mestically. Imported produce is supple-mentary in character and mainly restrictedto the supply of cauliflower, broccoli andtomatoes. The primary source of process-ed vegetables is Italy. Smaller quantitiesare bought from France, Hungary,Germany and the Netherlands. There issome limited scope on the Swiss marketfor processed vegetables from overseas,provided that they are transported by ship. Given a similar product range,neighbouring countries have better marketprospects since transporting goods long-distance from overseas is opposed onecological grounds.

Policy and trade environmentThe situation is similar to that of fresh veg-etables (see 3.2.1). The market is not yetas well developed, however. Accordinglythere is a lack of information. Some prod-ucts are in short supply. For example,there are too few suppliers of mushrooms.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Swiss importers want more suppliers

of processed vegetables, specificallymushrooms.

• The problems and expectationscoincide with those applying to freshvegetables.

3.2.3 Fresh fruits

Market situation and potentialIn Switzerland organic cultivation of pomeand stone fruit underwent a radical impro-vement in quantity and quality during the1990s now reaching an amount of 4–5%of the total inland produced fruit marketshare. The cultivation of organic cherrieshowever has not progressed beyond anearly stage because of persistent plantprotection problems. Mass-market retailchains have nonetheless a strong interestto complete their organic assortment. Inaddition to this the general demand forexotic fruit (e.g. citrus, kiwi, banana,mango etc.), also from organic production,has increased considerably. Thus thepotential for market development is stillattractive, promising good future salesopportunities for fruit. This is particularly

true for fruit species that are still under-represented on the market. The marketvolume for citrus fruits is currently rising by10-20% per year. It is expected that by2008 the market share of fresh fruit willgrow moderately but continuously.

Significance and sources of importsOrganic peaches are scarcely grown inSwitzerland due to the humid climate andare thus mainly imported from Mediterra-nean countries. Citrus fruits and exoticfruits are exclusively imported. Lemonsand oranges originate from Italy andSpain. Bananas come primarily from theDominican Republic, Mexico, Uganda,Peru and Cameroon. Mangoes and grape-fruits come from Ghana and Cameroon;pineapples, papaya and passion fruitsfrom Ghana and Uganda; figs, pears andapricots from Turkey and berries fromPoland. Other fruits come from Israel,Germany, Austria, Argentina and Chile.

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Policy and trade environmentThe market for organic tropical fruits is stillnew and has a significant potential in boththe delicatessen sector and normal main-stream retail outlets. The level of supply iscurrently rising world wide, which will havea positive effect on availability and prices.As with fresh vegetables, high importduties are imposed on local fruit varietiesat times of sufficient domestic provision.During periods when there are shortfalls inSwiss supply, lower import duties and highimport quotas are set for these same fruitspecies.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Importers and traders want imported

exotic fruit to have a better visualappearance and better storagecapabilities.

• Producers of tropical fruits regularlycomplain of problems in adhering tothe strict BIO SUISSE standards.Particular obstacles are the require-ment for whole-farm organic manage-ment (for example affecting pineapple-holdings) and the ban on imports byair (increasing the need for post-harvest treatment).

• Many consumers make no distinctionbetween organic and fair trade bana-nas. Therefore consumer information atthe point of sale should be improved.Furthermore the use of ethylene toaccelerate the ripening process ofbananas is a matter of controversy.

• Swiss importers want greater concen-tration on the retail level of supply, ageneral increase in supply and withsome fruit species an improvement inspecific properties.

3.2.4 Fruit juices

Market situation and potentialApple juice, pear juice and grape juicehave been produced in Switzerland formany years, along with juices and pulpsfrom various other fruits (blackcurrants,strawberries, etc.). They have become wellestablished, not only in natural food storesbut also in supermarket chain outlets.Even though by the end of the ninetiesdemand for apple, pear and grape-juiceincreased considerably (80% growth peryear), now the main growth in the Swissorganic juice market is in citrus juices.Organic citrus juices have been availablein Swiss supermarkets since the year2000. Citrus is the most important fruit inthe juice market and there still is a consid-erable market growth potential. Otherexotic fruit juices such as pineapple andmango on the other hand can only beobtained in specialist stores and rarely insupermarkets, although there is consider-able interest in these juices. Demand forexotic juices is expected to rise step bystep in the next few years, particularly fororganic pineapple juice. Manufacturers offoods for children feature prominentlyamong the buyers of tropical and exoticfruit juices. Experts take a positive viewfor future development: they expectannual growth in sales of organic juicesto reach 20% and more for orange andgrapefruit juices and 30% for pineapplejuice. Citrus will always be the mostimportant organic juice among the exoticjuices especially among the importedorganic juices.

Significance and sources of imports Apple, pear and grape juices originatemainly from Switzerland. It is possible toimport small volumes from surroundingEuropean countries. Orange juices arecurrently imported from Cuba, Brazil,Egypt and Italy. Grapefruit juice comesmainly from Cuba. Other provinces supplyjuices in smaller quantities for use in babyfoods. Latin American countries surpassEuropean countries in the supply of citrusjuices because of the better quality.

Policy and trade environmentThe well-established market for traditionalSwiss juices (apple, pear etc.) is supple-mented by organic citrus juices and exoticfruit juices. Switzerland offers an advanta-geous environment for all organic juicesowing to the health conscious customersand especially during winter and spring.Few restrictions are likely.

25

Problems and wishes of market operators• For orange juice products, the greatest

problems faced by traders are inconsi-stent supplies and restricted availability.Swiss importers want the reliability ofsupply to improve considerably.

• Foreign producers of tropical fruitsare subject to technical cultivationproblems similar to those mentionedin Chapter 3.2.3, although these areless acute since the fruits are process-ed into juice in the country of produc-tion, eliminating the problems of post-harvest treatment. Also transportationby ship is not a problem in the caseof juices, since they can be stored forlonger periods.

3.2.5 Dried fruits and nuts

Market situation and potentialDried fruits and nuts from organic produc-tion are relatively straightforward from thelogistical management point of view andplay a key role in composite products like

muesli and baked goods. Rising demandcan be expected, particularly from bakers.Nuts are the most important product andoffer the greatest potential for growth.Dried fruits are already well establishedand available both in natural food storesand in supermarkets. The future marketprospects are good. In the medium term,annual growth of 5–10% can be expected.

Significance and sources of imports Products in this group are easy to importinto Switzerland: domestic production isfar from sufficient to meet existingdemand, and the BIO SUISSE ban onimportation of organic products by air isnot a barrier since the products ship easily and keep well. Nuts are boughtprimarily from Turkey, almonds fromCalifornia and Turkey, figs from Turkeyand dates from Tunisia and USA. Otherdried fruits and nuts come from Morocco,Tunisia, Costa Rica, Togo, Cameroon,Italy and other countries.

Policy and trade environment Countries in Asia and South America arecurrently expanding their production andthis is likely to boost the supply of com-petitively priced produce of high quality.Switzerland provides an advantageous en-vironment for the import of dried fruits andnuts.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Swiss importers expect dried fruits to

be of better quality (the quality of nutshas improved dramatically in recentyears).

• Foreign producers are critical of Swissimport quotas and want market accessto be more liberal.

• The BIO SUISSE standards also poseproblems to foreign producers be-cause they are stricter than the EURegulation. Producers are hoping forinternational harmonization of thesestandards.

3.2.6 Culinary and Medicinal herbs

Market situation and potentialOrganic culinary and medicinal herbs havelong held a place in the Swiss market.Firms such as Weleda and Bioforce havedeveloped top quality products and exportorganic medicinal products and cosmeticsthroughout the world. There is a good lev-el of demand in Switzerland but the mar-ket has been uneven in its development.Organic medicinal herbs are widely distrib-uted through natural food outlets anddrugstores and market potential remainsconsistently good. Of the imported culi-nary and tea herbs, around one third go toorganic food stores, one third to process-ing companies and one quarter to mass-market retail chains. The remainder aresold by mail order. The introduction of

herbal teas to supermarkets has been very successful and there is great poten-tial. The same is true for culinary herbs.Annual growth in turnover over the last six years was around 15%. With annualmarket growth realistically estimated at10%, the market outlook is good.

A proportion of imported herbs, teas andtea ingredients such as thick-skinned fruitis picked in the wild. The requirements im-posed on these projects are considerable:adherence to organic standards, clear de-lineation of the picking area and the matterto be picked, an organization chart for theproject, a confirmation of ecological safetyand an official picking permit. The propor-tion of organic herbs and teas collected inthe wild is estimated to be less than 5%(no survey data available).

Significance and sources of importsDomestic production is not sufficient tomeet the Swiss demand for herbs. None-theless, it is clearly given preference forquality reasons (fresh processing), espe-

cially in the case of medicinal herbs. Im-ported medicinal herbs are predominantlydrawn from surrounding European coun-tries. Spices come from many countries oforigin: Albania, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India,Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Nica-ragua, Croatia, France, Hungary and Mad-agascar. Domestic tea production is ableto meet around 20% of demand. Herbalteas are imported from Argentina, Hun-gary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, andTurkey and in small quantities from France,Tanzania, Sri Lanka and India. Black andgreen tea comes from Sri Lanka, India,China and Nepal.

26

Policy and trade environmentCountries of export, both in Europe (Ger-many, Italy, Austria, England) and overseas(China, Sri Lanka etc.), are strongly ex-panding production. Furthermore, newsuppliers from Eastern Europe and SouthAmerica (Chile) are forcing their way intothe market. Heightened competition interms of quality and price must now beexpected. The quality requirements willrise in future, particularly with regard to theissue of residue-free products.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Swiss importers repeatedly find fault

with the quality of herbs from smallfarmers’ projects and call for better ad-vice and training for producers as wellas professional quality management.

• Foreign producers must take care toprevent residues of synthetic crop pro-tection agents (resulting from spraydrift from neighbouring fields underconventional cultivation). This couldbecome an increasing problem for teasince more processing is taking placein non-organic processing plants.

• The problem of availability varies ac-cording to product group. Swiss im-porters want continuity of delivery.Problems in cultivation and storageshould be reported in good time sothat bottlenecks in supply can be recti-fied more easily.

• The herb and spice trade often con-sists of small cargoes and thereforesuffers disproportionately from admin-istrative obstacles and the high costsof certification.

3.2.7 Cereals and cereal products

Market situation and potentialCereals and cereal products play a keyrole in the organic market. Today they areamong the top-selling organic products inSwitzerland. The main buyers of organiccereals are flour mills, muesli manufactur-ers and fodder manufacturers. From there,cereal is moved to bakeries or directly tothe retail trade. In the last few years, themarket for cereal products has shownsteady growth of 10–20%. The mostimportant product is organic bread. Even in supermarkets a good and variedselection is now available. Both wholesal-ers and retailers assess the future growthpotential as good and expect continued

27

annual sales growth of 5–10%. In the fodder cereals sector, the rising demandfor organically produced eggs and porkwill increase the need for imported foddercereals.

Significance and sources of imports In past years, Switzerland has imported up to 90% of its organic cereals. Cerealsare sourced above all from the USA andCanada. Other countries of origin areUkraine, Brazil, China, Hungary, Austria,Argentina, Australia, France, Italy, Spain,Israel and Morocco. Fodder cereals come

from Ukraine, Rumania, Hungary andGermany. Organic rice is imported fromChina and Thailand.

Policy and trade environmentIn the future, attractively priced offeringsare likely to be forthcoming from EasternEurope. This will raise the level of competi-tion for Swiss producers and for importsfrom other countries. The Swiss cerealmarket is tightly regulated. Importers areobliged to take a proportion of domestical-ly produced cereal together with importedbread cereals (“domestic contribution”).Moreover the quantity of imports is subjectto quotas. The import of fodder is notrestricted, however.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Swiss importers want cereals of better

quality and better continuity of supply. • Foreign cereal producers report a cer-

tain amount of difficulty with the highstandards of the Swiss Organic Farm-ing Ordinance (whole-farm organicmanagement).

• Traders and producers are critical ofthe major barriers imposed by BIO SU-ISSE to the attestation of equivalenceof products. Traders want harmoniza-tion of Swiss standards with Europeanstandards.

3.2.8 Oil-seeds and oil products

Market situation and potentialThe organic oil and oil-seed market hasseen major development in the past fewyears and has now become broadly es-tablished. Culinary oils produced to organ-ic standards are imported by medium-sized and large trading companies, mass-market retail chains (Migros, Coop,Jumbo), by the processing industry, flourmills, natural food stores and restaurantand catering businesses. Organic olive oilin particular has gained ground in recentyears; growth in turnover at mass-marketretailer level has reached a high level.The other oils have also achieved salesgrowth of up to 35% in recent years.Swiss buyers are gradually reporting asaturation of demand for sunflower, thistle,linseed, hemp, olive and soya oil producedof organic quality. Since 2004, the use ofconventional fodder is restricted. Theusage of by-products from oil and oilseedsis only allowed if they are of organic qua-lity. In the next few years, growth in thissector will slow to 10% per year.

Significance and sources of imports A large proportion of organic oil and oil-seed is imported. The most importantcountries of supply for oil are Argentina,Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa,Australia, the USA, Canada, Hungary, Italy,Austria and Romania.

Policy and trade environmentThe saturation of the Swiss market isdampening the optimism of various Swissimporters. High duties on pre-processedoils and oil-seeds are impeding access tothe Swiss market and adding to the costof imports. In future, increasing supply andgrowing competition can be expected onthe international stage.

28

Problems and wishes of market operators• Oils awarded the BIO SUISSE Knospe

(“bud”) label are substantially more ex-pensive than products without Knospecertification. Importers and wholesalersaim to be more cost-conscious whenpurchasing, and want a homogeniza-tion of price levels. This would facilitateaccess to the market and give it freshimpetus for growth.

• Importers hope for further liberalizationfor international trade (reduction of tar-iffs and fiscal duties) to ease import re-strictions.

• More distant countries of productionhave recurring difficulties with continu-ity of supply and with certification.Availability and continuity can be ad-dressed by selecting suppliers with dif-ferent harvest times.

Organic oil-seeds can become contami-nated through inappropriate cleaning oftransport vehicles. For this reason, import-ed produce must undergo costly labora-tory testing to check its GM0-free status.However there are often discrepanciesbetween the test results of differentlaboratories on the same produce.

3.2.9 Protein crops

Market situation and potentialBeans, peas, lentils, soya beans and otherprotein crops are subsidiary elements inthe Swiss organic selection in terms ofvalue and quantity. Accordingly the mo-mentum of this segment is fairly modest.Its significance in completing the rangeshould not be underestimated, however.The principal purchaser of protein cropsis the processing industry. The market

situation for protein crops is currentlygood, with modest annual sales growth(maximum 10%). The opportunities fordevelopment are limited since annual salesgrowth is unlikely to rise above 10% and isthus below the general growth rate of theorganic market in Switzerland.

Significance and sources of importsThe import share is very high in this prod-uct group. Lupins and peas are primarilyimported from Hungary, the USA, Canada,China, Brazil and Argentina. Soya comesfrom the USA, Canada, Argentina, Italy,Hungary, Austria, Romania, Peru, Guate-mala, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil andAustralia.

Policy and trade environmentInternational supply is increasing butSwiss demand remains modest. This me-ans that despite good general conditions(no duties or special regulations) Switzer-land as a national market is not of greatinterest for protein crops.

Problems and wishes of market operatorsThe overriding problem is the low con-sumption of protein crops in Switzerland.With the new regulations in animal feedingthe demand for organic protein crops willincrease in 2004 marginally. Howeverconsidering the coming regulation of 100%organic fodder in animal feed in 2009 theorganic market will expect an increaseddemand for protein crops for fodder.

3.2.10 Wine

Market situation and potentialSwitzerland is one of the most attractivewine markets. Consumption per head isone of the highest in the world (com-parable with southern Europe). About23,000 hl of organic wine is consumedper year, of which 10,000 hl is producedin Switzerland and 13,000 hl is imported.There are about 250 ha of organic winearea in Switzerland of the total of 15,000ha under wine cultivation. The organicwine consumed is 0.8% of the totalconsumption. The organic wine producedin Switzerland is mostly sold directly, butretail chains like Coop, Delinat, and Wein-handlung am Küferweg market those im-ported. Organic wine occupies an import-ant position in the organic product selec-tion and is a luxury item. Annual growthover the next few years is expected to be5%. Overall the organic wine market willcontinue to develop well.

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Significance and sources of imports More red wine is produced, imported andconsumed than white wine. Organic redwine is imported for the most part, mainlyfrom the wine-growing countries ofsouthern Europe: France, Italy, Spain,Croatia and Portugal. Small quantities alsocome from Austria and Germany. Organicrum comes mainly from Paraguay.

Policy and trade environmentFor organic wine from Europe, the condi-tions in Switzerland are advantageous.There is no fear of competitors from out-

side Europe (at least for the time being)since the most important wine importerssteer clear of organic wine from overseasfor quality reasons (personal contact withproducers) and for ecological motives(transport).

Problems and wishes of market operatorsEven though the present quality of organicwine is considered good it is importantthat quality standards are preserved andeven further improved.

3.2.11 Sugar

Market situation and potentialOrganic sugar is sent mostly to theprocessing industry. There is also ademand from the retail trade since thesupermarkets also sell organic sugar. Asavailability has improved in the last fewyears, the market has begun to showpositive development. Traders reportedgrowth in turnover of 10–15% in the1997–2000 period. There is very goodpotential in the retail sector and theprocessing industry. Annual growth of

5–10% is expected for the next few years. Due to obligation to use organicsugar in the processing industry and inparallel to the growing market for organicconvenience foodstuffs, the demand fororganic sugar will steadily grow in the near future.

Significance and sources of imports Organic sugar is mostly an importedproduct at present. Few years ago aSwiss processor did set up a domesticproduction unit of organic sugar of Swissand Southern Germany sugar beets.However imports are still importantespecially for cane sugar. Swiss importersobtain their organic cane sugar mainlyfrom Paraguay, Costa Rica and Brazil.Smaller quantities also come from thePhilippines. Maple syrup is importedfrom Canada.

Policy and trade environmentAdditional importers (including importers ofconventional products) are likely to enterthe sugar business due to the attractivemarket prognosis. Since conventional im-porters can obtain a higher quota alloca-tion due to the greater quantities they cantrade overall, a significant increase in com-petition can be expected between largeconventional importers and the smaller im-porters of natural foods.

The import of sugar is subject to quotas(regardless of whether it is from organic orconventional production). Furthermore,relatively high import duties are chargedsince imported organic sugar is competingwith conventionally produced Swiss sugar.

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Problems and wishes of market operators• Now as in the past, the market for

imported organic sugar suffers fromdeficiencies in quality, shortages andfluctuations in availability. Swissimporters want greater continuity ofsupply and an improvement in quality.For the next few years it has been suggested that European advisorsshould help to coordinate productionand marketing in the countries ofsupply.

• Foreign producers are critical of thehigh costs arising from multiple certifi-cation and hope for a simplification ofthe certification process.

3.2.12 Honey

Market situation and potentialAt present no certified organic honey isproduced in Switzerland. Organic honey inSwitzerland is mostly produced by hobbybee-keepers who sell it privately; very fewsupply it to stores etc. Greater amountsof organic honey are in demand from theprocessing industry and smaller amountsfrom natural food outlets. For the super-market chains, organic honey is still arelatively new concept but their entry is asgood as certain and will clearly stimulatethe market. Accordingly potential is goodfor the next few years. An annual increaseof 15–20% is expected.

Significance and sources of imports BIO SUISSE did not regulate organichoney production in Switzerland until2003. Therefore only honey from otherprovinces could gain BIO SUISSE certifi-cation. Organic honey is 100% importedand comes from Nicaragua, France andArgentina. For 2004, BIO SUISSE an-nounced the inclusion of organic honeyproduction in their standards. Therefore,Swiss production of organic honey isexpected to rise significantly. Growth ofSwiss organic honey production willdepend to a large extent on the certifi-cation costs too.

Policy and trade environmentVarious countries in Latin America havebegun producing organic honey very re-cently or will commence production soon.

Problems and wishes of market operators• Domestic and foreign producers want

BIO SUISSE to begin awarding theKnospe label to honey in the nearfuture.

• Development of organic bee keepingmodel-farms that would help in thesystemisation and the standardisationprocesses.

3.2.13 Coffee

Market situation and potential The sustainable coffee market (organicand Fair Trade) in Switzerland has manyyears of history, thanks to initiatives ofsome roasters and thanks to MaxHavelaar who successfully promoted su-stainable coffee during the last decade.The Swiss sustainable coffee market isalready in a mature state. The marketshare of sustainable coffee in Switzerlandwas 3.5% in 2001 (5.5% in retail-market),one of the highest market shares inEurope. In comparison to the small size ofthe country, a relatively large number ofcompanies are involved in the sustainablecoffee business. However, now the num-ber is increasing slowly.

Most organic coffees in the Swiss marketare doubly certified with Organic and FairTrade labels and therefore organic coffeeswithout Fair Trade labels practically do notexist on the Swiss market. Organic coffeemakes up for about 25% of all sustainablecoffee. Actually, there is a clear shift fromFair Trade to doubly certified Fair Tradeand organic coffee. Especially the largesupermarket-chains now demand moreand more doubly certified sustainable cof-fee. The Swiss sustainable coffee marketgrew constantly until the year 2000 (total1700 t). Growth opportunities for sustaina-ble coffee in Switzerland will be rather mo-dest for the next 2–5 years.

The Swiss are frequent coffee drinkers.Preferred coffees are light-ones, oftenconsumed as milk-coffee. These aremostly 100% arabicas. However, robustasare increasingly used for the growingespresso-market. Some of the presentlyavailable sustainable coffees are alsoblends. Sustainable coffee in Switzerlandis generally considered high quality coffee,i.e. coffee in the upper segment of theproduct range. 74% of the sustainablecoffee (990 t roasted coffee) is soldthrough the supermarket chains Coop,Migros, Manor and VOLG. Main growth is

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expected in the supermarket channel aswell as in the institutional and out of homechannels. The specialised retail channel(speciality coffee shops, fair trade andworld shops, organic food stores) has les-ser growth prospects.

Significance and sources of imports For climatic reasons, 100% of organiccoffee is imported into Switzerland. FairTrade and organic coffees for the Swissmarket are being imported in decreasingorder of importance from: Mexico,Colombia. Venezuela, Guatemala, Congo,Nicaragua, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica,Honduras, Paraguay and Tanzania.There are some projects to import organic(not Fair Trade) coffee also from otherprovinces.

Policy and trade environmentMexico is the undisputed leader in organiccoffee and very well established inSwitzerland. But the positive image of or-ganic coffee in Switzerland also facilitatesthe access of other countries to the Swissmarket. This may heighten competition.

Problems and wishes of market operatorsSwiss importers, roasters and traders seethe following key constraints in the expan-sion of sustainable coffee:• Retention of quality is extremely impor-

tant. Most of the importers laud thequality of the available organic coffeebut point out that further improvementcan still be achieved.

• Reliability in all its facets is consideredof high to very high importance. Someof the importers have had bad expe-riences with suppliers of sustainablecoffee. Contracted volumes were notrespected, delivery dates were not metand certificates were not presented intime etc.

• Price is considered important, but notexclusively so. Quality is much moreimportant than price. Growers shouldtherefore realise, that their product inSwitzerland is considered a top of theline product. The quality consciousSwiss are willing to pay considerablymore for a product of good quality.This characteristic is decisive for stra-tegic planning by producers, proces-sors, traders and retailers.

• Clarity between the different types ofcertification and standards is conside-red important for both Fair Trade andorganic produce. Organic standardsare secured in European legislation butthe Fair Trade Standards are not.

3.2.14 Cocoa

Market situation and potential In the early days of the organic movement(1990–1995), certified organic chocolatewas produced by small and sometimesnew companies with focus on a niche,and the products were sold primarily inhealth-food stores or speciality shops.Today, supermarkets also sell these speci-alised products, but production is still do-minated by relatively small and medium-sized chocolate manufacturers with uniquebrands. Some of them have added otherlabels to their products in compliance withother sustainability criteria e.g. Fair Trade.Most of the large and traditional manufac-turers of well-known branded products inEurope (e.g. Cadbury and Nestle, just tomention a few) are not yet in the organicniche or are only just about to make theirentry.

Cocoa plays an important role in the pro-cessing industry. The bulk of importedcocoa goes from processing firms viawholesalers to the organic food trade andThird World shops. Although supermar-kets have sold little organic chocolate sofar, there is considerable interest. Themarket for organic cocoa has developedvery well to date. Annual market growth inthe last three years reached 10–15%.Since Swiss organic chocolate can beexported, and interest from the largesupermarkets in organic chocolate is alsoset to increase, significant sales growth islikely in future (5–10% annually).

Significance and sources of imports 100% of Switzerland’s organic cocoa isimported. The main source countries arethe Dominican Republic, Bolivia andMadagascar. New sources of organiccocoa for Switzerland from Latin Americaare in preparation.

Policy and trade environmentThe prospects for export make Switzer-land an interesting country for organicchocolate. The quality and reputation ofSwiss chocolate have a positive effect onthe national and international demand fororganic chocolate.

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Problems and wishes of market operatorsOne important question for cocoa produ-cers is, how to meet the requirements ofthe international market and the importer.Swiss cocoa importers give the followinganswers to these questions:• From the European importers’ point of

view, lack of quality and lack of conti-nuity are the main obstacles. Theywould like the supply to expand. Thiswould also help to even out fluctua-tions in harvest, such as those result-ing from natural disasters.

• Producers, traders and European im-porters mention that it is necessary toreduce the workload for certificationand label schemes and to harmonisethe standards. For example a situationcan arise whereby the same chocolatethat is sold in the EU as a completelyorganic product can only be certifiedas produce under conversion inSwitzerland. Therefore Swiss importersoften bring in the goods via an EUcountry. This rather unreasonablediversion can be prevented and theproduce directly imported into Switzer-land as fully organic.

• Government bodies in the countries of export want to see administrativeprocedures in the importing countriessimplified.

3.2.15 Seeds, Seedlings andornamental plants

Market situation and potential Switzerland has nearly no organic seedproduction except for cereals and pota-toes and most of the agricultural andgarden- ornamental seeds are importedeven though the market is quite large. Forsome years the agricultural standardshave stipulated that even the seedlingsused in agriculture must be produced toorganic standards. This requirement hasbrought an interesting market into beingand stimulated domestic cultivation. Themarket for imported seedlings has deve-loped dynamically in recent years (annualsales growth of 10–15%). About 12 com-panies in Switzerland are now producingorganic seedlings. The main buyers areorganic vegetable producers. In future thetwo most important wholesale distributorswill also offer seedlings from abroad. Asthe market matures, the boom may wellbegin to tail off. The market for ornamentalplants is developing on a similar scale.

Significance and sources of imports While ornamental plants are almost exclu-sively produced in Switzerland and, apartfrom a few trial promotions, no market forforeign plants has developed; imports ofseedlings take place mainly from theNetherlands and for seeds from theNetherlands, Germany and France. Thecountries supplying organic ornamentalplants are the Netherlands, Italy andGermany. Domestic production isconstantly rising. In the medium term thedemand for imports will focus on speciali-ties.

Policy and trade environmentRising domestic production will force outthe imports step by step. There will alwaysbe demand for specialities such as graftedtomatoes from abroad.

Problems and wishes of market operators• The main problems from the trader’s

point of view are the regulations onseeds and seedlings under both na-tional legislation and BIO SUISSEstandards. The obligation to useorganic seedlings despite the shortageof supply has driven prices to exces-sive levels. The standards for seedsare also very high which include seedhealth and vigour.

• The industry wants the Swiss authoritiesto make the authorisation processeasier (certificate for the entire produc-tion series and not for every delivery).

• The trader wants BIO SUISSE to issueclear directions on which requirementsare essential and which are optional.

3.2.16 Textiles

Market situation and potential Textiles made from organic cotton are verymuch in demand in Switzerland thanks toseveral yarn traders like Remei and retai-lers like COOP. The aim is to manufactureall cotton products exclusively from orga-nically produced cotton. In the past fewyears, annual sales growth of 45% hasbeen achieved. The potential is excellent.Growth should only weaken slightly toaround 30% per year in the next fewyears.

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Significance and sources of imports 100% of organic cotton is imported andcomes primarily from India, Turkey, Egyptand Tanzania. Processing takes place inSwitzerland, India, Germany, Greece,Portugal, Lithuania, Croatia and othercountries.

Policy and trade environmentBIO SUISSE does not award the Knospelabel to textiles. The environment for theimport of organic cotton into Switzerlandis very good however and is virtuallyunaffected by administrative barriers.

Problems and wishes of market operatorsThe stipulations regarding processing arestill somewhat varied. The internationalassociation of the natural textile industry(Internationaler Verband der Naturtextil-wirtschaft e.V, IVN) has attempted toharmonize standards by uniting manufac-turers, traders and exporters in a two-levellabel system and an associated qualitycontrol process consisting of factory andproduct inspections.

3.2.17 Milk and dairy products

Market situation and potential During the last five years the demand fororganic milk has grown faster than thesupply development. However, the recentlarge conversion of dairy farms and a de-celerated supply in some regions develo-ped in these regions a situation of over-supply. This led the organic dairy produ-cers organisations in Switzerland toco-ordinate the supply development andsteer the produced organic milk properly.In the last few years the demand for orga-nic milk increased by 10–20% annuallyand steadily. In the next few years an an-nual growth of organic milk supply of5–10% is expected. Organic milk productsin Switzerland are quite popular with theconsumers. In 2002 nearly 10% of theconsumed milk was organically produced,it had a market share of 9% and cheeseand yoghurt had a market share between3–4%.

Significance and sources of importsBased on the bilateral agreements bet-ween Switzerland and the EU with regardto the international trade activities onlyimport of organic cheese is allowed inSwitzerland. There is really no import oforganic milk or milk products. Also in thefuture only certain types of internationally

famous organic cheese from France andItaly will have a chance to be imported.The volume of the demand for importedcheese strongly depends on the activitiesof the retail chains COOP and Migros inthe future. Only certain international speci-alities like Parmesan have good chancesto get imported.Imported products have only been foundin natural food stores until now. Organiccheese is mainly imported from Franceand to some extent from Italy. Import ofmeat and meat products is so far insignifi-cant and not really expected to rise in thenear future.

Policy and trade environmentThe government based restrictions on theimportation of milk and milk products andthe protection of BIO SUISSE for the do-mestic dairy farmers in a presently sensi-tive market situation would clearly restrictimports.

Problems and wishes of market operatorsForeign producers and traders want BIOSUISSE to award the Knospe label tomore products including cheese and otherdairy products in future.

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4. Requirements and condi-tions relating to access fororganic imports

4.1 Customs regulations andvalue-added tax

For organic products the general cus-toms tariffs and regulations apply. Highcustoms duties are levied on a range ofagricultural products such as sugar, vege-table oils and dairy products. For someproducts special import licences are alsonecessary which are only granted to Swissimporters. Higher customs duties arelevied on processed products than on rawmaterials. For the import of meat and fishproducts, sanitary certificates are alsorequired. Further details are contained inthe Swiss Ordinance on agricultural im-ports (Schweizerische Agrareinfuhrverord-nung, SR 916.01). As in the EU, preferential customs du-ties may be applied to imports of certainagricultural products from emerging mar-kets and markets in transition in accor-dance with the Swiss tariff preferencessystem (Generalized System of Preferenc-es), and these are lower than the tariffsgenerally applicable (SR 946.39) (seewww.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/94.html). Importsfrom Least Developed Countries areexempted from customs duties for themajority of headings in the customs tariffs.A complete and up-to-date list of customstariffs may be obtained on request fromthe Swiss Federal Customs Administration(Eidgenössische Zollverwaltung) (seewww.afd.admin.ch/d/firmen/import/zolltarif.php).Importers pay a value-added tax of 2.4%on foodstuffs that they bring into Switzer-land. The VAT rate is the same for bothimported goods and those produced inSwitzerland.

4.2 Requirements laid down inthe legislation on food

Both organically and conventionally-produ-ced foods, irrespective of whether or notthey are imported, are subject to Swisslaws and ordinances relating to foodstuffs(see web information corner at the end ofthis chapter):• The Food Act (Lebensmittelgesetz SR

817.0) and the Ordinance on food(Lebensmittelverordnung SR 817.02):these form the cornerstone of foodlegislation in Switzerland.

• Ordinance on foreign substancesand constituents in foods (Verord-nung über Fremd- und Inhaltstoffe inLebensmitteln, short name: Fremd-und Inhaltstoffverordnung SR817.021.23): lays down the maximumpermissible concentrations of plantprotection products and growth regula-tors, heavy metals, pharmacologicalsubstances, microbial toxins, radionu-clides, nitrates and nitrites, etc.

• Ordinance on additives permissiblein foodstuffs (Verordnung über die inLebensmitteln zulässigen Zusatzstoffe,short name: Zusatzstoffverordnung SR817.021.22): contains a list of sub-stances and preparations that are pos-itively permitted and a list of the appli-cations of different additives togetherwith their maximum permissibleamounts; it also regulates the declara-tion of additives.

• Ordinance on hygiene and microbi-ological requirements relating tofoodstuffs, objects in contact withfoodstuffs, workrooms and staff(Verordnung über die hygienisch-mikrobiologischen Anforderungen anLebensmittel, Gebrauchsgegenstände,Räume und Personal, short name:Hygieneverordnung SR 817.051): laysdown tolerance levels for micro-orga-nisms in foodstuffs and drinking water.

• Ordinance on nutritional value(Nährwertverordnung SR 817.021.55):regulates labelling relating to food nu-trition (indications of energy values andnutritional content).

• Ordinance on indication of countryof origin of foodstuffs, ingredientsand raw materials used in food-stuffs (Verordnung über die Angabedes Produktionslandes von Lebensmit-teln, Lebensmittelzutaten und Rohstoff-en, short name: Rohstoffdeklarations-verordnung SR 817.021.51): stipulatesthat the country of origin of individualraw materials in a food product mustbe indicated as well as that of the foodproduct itself.

• Ordinance on the measurementand declaration of quantities relat-ing to goods for trade and trans-portation purposes (Verordnung überdas Abmessen und die Mengendeklar-ation von Waren in Handel und Ver-kehr, short name: Deklarationsverord-nung SR 941.281): regulates indica-tions of quantity (weight, volume, etc.)relating to foodstuffs and the corre-sponding declarations both for food-stuffs that are sold loose and thosesold in pre-packaged form.

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These ordinances relate mainly to food-stuffs packaged for the consumer and arenot directly relevant to bulk imports. Ex-porters should nevertheless take these re-quirements into consideration since the fi-nal products processed from imported rawmaterials must comply with them.

4.3 The Swiss Organic FarmingOrdinance

Swiss organic products must comply withthe requirements set out in the SwissOrganic Farming Ordinance. This alsoincludes compliance with:• Documentation of ecological services

(Ökologischer Leistungsnachweis, SR910.13) (a prerequisite for direct pay-ments)

• Ordinance on animal protection (Tier-schutzverordnung SR 455, 455.1)

• Ordinance on protection of water re-sources and the aquatic environment(Gewässerschutzverordnung SR 814.2,814.201)

• Ordinance on outdoor access for livestock (RAUS-VerordnungSR 910.132.5)

Imported organic products must conformto equivalent conditions. In addition, the Ordinance on direct pay-ments in agriculture (Verordnung über dieDirektzahlungen in der Landwirtschaft SR910.13) also contains provisions relating toorganic farming. It forms the basis for thedisbursal of ecologically motivated directpayments in Switzerland and is an expres-sion of the Swiss agricultural policy objec-tive to promote organic farming. It is notrelevant, however, for foreign producersand trading companies.

4.3.1 Objectives of the OrganicFarming Ordinance

The Swiss Ordinance on organic farmingand the labelling of organically producedproducts and foodstuffs (termed in thefollowing Organic Farming Ordinance; Verordnung über die biologische Landwirt-schaft und die Kennzeichnung biologischproduzierter Erzeugnisse und Lebens-mittel, short name: Bio-VerordnungSR 910.18 and 910.181) came into forceon January 1, 1998 and is based onArticle 18 of the Agriculture Act (Landwirt-schaftsgesetz SR 910.1). It lays down thebasic requirements that a product mustfulfil in order to be designated “organic”.

This is intended to protect organic pro-ducts from abuses and improve markettransparency. Organic products mustcomply with strict requirements concern-ing production and processing and besubject to inspection by a competent andindependent inspection body. The stateacts in a supervisory capacity as regardsinspection.

Important amendments of the SwissOrganic Farming Ordinance:• From 1st of January 2001, animal

products (production, processing andtrade) are regulated by the OrganicFarming Ordinance. This is equivalentto the EU-regulation 1788/2001.

• 2004 onwards, the labelling andinspection of organic fodder will beregulated.

4.3.2 Scope and labelling

The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance isapplicable to the same products as EURegulation No. 2092/91 on OrganicProduction: • Unprocessed agricultural crop, animal

breeding and animal products.• Processed agricultural crop and animal

products intended for human con-sumption, composed essentially ofingredients of plant or animal origin.

• Feed material and fodder for animalbreeding.

The Ordinance on Organic Farming is notapplied to aquaculture and its products.For these products, the Swiss FederalOffice for Agriculture does not provide in-dividual authorisations (see chapter 4.3.6).

Agricultural products may only be labelledas organic products if they comply withthe provisions of the Organic FarmingOrdinance. The following terms or theirusual derivatives (such as bio, eco) areprotected under Swiss law (for otherlanguages see the EU Regulation, whichstipulates “organic” for English, forexample):• German: “biologisch”, “ökologisch” • French: “biologique” • Italian: “biologico”

Labelling remains voluntary. Where prod-ucts are labelled as organic, however, theymust conform to the relevant provisionsof the Organic Farming Ordinance. InSwitzerland at present there is no govern-ment label for organic products, but thereare various private labelling schemes.

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4.3.3 How the Swiss Ordinancecompares to the BIO SUISSEStandards

Most of the private labelling schemes bothin Switzerland and in the EU go furtherthan the minimum requirements of theSwiss Organic Farming Ordinance and theEU Regulation on Organic Production.Before the Swiss Organic FarmingOrdinance came into force, the standardsthat were applied to the production andmarketing of organic products wereprimarily those set out by BIO SUISSE.Producers and traders that have beencertified as conforming to the BIO SUISSEStandards may identify their productsusing the Knospe (“bud”) label after sign-ing a contract with BIO SUISSE.

4.3.4 How the Swiss Ordinancecompares to the EU Regula-tion on Organic Production

The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinancewas modelled on EU Regulation No.2092/91on Organic Production. In addi-tion, various amendments have beenmade to the Swiss Ordinance to bring itinto line with EU Regulation No. 2092/91.

The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance isstricter than the EU Regulation on OrganicProduction in requiring conversion of thewhole farm to organic management (seeTable 3 and, for more detail, Annex III). Itsrequirements relating to the conversionprocess, on the other hand, are less strictthan the EU Regulation: in Switzerlandthere is no “year zero” (conversion-labelapplies only after 12 months). As a result,conversion normally takes two years ratherthan three as in the EU.

4.3.5 Reciprocal recognition oforganic imports,Switzerland-EU

If a product has been approved in accor-dance with EU Regulation No. 2092/91 onOrganic Production, then it can be approv-ed automatically as organic in Switzerlandtoo, and vice versa. The terms of theWTO/GATT treaties and the bilateral trea-ties between Switzerland and the EUstipulate that barriers to trade must not beallowed to come into being. Since 1st ofJune 2003, the bilateral agricultural agree-ment between Switzerland and theEuropean Union came into force. It statesthat the organic regulations for both par-ties are equivalent. Exceptions ought to bementioned in annex 9 (so far only Swissproducts in conversion are mentioned).

The additional conditions imposed by theSwiss Ordinance compared to the EURegulation are therefore not applicable toimports into Switzerland from the EU. Inorder to comply with the requirements ofprivate labelling schemes, however, condi-tions such as whole-farm conversion andother additional conditions may be impos-ed on imports from abroad, i.e. also onthose from the EU.

Elements of reciprocal recognition: • EU organic products are also consid-

ered organic products in Switzerland.The same applies also to organicgoods that have been certified in Swit-zerland as conforming to the Swiss Or-ganic Farming Ordinance. Such prod-ucts may be exported to the EU with-out any problem if they have an importcertificate and the appropriate labelling(code number or name of inspectionbody, and the indication “bio” (organic),or a private organic label).

• The list of countries in Annex 4 of theSwiss Organic Farming Ordinance910.18 (termed in the following the“Country List”) is analogous to the EUthird countries list in the annex to theEU Regulation.

• With regard to the accredited certifica-tion bodies, the Swiss Organic FarmingOrdinance refers to the EU Regulationon Organic Production, thereby ac-knowledging all the inspection bodiesor authorities published in the OfficialJournal of the EU.

• The time limit for recognition by EUMember States conforms to that ac-corded to Switzerland under EU Regu-lation 94/92.

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Points for importers to note concern-ing Switzerland:• The exporter in the EU must apply for

an import certificate from his inspectionbody and ensure that the product be-ars the code number and name of theinspection body and that it is labelled“bio” (organic).

• Organic imports into the EU that arelater exported again to Switzerlandmust have all duty paid before theyleave the EU and must be certified asorganic products conforming to the EURegulation on Organic Production.

• An exception is made to the principleof reciprocal recognition in the case ofproducts from farms in the process ofconversion. When a conversion prod-uct from the EU, or another country, isimported into Switzerland, this must bespecifically declared. They must alsobear a conversion label, stating "prod-uct under conversion to organic farm-ing". Such products must not give theimpression that they originate fromcompletely converted farms.

• Due to the differing requirements per-taining to conversion labelling, conver-sion products exported from Switzer-land into the EU must be sold in theEU as conventional products. In Swit-zerland only 4 months must have elap-sed from the start of conversion (afterwhich conversion products may usethe conversion label) rather than 12months as in the EU. Furthermore, theEU does not permit conversion prod-ucts composed of several agriculturalingredients to use the conversion label.

• Presently the Equivalence of bee pro-ducts is under negotiation. From 2004,organic bee products are proposed tobe mentioned in annex 9 of the bilate-ral agricultural agreement, so thatthese products could be traded bet-ween Switzerland and the EuropeanUnion.

4.3.6 Import requirements

Organic products from the EU that are la-belled as such in accordance with EURegulation No. 2092/91 on Organic Pro-duction may be recognized as organicproducts in Switzerland (see 4.3.5). Im-ports of products from countries outsidethe EU into Switzerland (and also into theEU) are regulated by means of equiv-alence requirements: production, inspec-tion and certification, and labelling of or-ganic products in emerging markets andmarkets in transition must conform to con-ditions that are equivalent to those con-tained in the Swiss Organic Farming Ordi-nance.

Inspection and certification In order for an imported product to bemarketed as “organic” (“biologisch” or“ökologisch”) in Switzerland the producers,processors and exporters in the country oforigin and the importers in Switzerlandmust be certified by an accredited inspec-tion body at least once per year. For thisthey must enter into a contract with an ac-credited inspection and certification body.In Switzerland the following inspection andcertification bodies are accredited at Fed-eral level (addresses are at the end of thischapter and in Annex IV): • Bio.inspecta • Institut für Marktökologie (IMO) • Schweizerische Vereinigung für

Qualitäts- und Management Systeme(SQS – Swiss Association for Qualityand Management Systems).

Inspection and certification bodies mustconform to EN-45011 or ISO-65 stan-dards and obtain accreditation from theSwiss Federal Office of Metrology(Eidgenössisches Amt für Messwesen).List of certification bodies accredited inthird countries is to be found in Annex 4of the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance(see also the web information corner atthe end of this chapter).

Exports from countries on the Country ListCountries where the government imposesconditions on organic products that areequivalent to those applied in Switzerland,and adherence to these conditions isguaranteed, may be included on aCountry List by the Federal Departmentof Economic Affairs (EidgenössischeVolkswirtschaftsdepartement, EVD) (Annex4 of the Organic Farming Ordinance).Countries wishing to be included on this

38

list must submit an application to theSwiss Federal Office for Agriculture(FOAG; Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft,BLW) giving details showing that their pro-duction regulations and inspectionsystems are equivalent.

At present, all the EU countries plusCzech Republic, Hungary, Israel, CostaRica, Argentina, Australia and New Zea-land are included on the Swiss CountryList. With the expansion of the EuropeanUnion to the east, the new memberswould automatically be treated as EU-member states. The updated Country Listcan be obtained from the Swiss FederalOffice for Agriculture or downloaded at thefollowing website:www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/910_181/app4.html.Organic imports from these countries aresubject to simpler procedures for approv-al. For such imports the exporter mustobtain an import certificate (Kontroll-bescheinigung) from his certification bodyin the country of origin (see Annex V). Thiscertificate is presented to the importer inSwitzerland. It is required by the certifica-tion body when the annual inspection ofthe business is carried out. Moreover, thisdocument confirms that the importedproduct is an organic product. However,for meat and meat-products (in which themeat content > 20%) this documentwould have to be inspected and stampedby the customs veterinarian.Till the end of 2000, the Swiss CountryList related only to organic products ofplant origin. Since January 1, 2001 it in-cludes organic products of animal origin(some countries only).

Exports from non-approved countriesoutside the EU Analogously to the EU, Switzerland alsooperates a system of “individual author-ization”. For direct imports from countriesthat are not included on the list of thirdcountries, the importer in Switzerlandmust submit an application for individualauthorization to the Federal Office for Agri-culture (FOAG) together with an attestationof equivalence for the relevant productand its producer (for forms see Annex V).

On the basis of these the FOAG can con-firm the equivalence of individual productsand issue “individual authorisation”.Individual authorisations are listed annuallyin the Swiss official trade gazette(Schweizerische Handelsamtsblatt) andcan be seen on the internet(http://www.blw.admin.ch/fakten/import/eu_list/bioeinzelermaechti-gungen.xls). Only when the individualauthorisation has been granted may theproduct be imported into Switzerland asan organic product. In these cases too,every delivery must be accompanied byan import certificate.

Requirements relating to the attestation ofequivalence• A separate application for individual

authorization is required for each ex-porter in the country of origin. The ap-plication may be completed for multipleexporters, however, if they all havetheir business headquarters in thesame country (country of origin) andcome under the same certification/in-spection body.

• The attestation of equivalence, whichmust accompany the application for in-dividual authorization, must be com-pleted by the certification/inspectionbody of the exporter and is the keyprerequisite for approval of the applica-tion.

• Checklist for assessing equivalencefrom the Federal Office for Agriculture(see Annex V): the use of genetic engi-neering and irradiation is prohibited.Equivalence of procedures used issubject to detailed assessment.

• The more thoroughly the accompanydocumentation has been prepared, thequicker and less complicated it will beto process the application. In the caseof applications that place especiallygreat demands on the time and effortof the FOAG, a fee is charged to reflectthis. It is advisable to prepare the doc-uments as thoroughly as possible inGerman, French, Italian or English and,where necessary, draw on the servicesof a certification body in order to keepthe administrative effort, and the corre-sponding costs, to a minimum.

• Inspection to ascertain whether the im-porter in Switzerland has the requiredauthorization for all imports is carriedout by the Swiss inspection and certifi-cation bodies.

39

Conditions pertaining to import certificates Every consignment must be accompaniedby an import certificate. The certificateserves as confirmation that production re-quirements have been adhered to and thatinspection has taken place. Import certifi-cates are issued by certification/inspectionbodies that are accredited at Federal level(and not by the Federal Office for Agricul-ture): • In the case of imports into Switzerland

from countries on the Country List, theimport certificate must be completedby one of the certification bodies forthe relevant country stipulated on theCountry List. In the case of imports ofnon-EU products from the EU that al-ready have an import certificate for theEU, this will be accepted as long asthe information contained in it is validat the time of import into Switzerland.

• In the case of imports into Switzerlandfrom countries not included on theCountry List (where individual author-ization is required), the body named inthe application for individual authoriza-tion (normally the exporter’s certifica-tion/inspection body) is responsible forissuing the certificate.

Care should be taken to ensure that theproperly completed document, whichmust have been stamped and signed bythe inspection body, is forwarded to theimporter in Switzerland without delay. If animporter is unable to produce an importcertificate he will be sanctioned accordingly.

4.4 Private organic labellingschemes

4.4.1 The BIO SUISSE Knospe(“bud”) label

The Association of the Swiss Organic Agri-culture Organizations (VereinigungSchweizer Biolandbau-Organisationen,BIO SUISSE) was founded in 1981; itcomprises more than 30 member organ-izations and more than 6000 farmers. In1981 BIO SUISSE set out the first jointstandards for organic cultivation andestablished the Knospe (bud) trademarkfor products from certified organic pro-duction. Nowadays the Knospe is themost widely known organic label amongstconsumers in Switzerland.

For imported products to be awarded theKnospe label, all of the foreign operators(producers, processors and traders) mustfulfil not only the requirements set out inthe Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance, butalso comply with BIO SUISSE Standards.Verification of compliance is undertaken byBIO SUISSE. Corresponding applicationsfor inspection must be made by a BIOSUISSE licensee before goods are import-ed.It is not only in the field of agriculture thatthe BIO SUISSE Standards are tougherthan the minimum requirements stipulatedby Switzerland and the EU (see 4.3.4). Inprocessing, too, certain processes andadditives such as synthetic ascorbic acidand alginates are not permitted. For pro-cessed products, each constituent prod-uct must be approved by BIO SUISSE.Applications may be submitted in writingby BIO SUISSE license holders.

Based on marketing considerations, theBIO SUISSE Standards list the followingrestrictions applicable to imported goods: • Transportation by air is not permitted. • Fresh products from overseas are only

approved if, for climatic reasons, theseproducts cannot be grown in Europe(this includes frozen goods).

• In the case of products processed ab-road in their entirety and products ofanimal origin, the management boardof BIO SUISSE decides on a case-by-case basis whether the product maybe approved.

• Bio Suisse can reject importing organicproducts from overseas for imagereasons (standards Article 6.2.2).

Knospe (“bud”) label for organicproducts of swiss origin

The BIO SUISSE Bud: more than 90 % of the rawmaterials come from Switzerland.

40

Documentation required for application forBIO SUISSE approval In the case of farms BIO SUISSErequires: • a current inspection report and report

for the previous year from the farm’sinspection body

• a BIO SUISSE checklist (see www.bio-suisse.ch/en/importandexport/accesstoswissmarket.php) completedby an accredited inspection body

• certificates confirming how long thefarm has been under organic produc-tion

• crop rotation plans, field histories.

In the case of producer cooperativesand small farm projects BIO SUISSErequires: • a comprehensive report on the whole

project from the inspection body • a description of internal inspection

mechanisms• a producer register (including home

address, certified and non-certifiedfields and crops, field history, estimat-ed crop yield; any measures taken,items bought in, pesticides andfertilizer used)

• new businesses, conversion status and leavers (including reason, e.g.infringement of standards)

Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance (BV)

Mandatory; however,vineyards and orchards

are partly exempted

2 years

Up to max. 5 yearspossible in the case of

perennial crops

From1st year on

Required for directpayments; at least 7%

of the agriculturalfarm land

Max. 2.5 LU equiv. (1)/hain low-land areas

(in highland areas lower);balanced nutrient

input/output situation

Maximum proportions forcereals, maize and

potatoes in the rotation

Only general rules

Only substances listedin Annex 2 of the Swiss

Organic Ordinance

EU RegulationNo. 2092/91

Not mandatory

2 years (perennials3 years)

Step by step conversionof partial farm units

possible

From2nd year on

No requirement

Max. 170 kg/ha(for animal husbandry)

Balanced rotation(not specified)

Only general rules

Only substances listedin Annex II A

BIO SUISSEStandards

Mandatory

2 years, no retro-perspective approval of

parcels and farms

Up to max. 5 yearspossible in the case of

perennial crops

From1st year on

Same as Swiss OrganicFarming Ordinance,in addition 5% of all

grassland with low inputfertilisation andmanagement

Same as Swiss OrganicOrdinance, in additioncrop specific maximum

amounts of nitrogen andphosphorous are

required

Same as Swiss OrganicOrdinance, in additionminimum of 20% soilimproving crops (lye

and/or green manure)

Minimum green cover invineyards and orchards

also in arid areas(min. 4 months)

Additional restrictions:e.g. no use of meat

and bone meal.

Table 3: Comparison of organic farming regulations and standards: EU,Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance and BIO SUISSE Standards

Area, criteria

Whole-farmconversion toorganic farmmanagement

Conversionperiod

Step by stepconversion

In-conversionlabel

Surfacesenhancingbiodiversity(“compensatoryecologicalhabitat areas”)

Nutrient level

Crop rotation

Soil management

Fertilisers andsoil conditioners

(1) LU equiv.: Livestock unit equivalent (DGVE: Düngergrossvieheinheit)

41

• documentation relating to inspectionvisits

• quantities bought up from eachproducer (day-book, delivery notes).

Trade and export firms must be able toprovide evidence that they guarantee sep-arate handling of BIO SUISSE-approvedgoods. BIO SUISSE requires the followingdocuments in order to check this: • current inspection report from the

inspection body • certificate for the business • description of separate handling and

quality assurance system.• pest and disease management.

Only substances listed inAnnex 2 of the SwissOrganic Ordinance

max. 4 kg/ha

Prohibited

Detailed regulation likeEU

No irradiationAnnex list of additives

and processing aids forprocessing of plant and

animal products

Prohibited

No regulation

Only substances listedin Annex II B

Max. 8 kg/ha calculatedon a 5 year average from

2006 on 6 kg/hacalculated on a 5 year

average

Only permitted in traps(until 31 of March 2006)

Detailed regulation withregard to imported

animals and feed, animaltreatment and housing

No irradiationOnly Annex list of

additives and processingaids for processing of

plant products

Prohibited

No regulation

Additional restrictions:

Different max.amounts/ha, max.

1.5 kg for apple/pears,max 2 kg/ha for berries,

max. 4 kg for stonefruits, potatoes and

grapes (grapes: averageover 5 years)

Prohibited

Detailed regulation likeEU and additional BIOSUISSE requirements

(e.g. for pig keeping andpoultry)

Special requirement forfarms with animals

exporting plant productswith the BIO SUISSE

logo to Switzerland: thegeneral requirements for

animal husbandry ofIFOAM Basic Standardsor EU regulation have to

be fulfilled at least.

No irradiation ormicrowave treatment;only quality-preserving

methods permitted, lessadditives allowed (no

synthetic ascorbic acid)

Prohibited

Some restrictions(aluminium cans, PVC,

etc.)

Use of cropprotection agents

Limits for copperuse as plantprotection agent

Metaldehydeagainst slug andpyrethroidinsecticides

Animal husbandry

Processing

Geneticallymodifiedorganisms andproducts derivedfrom them

Packaging

Knospe (“bud”) label for importedorganic products

The Bio-Bud: more than 10 % of raw materials are imported. They are liable to equivalentstandards.

42

In the case of processing firms BIOSUISSE requires: • Only BIO SUISSE-approved raw mate-

rials may be used in the production ofBIO SUISSE-approved products. Forthis reason, in addition to the detailsregarding processing, documentationrelating to all producers supplying rawmaterials must also be submitted.

• current inspection reports on all loca-tions involved in processing

• processing description and processspecifications (time, temperature, pres-sure)

• list of substances used as processingaids and, where relevant, GMO-freecertification

• complete processing recipes (ex-pressed in percentages of the whole)

• precise details of packaging materials • pest and disease management• designs for planned labels.

The more complete this documentation is,the quicker and cheaper the applicationfor approval can be processed. Not all in-spection bodies provide sufficiently de-tailed inspection reports. BIO SUISSE fre-quently has to turn down applications onthe grounds that the information suppliedwas inadequate.

Approval procedure When BIO SUISSE has considered the ap-plication, the importer receives written no-tification while the firm in question (pro-ducer, processing firm, exporter) receivesin addition to the notification all relevantdetails for the follow-up approval. The BIOSUISSE approval does not give the firmthe right to market the product using theKnospe (“bud”) label or name. This right isreserved exclusively for firms that haveentered into a special contract with BIOSUISSE, i.e. the BIO SUISSE licensee. Theapproval procedure must be repeatedevery year.

The application for BIO SUISSE approvalmust be made by an importer operating inSwitzerland. The importer must be, ormust become, a BIO SUISSE licenceholder and pay the approval fees andKnospe licence fees. For a product to belabelled with the Knospe trademark, itmust be imported via a BIO SUISSElicence holder.

4.4.2 DEMETER

For a product to carry the biodynamicDEMETER label, it must conform to theproduction and processing standards laiddown by the Swiss DEMETER Associa-tion. This also applies to DEMETERimported goods.

DEMETER standards cover all of the re-quirements laid down by BIO SUISSE. Insome respects, however, they go furtherthan these (see DEMETER standardswww.demeter.net): • Use of biodynamic preparations. These

preparations are aimed at stimulatingsoil fertility by revitalising the soil andstimulating activity in plants.

• No copper products to be used in thecultivation of vegetables and potatoes.

• Landscaping of the farm. Every farmshould provide good living conditionsfor beneficial organisms.

• Only feeds of biodynamic origin andmax. 20% of brought in organic origin.No feeds of conventional origin may bebrought in.

• Special requirements apply with regardto processing.

For DEMETER imported goods, the follo-wing rules must be observed: • Air transport of goods is not permitted.

Exceptions can be only asked forhighly perishable tropical fruits frombiodynamic projects in developingcountries. Decisions are made by theDEMETER commission for protectionof proprietary rights (DEMETERMarkenschutzkommission).

• DEMETER products from farms underconversion may only be imported intoSwitzerland if the farm has been 100%certified by the EU. Such productsmay then be brought onto the Swissmarket with the declaration “underconversion to DEMETER”.

43

• The imported product is only recogni-sed as a DEMETER product inSwitzerland if it has been certified byone of the 19 member countries ofDEMETER International or by theInternational Demeter CertificationBody (Prüfstelle) in Darmstadt,Germany; www.demeter.net.

4.4.3 Migros organic programme(Bio Programm der Migros)

The Migros label is an organic label withgrowing importance in Switzerland. Underthis label Migros commits itself to thequality of organic products sold in itsoutlets. The detailed requirements includesocial, ecological and qualitative criteria.The processing complies with the provi-sions of the Swiss Organic Ordinance. Indomestic production the same require-ments apply as for BIO SUISSE directives.Imported products with the Migros biolabel correspond to the European regula-tions. Air transport is not accepted. Nobiological products are imported fromconversion firms. Before a supplier canoffer bio products through Migros’ chan-nels, he undertakes to comply with theMigros bio directives. In addition he musthave each product approved. Afterthorough examination he receives theproduct certificate.

4.4.4 Requirements under otherlabelling schemes forexports to Europe

BIO SUISSE works closely with otherlabelling organisations that set equivalentstandards. These include the Germanorganisations Naturland, Bioland andDemeter Deutschland and the AustrianErnte-Verband. All of these organisationsinclude whole-farm conversion as arequirement.

Naturland and BIO SUISSE cooperate ina special way: BIO SUISSE operates aspecial approval procedure for projectsoutside Germany that have been certifiedby Naturland. In addition to Naturlandcertification, Naturland can also verifycompliance with the BIO SUISSEStandards if so requested. Definitiveapproval, however, can only be grantedby BIO SUISSE, since general Swissfederal legal provisions relating to organicproducts must also be complied with.BIO SUISSE, on the other hand, does notverify whether projects or businessescomply with the standards set by Natur-land.

In recent years BIO SUISSE has begun tocollaborate more closely with the followinginspection and certification bodies abroad:Ecocert (France), AIAB (Italy), SKAL(Netherlands), KRAV (Sweden) and FVO(USA). These can, on request, include thespecific requirements laid down by BIOSUISSE when carrying out their inspec-tion. This takes place either by completinga special BIO SUISSE checklist or by inte-grating the relevant points into their ownstandards (for addresses see Annex IV).

4.4.5 Relationship to Fair Trade

Many producer associations in the emerg-ing markets and markets in transitionconform to the requirements of the FairTrade organisations, e.g. FLO (Fair-tradeLabelling Organisations International),Transfair, Max Havelaar and World Shops(Weltläden). Having a Fair Trade label doesnot necessarily mean, however, that theproducts can also be sold as “organic”.In order to be designated organic, theproject must be subject to accreditedorganic inspection procedures.

BIO SUISSE maintains close contacts withMax Havelaar Switzerland, since someprojects conform to the standards of bothorganisations. The combination of “orga-nic” and “fair trade” labelling can enhancea product’s market prospects.

44

Web information corner on requirements and conditions relating to access for organic imports into Switzerland

http://www.blw.admin.ch/ The website of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture provides detailed information on: • The Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance • Forms for attestation of equivalence and individual authorization to import • Direct payments for organic farms • Cultivation of organic products.

http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/aw/bio/e/index.htm#importDocuments for import of organic products (forms, explanations, regulations, informa-tion) in English

http://www.admin.ch/ Original texts of: • Swiss legislation • The Swiss Ordinance on agricultural imports.

http://www.zoll.admin.ch Customs tariffs of the Federal Customs Administration.

http://www.iso.ch/The homepage of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Genevaprovides a link to ISO-65, the standard pertaining to certification bodies.

http://www.cenorm.be/The homepage of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) provides a linkto the text of the EN-45011 standard.

http://www.bio-inspecta.ch/ Services provided by the inspection and certification company bio.inspecta.

http://www.imo.chServices provided by the inspection and certification company “Institut fürMarktökologie” (IMO).

http://www.sgs.ch Services provided by the inspection and certification company SGS (Société Généralede Surveillance).

http://www.sqs.ch Services provided by the inspection and certification company Swiss Association forQuality and Management Systems (SQS).

http://www.sas.admin.ch The Swiss Federal Office of Metrology is the accreditation body for inspection andcertification bodies in Switzerland.

http://www.bio-suisse.ch The website of BIO SUISSE (Association of Swiss Organic Agriculture Organizations,Vereinigung Schweizer Biolandbau-Organisationen) provides detailed information on: • Standards relating to farming and processing • Approval procedures for the Knospe (“bud”) label • Markets and prices• Addresses of licence holders

http://www.maxhavelaar.ch/ The website of Max Havelaar Switzerland, one of the most important Fair Trade organizations.

http://www.demeter.ch and http://www.demeter.netThe website of DEMETER Switzerland and the website of DEMETER Internationalprovide information on:• Standards relating to farming and processing• Approval procedures for the DEMETER label.

http://www.miosphere.ch/d/produkte/labels.php3Overview of the different labels from Migros and the standards concerning theprocessing and trade of Migros’organic products.

45

5. Services for organic agriculture

5.1 International cooperationby FiBL

FiBL: More than 30 years ofexperienceFiBL was established as a foundation in1974 by organic farmers, scientists andpoliticians. Since 1997 the institute’sheadquarters have been in Frick inSwitzerland. The objective of the ResearchInstitute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) is tocontribute to the development and impro-

vement of organic and sustainable agricul-tural practice. FiBL meets this objectivethrough:• Practice-oriented agronomic and

economic research, by which FiBLimproves the understanding of organicfarming systems and of the environ-mental, economic and social impactof farming.

• High quality extension service, bywhich FiBL makes the latest organicfarming methods easily accessible tofarming communities, national andprivate extension services and othereducation centres throughout theworld and services the needs of thesecommunities in different forums.

The International Cooperation group atFiBL is a motivated team of experiencedorganic advisers. They are intimatelyacquainted with organic farming and itsinstitutional and commercial environment,and have wide-ranging experience ininternational cooperation. The pool ofFiBL-consultants includes experts forWestern and Eastern Europe, theMediterranean region, Africa, LatinAmerica and Asia.

FiBL-Projects and Services

FiBL implements projects withagronomic, ecological, socio-economic and cultural objectives,on behalf of various partners andcustomers:• Farmers and farmer-co-operatives• Traders and processors• Public and private sector research• Educational and advisory institutions• Development cooperation agencies

and NGOs• Public authorities and bodies.

FiBL projects and services address allissues relating to the production, processing and marketing of organicproducts:• Feasibility and project studies• Conversion planning and preparation

of initial inspection• Training and advice (production

techniques, economics, marketingand ecological aspects)

• Documentation, e.g. IFOAM / FiBLTraining Manuals, technical leaflets

• Research and development, pilotand demonstration trials

• Development of processing andmarketing (market surveys, market-ing concepts and organic producesourcing).

• Preparation of documents for importauthorities and label certification

• Set-up of inspection and certificationprogrammes, e.g. in India, Bulgaria,Rumania, Indonesia, China.

46

Local Initiative and Local OwnershipInnovations such as organic farming willonly then have sustained success if ageneral consensus legitimises them. FiBLseeks this consensus and the sharedresponsibility engendered by it at every

possible level. The desire to find ecologi-cally and economically sustainablesolutions must be rooted in the region orcountry itself. FiBL-projects are based onlocal initiatives, local ownership and localknowledge.

While cultivation techniques andsuccessful marketing are crucial, FiBL-projects further embrace developmentpolicy objectives and fair trade aspects,knowledge and promote the refinementand dissemination of this knowledge.

Support from Production to SaleThe organic market is highly specific anddynamic and constant alertness isrequired. At the same time it is a marketwith tremendous prospects for growth andit offers creative producers and exporterssome excellent opportunities for success.

In step with the growing opportunities fortrade links and commodity marketing, therequirements placed upon the credibilityand quality assurance of organic produceare also rising. Competent project support– from production through processing tothe final sales outlet – is thus becoming allthe more important. FiBL offers full chain-of-custody surveillance and help toestablish and implement traceability andcertification.

5.2 Research

In Switzerland there are six state-run agri-cultural research stations. Some of their re-search projects deal with issues relating toorganic farming, in particular those of theSwiss Federal Research Station for Agro-ecology and Agriculture (EidgenössischeForschungsanstalt für Agrarökologie undLandbau, FAL) in Zürich-Reckenholz.

Research at FiBL uses on the followingkey areas: environmentally friendly cropproduction, organic plant protection,landscape ecology, business managementin organic farming, species-appropriatelivestock management and breeding,complementary veterinary treatments andfood quality. FiBL also has an experimentalsite in Therwil (Basel), a 30-hectareagricultural enterprise in Frick (Aargau), anetwork of 60 pilot farms and otheropportunities for conducting experimentson numerous working farms throughoutSwitzerland. The institute has gainedinternational renown above all for its DOKexperiment comparing conventional andorganic methods of farming, which hasbeen running for 25 years, and alsothrough its continuing work on organicfarming standards within IFOAM, theInternational Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements.

The oldest establishment for biodynamicresearch is the Goetheanum in Dornach.Its Research Working Group (Arbeits-gruppe Forschung, AGF) co-ordinates allresearch on biodynamic agriculture inSwitzerland. Every year the Goetheanumorganises an international conference onagriculture.

47

5.3 Advisory services, trainingand documentation

One of FiBL’s most important tasks is tobring expertise and new research findingsto producers. Spread across Switzerland,FiBL has four regional advisory bureaux.FiBL’s consultants cover a wide range ofspecialized areas, such as animal health,poultry management, vegetable produc-tion, viticulture and fruit-growing. The offi-cial advisory services run by the Cantonsalso offer specialist advice on organicfarming, focussing particularly on advicerelating to conversion. In Switzerland thereare more than 30 agricultural collegesoffering a wide range of courses and studyprogrammes relating to organic farming.All the Swiss Cantons run obligatoryintroductory courses in accordance withBIO SUISSE requirements, which stipulatea minimum attendance of two days at

such courses in order to obtain initialcertification. To complement the advisoryservices offered by the Cantons, FiBL runsnumerous courses, seminars and fieldinspections for interested farmers inconjunction with the regional organicagriculture organizations.

A group of practitioners, teachers of agri-culture and experts from FiBL have devel-oped a curriculum for basic training in or-ganic farming. Various agricultural collegesand farmers’ enterprises now offer trainingcourses and traineeships based on thiscurriculum. Some colleges already offer anofficially recognized qualification with thetitle “Farmer specialized in organic agricul-ture” (Landwirt mit Spezialrichtung Bio-landbau). In the case of biodynamic agri-culture, a four-year training course hasbeen in existence for many years. Thecourses and practical placements that arepart of this training programme take placeat agricultural enterprises. An overview ofall the courses and training opportunitiesrelating to organic farming and trainee-ships on organic farms is available onFiBL’s homepage.

The Department of Agriculture at theSwiss Federal Institute of Technology(Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule,ETH) in Zürich offers a degree course inagroecology which covers organic farmingmethods. A similar programme is also of-fered by the Swiss College of Agriculture(Schweizerische Hochschule für Land-wirtschaft, SHL) in Zollikofen.

“bio aktuell”, the information bulletin for or-ganic farmers, is published jointly by FiBLand BIO SUISSE. “bio aktuell” providesmonthly information on current issues re-lating to farming methods, on develop-ments concerning markets, standards andcertification, as well as on courses andevents. FiBL also publishes an “OrganicFarming Dossier” (DokumentationspaketBiolandbau), in which the very latest infor-mation on production techniques, busi-ness management, training, consultancyand standards in organic agriculture aremade available. The dossier contains acollection of information leaflets, a seriesof transparencies, aids for economic plan-ning, collections of standards and muchmore besides. With this dossier FiBL pro-vides an ideal tool for advisors on organicfarming, teachers of agriculture, agricultu-ral experts and managers.

48

Web information corner relating toservices for organic agriculture

http://www.fibl.org/ The FiBL website provides: • Information on FiBL’s research pro-

gramme• A facility for ordering information and

documents• An overview of courses and training

opportunities in organic farming • Exchange for traineeships at organic

enterprises• Downloadable texts and data on

organic agriculture • Information on events • Contacts and links to both Swiss

and international institutions andorganizations involved in organicagriculture.

http://www.fiv.ch/ Information on the research programmeof the Forschungsinstitut für Vitalqualität(FIV) in Wetzikon.

http://www.goetheanum.ch Information on the research programmeof the Goetheanum in Dornach.

http:// www.sar.admin.ch/en/research/index.htmThe six state-run agricultural researchstations with the Overview of agriculturalresearch projects in Switzerland.

http://www.abtvii.ethz.ch Information on degree courses in Agro-ecology at the Department of Agricul-ture and Food Sciences (DepartementAgrar- und Lebensmittelwissenschaften)at the Swiss Federal Institute of Tech-nology (ETH) in Zürich.

http://www.shl.bfh.chInformation on degree courses in Agro-ecology and Regional Planning(Agrarökologie und Raumplanung) at theSwiss College of Agriculture (SHL) inZollikofen.

http://www.ifoam.orgInternational Federation of organic agri-culture movements; useful informationsand links.

49

Part B: The European Union

5’000’000

4’500’000

4’000’000

3’500’000

3’000’000

2’500’000

2’000’000

1’500’000

1’000’000

500’000

0

200’000

180’000

160’000

140’000

120’000

100’000

80’000

60’000

40’000

20’000

0

198

5

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2001

2002

2003

50

1. The European organic market: Overview

Organic farming is carried on in almost allcountries of the world. The share of or-ganic farms in overall farmland and interms of numbers of holdings is growingcontinuously. The market for organic prod-ucts is also growing very rapidly, not onlyin Europe, North America and Japan,where the largest markets are to be found,but also in many emerging economies andeconomies in transition. The roots of or-ganic farming, however, lie in Europe. Thedevelopment that has taken place in theorganic market in recent years has thusbeen driven in Europe by a solid base ofproducers and consumers who are con-vinced of the ecological and social bene-fits of organic methods.

1.1 Development of organic agriculture

Organic farming has developed veryrapidly in almost all European countriessince the beginning of the 1990s. Thetotal area under organic farming increasedby 16.8% from 2001 to 2002, the frontrunner being Hungary with a growth rateof 304%, followed by the United Kingdomwith a growth rate of 280%, CzechRepublic with a growth rate of 200% andPortugal with a growth rate of around150%. In recent years the total area under organic management in Europe has been

increasing by an average of 30% per year.At the beginning of 2003, more than5,4 million hectares were managed byover 170,000 organic operators in thecountries of the EU and EFTA and the13 accession candidates. This constitutesmore than 2% of the total agricultural area.

There are significant differences amongthe individual countries as regards the ex-tent of organic agriculture. In Austria morethan 10% of all agricultural land is underorganic management, while Germany, animportant market for selling organicgoods, is only in the middle of the fieldwith 4.1%.

From 1987 on some countries (Denmark,Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden,Austria) introduced subsidies for farmconversion in order to promote organicagriculture. The EU’s agri-environmentprogramme introduced under RegulationNo. 2078/92 in September 1992 alsoseeks to promote production processesthat protect the environment and promote

Figure 7: Development of organic agriculture in Europe

Hectares Holdings

HectaresHoldings

Source: SÖL and FiBL, february 2003

Source: SÖL, february 2003

1’168’212 ha

509’000 ha

187’000 ha

178’360 ha

297’000 ha235’136 ha

724’523 ha

696’978 ha

103’000 ha665’055 ha

85’912 ha

29’850 ha

103’672 ha

156’692 ha

Figure 8: Organic farming in Europe

51

animal welfare. The type and amount ofsupport provided within this programmevaries in the different EU Member States.

1.2 Market development

In many countries the market for organicproducts is still relatively small, although itis growing everywhere. Worldwide, Europeis the biggest market for organic products.The annual turnover of the organic marketin western Europe was around 10 billionUS dollars in 2002 and this figure iscurrently rising by between 0 and 30%depending on the country. In the USA andJapan, the two markets that are next inimportance to Europe for organic prod-ucts, similar market growth rates areexpected. Forecasts for the current yearput the total sales volume of these threemost important markets at 23–25 billionUS dollars (with around 6% of this inSwitzerland).

Depending on the country and productgroup, the market share of organic prod-ucts ranges from less than 1% up to 5%.By the year 2005 the share of organicfoods in the overall market in Europe ispredicted to reach between 5 and 10%.Within the EU, Germany has the largestmarket volume in absolute terms. InDenmark, however, organic products havea higher percentage of the total market.Certain product groups already have asmuch as a 15% share of the total marketin Europe (e.g., in Denmark carrots, eggs,butter, milk). The growing demandthroughout Europe is a key factor in thefuture development of this market.

% of total retail salesof food and beverages

2.3

1.2

1.0

2.2

1.2

3.0–4.0

1.4

3.5

1.0–2.0

2.9

1.5–2.0

–

Total turnoverin millions of C

3.0

1.5

1.5

0.3

1.45

0.7

0.38

0.27

0.26–0.28

0.33

0.35–0.45

9.5–10.5

Country

Germany

Italy

France

Belgium

United Kingdom

Switzerland

The Netherlands

Denmark

Finland

Austria

Sweden

Europe

Annualgrowth

5–10

5–15

5–10

5–10

10–15

5–15

5–10

0–5

–

5–10

10–15

–

Table 4: The European market for organic products in 2002

Source: FiBL, 2003, ITC 2002

Estimate for 2005 in million C

3.7

1.6

1.7

0.35

2–2.5

0.9–1.0

0.5

0.27–0.3

–

0.35–0.4

0.4–0.5

11.8–12.8

52

In Germany, Austria and Scandinavia thegreatest challenge is to extend the rangeof products on offer and expand market-ing channels. In the countries of southernEurope, where marketing efforts were

originally entirely export-oriented, thechallenge is to create regional marketsand promote awareness of organic prod-ucts in the domestic market. The samealso holds true for the countries of Centraland Eastern Europe.

1.3 Market structures

European consumers buy organic prod-ucts either direct from the farm, in special-ist natural food stores and, increasingly, intraditional supermarket chains. Differentcountries have followed different marketingpaths. Whereas in Germany for exampledirect sales and sales via specialistorganic food stores predominate, theorganic movement in the United Kingdomand Denmark targeted the supermarketsas a sales channel from the outset.Countries where organic products aresold mainly via conventional retail channelshave higher market growth rates andlarger market shares than in countrieswhere natural food retailers are the mainoutlets for organic products. The secondmost important factor is the existence of anational umbrella brand name for organicproducts. The importance of super-markets as an outlet for organic productswill continue to increase in the comingyears; most of the market growth in theorganic sector is likely to come from thischannel.

Web information corner on the organic market in Europe

http://www.soel.deThe German Foundation Ecology andAgriculture (Stiftung Ökologie & Land-bau, SÖL) has published a study enti-tled “Ökologische Agrarkultur Weltweit– Organic Agriculture Worldwide” on itswebsite. A copy of this bilingual (Ger-man/English) study may be obtainedeither direct from SÖL or downloadedfrom the internet (www.soel.de/oekolandbau/weltweit.html).

http://www.intracen.org/The website of the International TradeCenter (ITC) in Geneva. The ITC hasproduced an overview of the market fororganic products worldwide.

http://www.organic-europe.netgives reports and database on organicagriculture in Europe.

http://www.green-tradenet.deInformation network on organic rawmaterials worldwide.

http://www.biogene.orgInformation Turntable for GM-freeProduction.

http://www.organicTS.comInformation about market opportunitiesworld wide for organic products.

http://www.eisfom.orgEuropean information System fororganic markets gives information of32 European countries for organic products.

53

2. Access for organic imports:Requirements and conditions

2.1 General framework

The European Union (EU) has a CommonAgricultural Policy (CAP), a common com-mercial policy and common import andcustoms regulations for imports from out-side the EU. Organic products are subjectto the same customs tariffs as convention-al products. The ACP-EU PartnershipAgreement (Cotonou 2000) forms the ba-sis for developing long-term cooperationbetween the EU countries and the 69African-Caribbean-Pacific countries (ACPcountries). The Agreement provides forpreferential tariffs for the ACP countries. Italso provides for “general preferential tariffsfor developing countries”. Products fromthe Least Developed Countries are dutyfree. In order to take advantage of prefe-rential tariffs, imported goods must be ac-companied by a certificate of origin. TheCommon Agricultural Policy applies quanti-tative restrictions and special charges foragricultural imports (depending on theproduct, the season and country of origin).These also apply to organic products. Im-porters must apply for an import licence.The current World Trade Organization (WTO)reform negotiations are pushing forward to-wards liberalization of trade in agriculturalproducts based on the resolutions of theGATT Uruguay Round. A key element inthis is the commitment on the part of theindustrialized countries to reduce customstariffs and export subsidies by a further13–24% by the year 2004. The aim of theWTO is to facilitate access for emergingeconomies and economies in transition tothe markets of the industrialized countries.

The Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference washeld in Mexico in September 2003. Themain task was to take stock of progress innegotiations and other work under theDoha Development Agenda.The Conference ended with the conclu-sion that despite considerable movementin consultations, members remained ent-renched, particularly on the “Singapore”issues. It is most likely that the small deve-loping countries will suffer most for theinability to come to an agreement on thedifferent issues discussed. However, it wasdecided in December 2003 that the DohaDevelopment Agenda should be discus-sed further in smaller meetings during thecoming years.

2.2 The EU Regulation onorganic production

In the Member States of the EU, plantproducts are governed by Regulation No.2092/91, which came into force in 1993,while products from organically managedlivestock are governed by EU RegulationNo. 1804/99, enacted in August 2000.These constitute an important step to-wards consumer protection. They protectproducers from unfair competition andthey protect consumers from pseudo-or-ganic products. Plant and animal products,and processed agricultural goods importedinto the EU, may only be labelled usingterms such as “organic” in English and “bi-ologisch” or “ökologisch” in German, etc.,if they conform to the provisions of the EURegulation. The EU Regulation on organicproduction – like the Swiss Organic Farm-ing Ordinance – lays down minimum rulesgoverning the production, processing andimport of organic products, including in-spection procedures, labelling and market-ing, for the whole of Europe. In other words,the Regulation defines what constitutes anauthentic, certified organic product. EachEuropean country is responsible for en-forcement and for its own monitoring andinspection system. Applications, supervi-sion and sanctions are dealt with at region-al level. At the same time, each countryhas a certain degree of freedom with re-gard to how it interprets the Regulation onorganic production and how it implementsthe Regulation in its national context.

2.3 Importing goods into the EU

The regulations on imports in the EU Reg-ulation on organic production are of greatsignificance for the international market inorganic products. Article 11 of the EURegulation governs market access for or-ganic products in the countries of the EU.It stipulates that organic foods importedinto the EU from third countries must havebeen produced, processed and certified inaccordance with equivalent standards.The exporting country must give details ofthe standards and inspection proceduresimplemented and these are evaluated bythe EU. In this respect, the requirementsand conditions relating to access for or-ganic products are comparable to thoselaid down in the Swiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (see Part A, Chapter 4 of thepresent handbook). Enforcement is the re-sponsibility of the EU Member States, al-though in Germany it is in fact carried outat the level of the German federal states

54

(Länder). For examples see Chapter 3 ofPart B (EU Regulation see Annex II).

At the present time there are two ways ofauthorizing imports into the EU:

I. Access via the list of third countries inaccordance with Art. 11, paragraphs1–5: A country or certification bodymay apply to be added to the list ofthird countries (EU Third Countries List)via its diplomatic representatives inBrussels. In order to be added to thislist, the country making the applicationmust already have enacted organicfarming legislation and a fully functionalsystem of inspection and monitoringmust be in place. In addition, it mustprovide an attestation of equivalenceand other information on organicfarming methods. The EuropeanCommission decides upon theapplication based on an assessment ofthe implemented system and theresults of an evaluation visit conductedby EU experts to evaluate the imple-mentation and functioning of the legis-lation in the respective country. To dateonly 8 countries have been included onthe list: Argentina, Australia, CostaRica, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel,New Zealand and Switzerland. Goodsimported from these countries need tobe accompanied by a consignment-specific “Certificate of Inspection forImport of Products from OrganicProduction”.

II. Access via import permit in accor-dance with Art. 11, paragraph 6, for allcountries not included on the list ofthird countries (i.e. the vast majority ofimports into the EU). As a rule, certifi-cation bodies operating at the interna-tional level will assist exporters and im-porters to put together all the informa-tion and evidence needed toaccompany the application for an im-port permit. Requirements vary fromone EU country to another, but the fol-lowing are those that generally apply(for specific country requirements seeChapter 3): Import permits are onlyissued to the importing company bythe EU Member state authority intowhich the product is first imported.This company needs to sign aninspection contract with a Europeancertification body that is approved inthe EU. For imports from countriesoutside the EU and not listed on thethird country list the importer appliesfor an import permit with the local

competent authority. With the applica-tion he or the certification body heassigns to this task has to providedocumentation to prove that the pro-duction and certification of the respec-tive products is in consonance with theEU requirements. The competentauthority may request additional infor-mation, e.g. the inspection reports orevidence that the certification bodyactive in the third country is complyingwith ISO 65 (EN 45011). Products maynot be released into the EU marketuntil an import permit has been issued.Import permits are usually issued for alimited time period. Re-application isnecessary when they run out.Each consignment needs to beaccompanied by a “Certificate ofInspection for Import of Products fromOrganic Production”.

Within the EU all organic products may befreely traded. However, procedures relat-ing to the issue of import permits are notthe same in all EU countries. It is advisableto seek advice from the relevant author-ities before trading commences.

2.4 Requirements relating toinspection bodies

Since January 1988, all inspection bodiesaccredited in the EU must satisfy the re-quirements of the EN 45011 standards(these are identical to ISO Guide 65; bothset out general standards for certificationbodies), in order for suitable imports of or-ganic goods to be approved by the Euro-pean authorities. Because of the require-ment of equivalency, this also applies to allinspection bodies in third countries fromwhich certified products are imported intoEurope. In other words, it also applies tolocal inspection bodies in emerging mar-kets and markets in transition. There is arecommendation by the EU on options forgoing about this:1. The inspection body is accredited by

an accreditation body in accordancewith EN 45011 standards. The accre-ditation body must be accepted byother accreditation bodies. This hap-pens on the European level by signingthe EA-MLA (Multilateral Agreementsigned by members of the Europeanco-operation for Accreditation). On theinternational level the respective orga-nisation would be IAF (InternationalAccreditation Forum), the internationalassociation of accreditation bodies –however the IAF members are still ne-

55

gotiating the MLA on ISO 65 and foraccreditation bodies outside of the EUthere is so far no possibility to sign aMLA on ISO 65.

2. The inspection body has been appro-ved by a competent authority in thethird country in accordance with EN45011 or ISO Guide 65.

3. The inspection body has been asses-sed by a qualified expert in accordancewith EN 45011 or ISO Guide 65. Asupervisory authority in the EU hasconfirmed the assessment.

Although these options are not officiallypassed by the EU the EU Member Statesare more or less following them. At thepresent time, confirmation of assessmentscarried out by experts under option 3 isonly undertaken by German authorities.Confirmation by a German authority is,however, recognised in all of the EU coun-tries. In Germany the view is taken first ofall that in many third countries option 2does not exist and second, there are onlyvery few accreditation organisations corre-sponding to option 1. A checklist is obtai-nable from the German interstate workinggroup of organic control authorities(Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft zur Ver-ordnung EWG 2092/01, LÖK) givingdetails of how an expert assessment inaccordance with options 1, 2 and 3should be carried out.

The EU countries have not reached anyagreement as to whether they should re-cognise IFOAM as an accreditation organi-sation under option 1 or 3. The IFOAMaccreditation programme, run by theInternational Organic Accreditation Service(IOAS), has so far been recognised prima-rily in the Scandinavian countries. Also inGermany the competent authority acceptsthe IOAS reports under option 3. IOASaccreditation is not officially recognised bythe EU authorities because IOAS is not asignatory or member of any of the organi-sations mentioned above (EA-MLA, IAF-MLA). Obstacles for membership are theinternational character of IOAS whereasthe accreditation bodies are usually focus-ing on the national level.

2.5 EU logo for organic products

In February 2000 the European Commis-sion introduced a logo for organic pro-ducts that may be used throughout theEU by producers operating in accordancewith the provisions of the EU Regulationon organic production. The logo may only

be used on organic products where 95%of the ingredients are organic productsthat originate from the EU and that havebeen processed, packaged and labelled inthe EU. According to a legal interpretationpresented by the European Commission,the EU logo can now be used on importsfrom countries that are deemed to have anequivalent inspection system. These arethe countries on the Third Country List(see chapter 2.3). For imports to carry theEU-logo when they are accepted into theEU under Article 11. 6, the certificationbody must be supervised by the authori-ties in the country of inspection. Not manycountries outside the EU and US or thatare not on the EU third country list, have asystem for supervision of inspection bo-dies. Use of the new symbol is voluntaryand it may also be used in conjunctionwith national government or private logosfor identifying organic products. So faronly few companies, especially inSouthern Europe, are using the EU logoand the market impact is low.

The new logo is designed like those thatwere developed previously relating to pro-tection of geographical indications anddesignations of origin (OJ L 224 of August11, 1998) and to certificates of specificcharacter (OJ L 275 of October 6, 1994)for agricultural products and foodstuffs. Itcontains twelve stars as the symbol of theEU and may be used in colour (blue andgreen) or black/white. The appropriatereference to organic production has beenlaid down for each language, but the logomay also be bilingual.

Figure 9: The EU logo for organicproducts

ling schemes before the EU Regulationcame into force, sometimes many yearsearlier. These quality marks, for example inDenmark, Austria, Sweden and Switzer-land, are well trusted by consumers andare one of the reasons for the currentboom in the market for organic productsin these countries. All national legal normson organic production standards in the EUmember states have been rendered voidwhen the EU Regulation entered intoforce. The same will apply when the ac-cession countries like Poland, Hungaryenter the EU in 2004.

56

2.6 How the EU Regulation onorganic production relates toother standards and laws

Some countries in Europe had alreadyformulated their own legislation on organicproduction or private standards and label-

Figure 10: Governmental and privatelogos for organic products in Europe

Denmark

Germany

Belgium

Web information corner on require-ments and conditions relating to access for organic imports

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/consleg/main/1991/en_1991R2092_index.htmlThe EUR-Lex website leads to a conso-lidated version of the EU RegulationNo. 2092/91 and includes amendmentsup to 23.03.2002. Available in all lang-uages of the EU.

http://www.wto.org/ The website of the World Trade Organ-ization gives the current status of thenegotiations on the Agricultural Agree-ment and international commitments toreduce agricultural subsidies.

http://www.iafinc.org/The members of the InternationalAccreditation Forum (IAF) and the fieldswhere they have already signed MutualRecognition Agreements (MLA) may beviewed on the website of IAF.

http://www.european-accreditation.org/The Multilateral Agreement for inspec-tion and certification bodies is availableon the homepage of the “European co-operation for Accreditation” organiza-tion.

http://www.iso.ch/The homepage of the International Or-ganization for Standardization (ISO),which has its headquarters in Geneva,contains details of ISO 65 pertaining tocertification bodies.

http://www.cenorm.be/The web pages of the European Com-mittee for Standardization (CEN) give fulldetails of EN Standard 45011.

http://www.ifoam.orgThe website of IFOAM the InternationalFederation of Organic AgricultureMovements publishes in the chapter“organic guarantee system” the BasicStandards and the Criteria for accredita-tion. It provides also information on theIFOAM Accreditation Programme.

http://www.blw.admin.ch/themen/aw/bio/e/index.htm#linksOn the homepage of the Swiss FederalOffice for Agriculture there are lists ofapproved European and Swiss certifica-tion bodies for downloading.

57

Norway

Netherlands

Austria

France

Finland

Sweden

Italy

Spain Great-Britain

5858

3. Major markets:Selected countries

Chapter 3 gives detailed information onthe major organic markets in the EU-Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy,Sweden, The Netherlands and the UnitedKingdom. Country addresses are listed inAnnex IV.

3.1 The organic market inAustria

3.1.1 Market volume and potential

The first organic farms in Austria wereestablished in the 20’s but the real organicboom phase started in the beginning ofthe 90’s when in 1991 the AustrianMinistry of Agriculture and Forestry intro-duced national conversion subsidiesthrough its program ÖPUL – AustrianNational Aid Programme for the Promotionof Extensive Farming which protects theNatural Living conditions(http://www.bmlf.gv.at/frame.html). By1999 according to ARGE, the Austrianumbrella organisation for organic farming(ARGE; http://www.bioclub.at) 64.5% ofAustria’s organic farmers were organisedinto farmers’ associations. The associa-tions about eleven of them, at present,have established their own standards,some of which are stricter than the exi-sting legal standards in Austria (CouncilRegulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 and theCodex Alimentarii). Besides ARGE(http://www.bioclub.at) a second organisa-tion was also formed in 1994, the ÖIG(http://www.oekoland.at).

Apart from the state, retail chains andfood processors also influenced the deve-lopment of organic agriculture by promo-ting organic products in linking them with

vitality and the preservation of Austrianlandscape and culture. Thus organic farm-ing accounted for 297,000 ha by the endof 2002, which was 11.6% of the totalagricultural area.

The market share of organic products isabout 3% of the total food sales estimatedfor up to € 330 million. Important organicproducts for the Austrian market are milk,cereals and vegetables like carrots, onionsand potatoes. Potatoes have a marketshare of 11.9% in the total organic sales inAustria, fresh milk 8.9%, yoghurt 5.5%and butter 6.3%. Cheese, meat, fruits andvegetables each have a share between3–4% of which fruits and pork show incre-asing trends. Retail chains are the mainsales channels with a market share ofmore than 70%. Direct sales and weeklymarkets is about 15% and organic foodstores, bakers and butchers, private re-staurants and canteens make up for therest approx.15%. The average consumerprice premium for organic products is ab-out 59% being moderate in milk and eggsbut high in vegetables.

It is expected that organic food sales inthe conventional retail trade could reach amarket share up to 15–20% by 2005 whilethe government strives for 30% organicvolumes by 2006. In 2001 the AustrianMinistry of Agriculture and the organic um-brella organisation ARGE- Biolandbau furt-her proposed a promotion concept fororganic agriculture in Austria concerningconsumer information, marketing, training,advice and research.

500

400

300

200

100

01998 2002

225

330(estimated)

Figure 11: Organic food and beverages in Austria 1998–2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

Figure 12: Sales channels for organicproducts in Austria in 2000

Organic food and healthfood shops

8%

Bakers and Butchers2% Restaurants and canteens

3%

Retail sector 72%

Direct salesand weekly

markets15%

Source: Hamm et al., 2002

59

Even though 72% of the Austrian popula-tion buys organic products, the volume isexpected to rise, as consumers in Austriamostly trust the organic origin. Motives forbuying organic products are health andcare for environment, better taste, supportfor own region, education and higher in-come. Nevertheless bottlenecks do existin organic sales like the price differences,equal quality as conventional items, thelack of taste, short shelf life and the smallchoice. Also on the farmer’s level there aresome barriers for market expansion. Thereare even farmers who reconvert to con-ventional production systems due to pro-blems in the advisory system or problemsin selling organically produced products asa labelled organic product. Challenges forthe future include developing ways of co-operative management taking into consi-deration the interests of the supply chainand “Bio Regions” (regions where a highpercentage of farmers practice organicagriculture and market their productslocally).

3.1.2 Imports and marketrequirements

About one third of all organic productssold in Austria are imported from TheNetherlands, France, Germany and Italy.Of the € 330 million sales of organic pro-ducts in the last year € 72 million camefrom imported products. 50% of this ac-counted for the organic vegetables impor-ted from the Mediterranean countries and

Germany. 20% of the organic cerealsconsumed were imported. It is mostly thesupermarkets themselves and also thelarge organic wholesalers that directly im-port organic products. The conventionalimporters are not so much involved in theorganic imports but their interest is gro-wing. There was also a noted amount ofimport of oil seeds from Hungary, CzechRepublic and Germany.

3.1.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products is re-gulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 on or-ganic farming (see Chapter 2). The follo-wing additional provisions apply in Austria: The additional statutory regulation, calledAustrian Food Codex (ÖsterreichischerLebensmittelkodex), includes standards foranimal husbandry and aquaculture andstandards for approved ingredients, additi-ves for processing of organic animal pro-ducts. These standards are mandatory forany organic production and processing inAustria. Products imported from other EUMember States or from third countriesonly have to comply with the EU Regu-lation 2092/91; compliance with theAustrian Food Codex is not required bythem.

The inspections laid down by the EU regu-lation on organic farming are conductedby seven private inspection bodies. Theseinspection bodies are approved andsupervised by the Lebensmittelbehörde

Main countriesof origin

NL, CZ, DE

NL, CZ

EG, IL, IT, FI, ES, DE

IT, FR, ES

IT, FR, ES, CL

DE, FR

DE, NL

DE

Total quantity –(t)

2,000

1,500

600

9,400

9,800

–

1,000

–

–

–

–

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruits (incl. Nuts)

Wine (hl)

Milk and Milkproducts

Beef

Pork

Poultry

Eggs(in million pcs.)

Total quantity –(t)

5,000

100

5000

2,200

500

10,000

30,000

100

80

–

2

Table 5: Import and export of organic agricultural products in Austria

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

DE, FR, CH, DK, GB

DE, CH

GB, IT, DE, CH

DE, GB, IT, CH

DE, CH

DE, SE

DE, GB, ES, NL IT,FR, CH

IT, FR, NL, BE, DE

IT, DE

IT, CH

ExportsImports

6060

(Food Authority) of respective land (pro-vince). Precondition for the authorisationas inspection body is the accreditationaccording to EN 45011, which is conduc-ted by the Bundesministerium für Wirt-schaft und Arbeit (Ministry of Economyand Labour).

There are a number of private organic far-ming associations with their own stand-ards for production and processing. Thesestandards usually exceed the requirementsof the statutory regulations. The organicfarming associations authorise membersand licensees to label products with thelogo of their association if they meet theirlabelling requirements.

Bio-Ernte Austria (former Ernte für dasLeben) is the biggest and best known or-ganic farming association in Austria, boastof 11.500 farms and more than 200.000ha agricultural area (year 2002,http://www.ernte.at/frameseiten/f_wer_mitgl.html). For products that are supposedto be labelled with the association’s certifi-cation mark (Ernte) the use of ingredientsnot certified by Ernte is not permitted.

The AMA logo is the national label forproducts from organic agriculture. Thelabel, managed by the Agrar-Markt-Austria-GesmbH (AMA), may be used forall products produced according to EURegulation 2092/91 and chapter 8 of theAustrian Food Codex (“ÖsterreichischerLebensmittelkodex”). There are two typesof the AMA-logo. The red and white labelincludes an indication of origin. This labelcan be used on organic products where70% of the value determining ingredientsoriginate from the country or province thatis indicated on the label. The indication oforigin is not restricted to Austria. For theblack and white label there are neither anyreferences to the origin of products norany other restrictions. The use of the AMAlogo requires a contract with AMA and anobjective inspection of the requirements.

The import of organic products from thirdcountries is regulated by the EU Regula-tion on organic farming. Applications forimport permits for organic products haveto be issued by the importing company tothe Lebensmittelbehörde (Food Authority)of the Bundesland where the importingcompany is located.

3.2 The organic market inDenmark

3.2.1 Market volume and potential

Denmark is one of the pioneers in promot-ing organic agriculture. Since the firstorganic legislation was introduced inDenmark in 1987, it has been the govern-ment’s policy to actively promote organicfarming. Denmark has one of the largestconsumption rates of organic productsper capita worldwide. It is also one of thetop ten countries in Europe as regards theorganic share of the total cultivated area.Organic products accounted for 3.5% oftotal food sales, which was about € 270million in 2001. In 2002 retail sales forOrganic food and beverages are estimatedto have reached € 350 million. Organicfarming accounted for 6.6% of the totalDanish farmland (corresponding to178,360 ha) in 2002. The number of orga-

nically managed farms increased from2200 in 1994 to 3714 in 2002 (5.9% of allfarms in Denmark). The average size oforganic farms in Denmark is 48 hectares.

Development of organic farming goesback to the 1920’s when Denmark expe-rienced a widespread interest in naturalliving and natural foods that was followedby the establishment of The BiodynamicAssociation in 1936. The Danish move-ment was further organised with the foun-dation of the Danish Organisation in 1981for organic farming that was made up offarmers, consumers and processors withits own growing and breeding regulationsand an independent inspection. The rapiddevelopment of the sector in recent yearsis a result both of government supportand strong co-operation among govern-ment authorities, organic farmers and the

61

retail trade, in particular FDB (CoopDenmark). The state is aiming at 10% oforganic farms by 2005.

Guidelines for conversion to organic farm-ing in Denmark are more stringent than inmany other EU countries because inDenmark the whole farm must be conver-ted. Conversion subsidies are granted upto a maximum amount of 5,000 Danishcrowns.

About 90% of all organic products aresold in supermarkets (FDB, DanskSupermarket, IRMA, SuperBrugsen etc.)and discount stores. Only 4% is handledby organic health and speciality shops and7% via direct sales. The main organicitems are cereals, milk, dairy products,eggs, fruits and vegetables. Organic car-rots, eggs, butter and milk already havemarket shares of more than 15% of thetotal sales in each product category. Amarket share of 10% for all organic foodand beverages in relation to overall sales(organic and conventional) is expected bythe year 2005. Organic products achieveaverage price premiums of 20 to 30%.

Due to the government-controlled Ø label,organic food and beverages are easy tofind in Denmark. This label is well knownbecause of intensive advertising and istrusted by the customers.

From the point of view of an exporter, thefood processing industry is the most im-portant market segment, as most importsconsist of raw materials that are repackedor processed in Denmark. There are inter-esting prospects for exporters in emergingcountries and countries in transition whocan supply quality products at competitiveprices. Importers and food processors areinterested in obtaining more suppliesdirect from source – depending on theproduct in question and provided there is

confidence in the certification procedureapplied in the producer country. Productinnovations and consumer confidence inthe authenticity of the organic origin of theproduct are necessary conditions for themarket potential to be realised fully.

3.2.2 Imports and marketrequirements

Imports of consumer-packed organic foodand beverages are currently insignificant.This is because only products that areprocessed or packaged in Denmark areallowed to use the government ownedØ logo. Therefore imports of organic foodand beverages are largely in the form ofunprocessed or semi-processed raw ma-terial.

Markets for vegetable, root and tuber pro-ducts have grown rapidly. Organic carrotsrepresent 13% of the total carrot sales inthe supermarkets. Imports of fresh vegeta-bles are mostly from The Netherlands,France, Italy and Spain. The productionof organic fruits and berries is small, themain crops being blackcurrants and pe-ars. About 3,000 tonnes of fresh fruitswere imported in 2000. Regardless of theiroriginal origin, most fresh fruits are import-ed via The Netherlands. Almost all importsof fresh organic fruits are repackaged andlabelled with the Ø logo in Denmark. Thedemand for dried fruits and nuts is metalmost entirely by imports, which includetemperate, subtropical and tropical fruits,nuts and kernels.

500

400

300

200

100

0

270

2000

330(estimated)

2003

Figure 13: Organic food and beveragesin Denmark for 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: FiBL, 2003

Figure 14: Sales channels for theorganic products in Denmark in 2000

Organic shops and health

food stores4%

Direct sales and weekly markets7%

Retail sector89%

Source: Richter et al., 2003

6262

Processed organic tomato products arehighly popular in Denmark. Small retailpacks of frozen vegetables are already inthe market. Demand for frozen organicvegetables is still only slight, but is on therise. Import requirements are for bulkpacked juice, which is then packed orbottled in Denmark. Imported deep-frozenfruits are further processed into marma-lade and jam in Denmark.

Production of organic cereals tripled bet-ween 1992 and 1996 (reaching 21,000 tin 1996) and imports reached 83,600tonnes in 2000. 29.5% of the rolled pro-ducts sold in Coop Denmark are organic.The market for organic breakfast cerealsis growing rapidly and imports are mainlydone from Germany, Austria and Italy. In1998, all FDB-owned bakeries switchedcompletely to organic bread. Pasta, mainlyof Italian origin, is imported in bulk,repacked in Denmark and labelled withthe Ø logo.

All major retail organisations offer a selec-tion of organic coffee and tea. Suppliers oforganic coffee include Mexico, Guatemala,Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru. Theseare packed under a manufacturer’s brandname and carry the Ø logo. Some packsalso supplement the organic logo with theMax Havelaar Fair trade logo.

Dried herbs constitute an important pro-duct group. Products are usually importedin bulk, repacked in Denmark into smallunits and labelled.

Oil seeds of sesame and sunflower areimported. In addition to this soybeans areimported as it forms a basis for many dif-ferent food items (tofu, soy drinks, vegetalburgers).

About 3000 hl of organic wine was impor-ted and bottled in 2000 mainly fromGermany and France.

Similarly products like organic baby foodsare imported in retail packs from Germany.

Imports of animal feed have been allowedonly since 1990. Organic animal feed isimported from Germany and the importsof cereals used as animal feed has grownseveral times.

The milk and dairy industry also play animportant role and hold more than 30% ofthe organic products’ market share.

Imports of organic meat and eggs are in-significant. A small volume of raw meat isimported from The Netherlands toproduce organic sausages.

3.2.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inDenmark:

Main countriesof origin

DE, IT

DE

Total quantity –(t)

83,600 of which 63,600Fodder and 20,000

Human

2,000

1,772

3,000

3,000

–

–

–

No import of significance

No import

Product group

Cereals

Potages

Vegetables

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Wine hl

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Pork

Poultry

Eggs (million pieces)

Total quantity –(t)

10,000

2,500

8,000

100

–

30,000

66

450

125

20

Table 6: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Denmark

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

GB, DE, FR

DE, SE

DE, GB

GB, DE

GB

GB, IT

GB, NL

ExportsImports

63

Denmark implemented already at the endof the eighties a national label for organicproducts to promote organic agriculture:the national “Ø” label (StatskonrolleretØkologisk). The national Ø label that mustbe printed on all organic products indica-tes that the preparation of the product,e.g. its processing, packaging or labelling,has been controlled by the Danish authori-ties. The symbol is seen foremost onDanish products and also on some foreignproducts that have been packaged inDenmark. It is only if the final part of thecontrol has occurred in Denmark (produc-tion, processing, packaging or labelling),that the Ø label can be used. Importers,processors and packers must register withthe Danish authorities and their activitiesmust be inspected by these authorities.

On the basis of the national inspections,the authorities grant the Ø label. Inspec-tion and certification of organic products isa part of normal food control proceduresand is therefore executed exclusively bypublic authorities (in contrast to most ot-her European countries). The two authori-ties responsible for the implementation ofthe EU-Regulation on organic farming arethe Danish Plant Directorate (responsiblefor the area of plant and animal produc-tion) and the Danish Veterinary and FoodAdministration (responsible for the area ofprocessing and distribution).

Applications for import of organic foodmust be sent to the Food and Veterinaryregional authorities and applications forimport of organic feed must be sent to theDanish Plant Directorate. The DanishVeterinary and Food Administration canprovide information about the relevant re-gional authorities.

3.3 The organic market inFrance

3.3.1 Market volume and potential

The French organic market began to de-velop in the 1970s. In the 1990s, growthin both organic production and consump-tion accelerated, but at a much slowerrate in France than in many Europeancountries. By 2002 11,177 organic farmsmanaged in total 509,000 ha (1.7% offarmland).France has, with a population of morethan 58 million, one of the largest foodmarkets of Europe. However organic foodjust has a market share of 1.0–1.5% of

total food sales. In 2002 sales in organicproducts was estimated at €1.2–1.3billion.75% of French households shop once aweek at a supermarket. Supermarketchains have a market share of 42% (2002)of the total sales of organic products, andaim to participate more actively in the or-ganic business in future. Specialist organicretailers account for 28% of organic pro-duct sales. 30% of organic products aresold in bakeries and via direct marketing.An increasing amount of organic productsare expected to be channelled throughcatering, canteens and restaurants, andwill gain importance in the organic market.Carrefour is the leading retail chain in or-ganic food supply.

Growing environmental awareness, fear offood scares and scepticism of geneticengineering are stimulating demand for

1500

1200

900

600

300

0

720

1998

1500(estimated)

2002

Figure 15: Organic food andbeverages in France 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

Figure 16: Sales channels for theorganic products in France in 2000

Weekly markets/Direct sales

23%

Restaurants/Canteens2%

RetailChains42%Bakeries

and butchers5%

Special Organic shops 28%

Source: Hamm et al., 2002, Richter et al., 2003

6464

organic food and beverages in France.Growth rates of around 5–10% are expec-ted for the organic market in the comingyears. The development of the French or-ganic market depends upon four factors:• availability of organic products,• consumer demand, • government support and • quality and professionalism of the or-

ganic trade.

In supermarkets, the products of integra-ted production, which are also stronglypromoted and supported by them, are themain competitors of organic products inFrance.

The organic product groups with thestrongest growth in sales are:• Fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal pro-

ducts and beverages. These three pro-duct groups together account for al-most half of total organic sales

• Dairy products, meat and meat pro-ducts

• Dried fruits, legumes, culinary oils, cof-fee, tea, cocoa, sugar, honey, spicesand culinary and medicinal herbs

• Prepared dishes.

Cereals dominate the processing sector.These are followed by dairy products, fru-its and vegetables, spices, poultry pro-ducts, medicinal and other herbs, soy pro-ducts, meat, convenience products andcoffee. Dairy products and the processingof eggs and poultry are also areas ofgrowth within the processing sector. Now

that a number of major food processorshave commenced with organic produc-tion, an annual growth rate of 10% is ex-pected in this sector too.

3.3.2 Imports and marketrequirements

Only a part of French demand for organicproducts can be met by domestic produc-tion. Off-season products and tropical/exotic organic products have readyaccess to the French market. Organicimports have grown very rapidly since themid-1990s. The import volume from non-EU countries has multiplied between 1994and 1997. EU imports come mainly fromGermany, The Netherlands, the UnitedKingdom and Italy. Non-EU products areimported from North American countries(USA, Canada), Latin America (Belize, Boli-via, Colombia, Costa Rica, the DominicanRepublic, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay),Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, SlovakRepublic) and Africa (Algeria, BurkinaFaso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea,Madagascar, Morocco, Senegal, SouthAfrica, Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe).Imports from Asia are insignificant.

Emerging markets and markets in transi-tion that already export EU-certified orga-nic products have good prospects of ex-panding their exports to France. There is agood potential for imports for the followingraw materials and final products from thetropics and the Mediterranean region:

Main countriesof origin

AT, IT, FI, DE

DE, IT

ES, IT

DE, ES, IL

BE, ES, IT, NL

BE, ES, IL, IT

ES, IT

BE, DE

DE

Total quantity –(t)

112,225 (00)

18,200 (99)

2,200

6,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

25,000 (99)

800

0

0

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Olives for oil

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Wine hl

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Poultry

Eggs (million pieces)

Total quantity –(t)

25,000

5,000

300

1,000

20,000

15,000

150,000

1,000

.

1,300

80

Table 7: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in France

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003; FiBL estimations based on data from importing or exporting countries.

Countries exporting to

BE, CH, DE, NL, GB

DE, NL

AT, LU, GB

AT, BE, CH, DE, PT

DE, GB

DE, DK

DE

DE

BE, DE, IT, GB

ExportsImports

65

• Cereal, soy, sesame and amaranthproducts

• Rice and rice products• Dried legume products (beans, lentils,

chickpeas)• Fresh fruits and vegetables• Fruit juices and concentrates• Dried fruits • Deep-frozen fruits, concentrated fruit

purées and pastes for processing• Coffee, tea and cocoa, both raw and

semi-processed• Culinary and medicinal herbs and es-

sential oils, in particular tropical herbsand oils

• Cane sugar and honey• Culinary oils and fats (palm oil, soy,

coconut, peanut, sesame and olive oil).

France meets its own needs in organicmeat and organic dairy products, but im-ports 60% of its demand for protein-con-taining animal feeds.

3.3.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inFrance:

France was one of the first Europeancountries to implement a national logo forlabelling organic products, the “AB” logo(Agriculture Biologique). It has displacedother private organic labels in France andis the property of the French Ministry ofAgriculture. The AB logo has become themost important label by which Frenchconsumers recognise organic products.The use of the AB logo is permitted aftersigning a logo-using contract and compli-ance with the requirements of the EU

Regulation and additional production regu-lations as well as the inspection by an in-spection body approved by the FrenchMinistry of Agriculture. The differencesbetween the requirements of the EURegulation and the additional regulationsespecially refer to the production and pre-paration of animals and animal products(including aquaculture).

The AB logo may also be used for impor-ted organic products from other Europeanor third countries – provided that it can beproved that the requirements of theFrench production regulations have beenmet. However plant products have to beproduced within the European Union un-less the product is listed on the list for“exotic products”. French approvedinspection bodies may sub-contract fo-reign inspection bodies for inspection ac-cording to the AB-requirements.

In France, an array of private organicinspection and certification companies are approved by law (Aclave, Agrocert,Certipaq, ECOCERT Sarl, Qualité France,Ulase). These companies must meet therequirements of EU Regulation 2092/91and be accredited according to the EN45011 by COFRAC (Comité Françaisd’Accreditation), which is the official bodyfor the accreditation of organic inspectionand certification bodies.

3.4 The organic market inGermany

3.4.1 Market volume and potential

In Germany, first farms already convertedto organic management in the early 20thcentury, when the first health food stores(Reformhäuser) were established.However, organic farming remained aniche sector until the 1980s, organicproduce being sold only in health foodand natural food stores (Naturkostläden).It was only in the early 1990s, when con-ventional retail chains began to sell orga-nic products that sales surged. TodayGermany as a market for organic productsis Europe’s largest and the world’s secondlargest after the USA. A goal of theFederal Government is to expand the or-ganic agriculture surface up to 20 per centin ten years. The expansion is to takeplace on a long term basis, i.e. supply anddemand is to grow heavily. In addition in-formation and market transparency must

6666

be improved as well as weak points inproduction and marketing tackled. Thebasic conditions for a further expansion ofthe organic agriculture in Germany aredefined in the federal program. It supple-ments the existing promotion policiesaround measures which support the deve-lopment of organic farming at all levelsfrom the production to the consumer. Forthis federal program in the years 2002 and2003 the German government had a bud-get of € 35 million.

In 2002 there were 17,152 organic farmsin Germany, the area under organic pro-duction amounting to 696,978 ha (4% ofall agricultural holdings, with a share of4.1% of the total agriculturally utilisedarea). Since German reunification, a num-ber of very large organic farms have beenestablished in the “new” (eastern) states ofGermany, which operate at lower produc-tion costs than those in the western partof the country (former “West Germany”). Ina cross-European comparison, Germanyhas an intermediate position. The GermanFederal programme for organic farming isnow subsidising consultation for conven-tional enterprises that want to changeover.

Organic food sales in 2002 are estimatedat € 3.00 billion. This corresponds to ashare of 2.3% of total turnover of the foodmarket. By 2005, the turnover is expectedto double. However, health and naturalfood stores still dominate today inGermany (35% of total sales of organicproducts). Only 35% of all organic pro-ducts are marketed through supermarketchains today while further 18% are soldvia direct sales. Nonetheless, Germansupermarkets are expected to increasinglyenter the organic market. The specializedorganic supermarkets that opened in thelate 1990s are an attractive supplement to

the specialist organic retail trade. Cateringalso has growing demand. The price pre-miums sway a lot between 18–142% andthis is mainly due to small supply, highlogistic costs and very high depreciation ofretail chains.

National production meets more than 60%of organic demand. The main productgroups are bread and bakery, dairy pro-ducts, tofu products, eggs, fruits and ve-getables and meat. A considerable shareof the grains, cereals, muesli and bevera-ges consumed in the country are produ-ced domestically. The segments experien-cing growth are meat, meat products, da-iry products, seeds and plant products.The importance of both convenience pro-ducts (ready and semi-ready) and deep-frozen goods is growing.

Short-term supply bottlenecks occur repe-atedly on the German organic market.However, with improving availability thisproblem is expected to become less se-vere. The potential problems in the futuredevelopment of the organic market inGermany are: the increasing discountorientation of retailers and consumers, adeteriorating agricultural policy context,price dumping for organic products bysupermarket chains or the loss of regionalprocessing facilities.

3000

2400

1800

1200

600

0

1,800

1998

3,000(estimated)

2002

Figure 17: Organic food andbeverages in Germany 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

Figure 18: Sales channels for organicproducts in Germany in 2002

Butchers/Bakeries

7%

Others5%

Retail sector35%

Organic shops 26%

Healthfood shops

9%

Directmarketing

18%

Source: Hamm., 2003, estimations

67

3.4.2 Imports and marketrequirements

Germany is the largest European importerof organic products. 38% of the productvalue of all organic products is imported.Fruits and vegetables (fresh and proces-sed) are the largest import item, with ashare of 30% in terms of turnover of allimported organic goods and a share of50% of organic fruit and vegetable con-sumption. In organic cereals and cerealproducts, and in eggs and poultry meat,imports account for 10 to 20% of dome-stic demand. Important organic importitems also include nuts, tea, coffee, co-coa, spices, culinary oils and fats, sweete-ners and bakery products. A large propor-tion of imports come from emerging mar-kets and markets in transition.

3.4.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inGermany:

The Öko-Landbaugesetz regulates someaspects of the implementation of the EURegulation 2092/91 (Organic FarmingLaw) and includes a provision for fines forcompanies that breach the EU regulation.

Various organic farming associations havedeveloped their own standards, which gobeyond the EU standards. These farmersassociations certify the products based ontheir own standards whereas the inspec-tions are delegated to EU approvedinspection bodies. It is advantageous forexporters if, in addition to the EU Regula-tion, they also meet the requirements ofprivate standards schemes. The most im-portant difference between the standardsof the farming associations and the EURegulation is the requirement for whole-farm organic management, which doesnot allow parallel production of conven-tional and organic agriculture. Farms thatsubscribe exclusively to EU standards arepermitted to operate conventionally onparts of the farm.

Organic farming associations authorisemembers and licensees to label productswith the logo of their association. The

Main countriesof origin

IT, HU, CA, US, AR, AU,CZ, FI, AT, SE

FR, IT, HU, US, AR, CN,IN, ES, AT, PT

–

AT, F, IT, IL, NL, HU

IT, ES, FR, IL, NL, AT,DK, MA, AU, AR, BE

IT, ES, IL, FR, TR, AR,CL, US, GR, NL, AT,

BE, ZA DO, NZ

IT, FR, ES, AT

AT, DK, NL, IT, BE, CH

DK, NL, AT, AR

NL

DK, NL, AT

HU, FR

DK, FR, NL, CH

Total quantity –(t)

100,000

8,000

–

6,000

50,000

30,000

120,000

15,000

400

30

400

200

50

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Olives for oil

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruitincl. nuts)

Wine hl

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Sheep meat (incl. Lamb)

Pork

Poultry

Eggs (million pieces)

Total quantity –(t)

80,000

3,000

–

12,000

10,000

2,000

10,000

25,000

600

50

600

10

10

Table 8: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Germany

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

FR, CH, AT, GB, DK,SE, NL, LU

GB, SE, LU, FR, PT

IT, ES, GR, PT

GB, DK, NL, IT, FR,AT, CH

GB, DK, SE, NL, FR,FI, NO, LU, CH

GB, SE, DK, NO,LU, CH

GB, DK, SE, US

FR, GB, IT, AT, LU, FI,DK, SE

FR, GB, BE, IT, LU, CH, NL

GB, FR, NL

FR, GB, AT

LU, AT

DK, LU

ExportsImports

6868

best-known private labels in Germany areBioland, Demeter and Naturland. For pro-ducts that are supposed to be labelledwith the label of one of these associationsthe ingredients have to be certified accor-ding to these standards and it might benecessary for German inspection bodiesto inspect them, even if equivalence at theEuropean level had already been attestedfor the imported products.

There are 22 private inspection bodiesapproved according to the EU-Regulation.Ten of these are authorised to inspect im-porting companies, e.g. ABCert, Agreco,BCS, EcoControl, GfRS, IMO, Lacon.These companies usually support the im-port companies in applications for importpermits. Since May 2003 the Bundes-anstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung(BLE) (Federal Agency for Agriculture andFood) has been the competent authorityfor issuing import permits for imports from non-EU countries according to article 11, paragraph 6 of the EU Regu-lation. An application form for importpermits may be ordered at sachgebiet-oekolandbau@ble.de. Theimport company has to document in theapplication the equivalency of productionand inspection measures with the EU-Regulation and explain deviations. Theinspection body of the exporting companyhas to confirm these statements. Only anapplication signed by the importer and theinspection body of the exporter in the thirdcountry will be accepted by the BLE.

In October 2001, the Ministry of Consu-mer Protection, Nutrition and Agricultureintroduced a national label for organic pro-ducts, the “Bio-Siegel”. The Bio-Siegelwas introduced with a vast promotion andmarketing campaign. It is already well-known. Companies complying with theEU-Regulation 2092/91 may use the Bio-Siegel if they notify the logo-use with the“Informationsstelle Bio-Siegel” (informationservice Bio-Siegel). There are no restric-tions for imported products. The use ofthe label is free, however there are guideli-nes for the design of the logo.

There are supermarket trademarks e.g.BioBio (Plus), Bio-Wertkost (Edeka),Füllhorn (Rewe) and increasing marketingactivities for organic products in the con-ventional retail trade in Germany. Usuallythese trademarks are based on the stan-dards of the EU Regulation, but there arestronger requirements regarding the pro-duct security.

3.5 The organic market in Italy

3.5.1 Market volume and potential

Italy has the largest land area devoted toorganic farming in Europe, which is aboutone quarter of the European Union’“s or-ganic utilised area. In 2002 as per theMinistry of Agriculture about 1,168,212 hawere cultivated organically. There were55,902 organic enterprises including49,489 farms. The target is to reach 10%of all agricultural area in Italy converted toorganic standards by 2005.

Organic agriculture really took off in Italy inthe mid eighties with the establishment ofthe National Commission of Organic

Agriculture that had its own nation wideself-regulatory standards for organic farming. FIAO founded in 1992 is theFederation of the principal organic andbiodynamic producer and certifying orga-nisations. It represents the organic sectorat a political level and informs the publicabout organic farming. In 2001 a consor-

1500

1200

900

600

300

01998 2002

750

1,375(estimated)

Figure 19: Organic food andbeverages in Italy 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

69

tium was founded which unites the majorItalian processors and marketing compa-nies.

Italy is the largest supplier of organic pro-ducts within the EU and the most impor-tant categories of organic products areforage/ pasture/ meadows (47%) and ce-reals (19.5%), olives (8.7%) and fruit inclu-ding citrus fruits (5.6%). Organic cerealsmainly durum wheat for pasta making fol-lowed by barley, soft wheat and rice repre-sent around 20% of the total organic agri-culture production in Italy. Production oforganic fruits and vegetables is mainly inthe south especially citrus. Organic cattlenumbers in 2002 were 164,536 and forpigs it was 19,900 (Ministero dellePolitische Agricole e Forestali 2003).Sheep and poultry figures have doubled inthe last year. Organic olives are grown inan area of 102,055 ha. Organic milk pro-duction has gone up by 18% to 7,6 millionkilograms. The same was also for othermilk products like butter and yoghurt.

Organic product sales amounted to€ 1.17 billion in 2001. They have a marketshare of 1.5% of the total food purchasein 2002. According to a research studyconsuming of organic products in Italy canreach a turnover of € 5.2 billion in 2005and the market share rise by 3.3%. 67%of all organic operators are based in theSouthern region, 12% in the centre and21% in the northern region. Organic pro-

ducts are more available in the North thereasons being established distributionchannels and 78.7% of the Italian Super-markets with organic fruits and vegetablesare located in the North.

Of the 55,902 registered enterprises thereare 4,346 processors, 155 importers, 122export companies, 1,700 supermarketsand 1,000 agricultural and health foodstores.

Main countriesof origin

ES, FR, AR, AU, HU

NA

ES, GR, TN

AT, DE, NL, EG, ZA,CM, AO, TU, IL

ES, DO, AR, CO,PE, NZ

–

AT, DE

AT, DE

AT, DK, DE

AT, FR

Total quantity –(t)

200,000

NA

80

4,280

12,484

–

120,000

200

110

15

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Olive oil

Vegetables(incl. potatoes)

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Wine (Hl)

Milk and milkproducts (Hl)

Beef (incl. Veal)

Pork

Eggs (million pieces)

Total quantity –(t)

300,000

NA

10,000

21,823

199,441

490,000

7,000

–

35

–

Table 9: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Italy

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

NL, GB, DK, SE, DE,BE, ES, PT, CH, FR

DE, FR

DK, GB, DE, US, JP,CH, FR

AT, BE, CH, FI, GB, NL,GB, DK, SE, DE

AT, BE, CH, FI, NL, GB,DK, SE, DE

US, JP, EU

AT, DE, CH, NL,UK, DK

–

DE, FR, GB

–

ExportsImports

Figure 20: Sales channels for organicproducts in Italy in 2003

Other sales points5%

Supermarket35%

Wholefoodstores and

direct sales60%

Source: Consorzio per il controllo dei prodotti biologici, 2003

7070

It is expected that by 2005 supermarketswould alone have 60% of the market sha-res for organic products. The price pre-mium on organic products is 25% insupermarkets and 30% in specialised or-ganic stores. The prices paid for organicfruit and vegetables though varies accor-ding to the season and is at times compa-rable to the conventional one. A little lessthan half of the Italians are willing to paymore for organic products compared toconventional ones but the limit is often20%. Italian consumers attach great valueto the origin of the product and the rela-tion between health and nutrition, no che-micals and the support for ecological de-velopment.

3.5.2 Imports and marketrequirements

Domestic production does not match withthe domestic demand and organic pro-duct imports are mainly from Argentina,Chile and some parts of Europe. Fruit andVegetable packers such as Arabios, DiRosa and Cannizzaro are involved in im-porting. Imports are mainly from Austriaand Germany for milk and milk products,which have recently had a sharp rise. Nutsare imported from Spain, DominicanRepublic, Argentina, Peru and NewZealand. Cereal imports were up to200,000 tonnes in 2001 but these weremainly from Europe.

3.5.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inItaly:

In 1992 a governmental decree (Decretoministeriale 338/92) drafted a centralisednotification and accreditation system ofprivate inspection bodies. In 1995 a newdecree (Decreto legislativo 220/95) repla-ced Dm 338/92 and defined the coordina-tive role of the ministry and the supervisorytasks of both the ministry and the regionalauthorities. In addition, the decree Dm338/92 defines:• the requirements for inspection bodies

and their evaluation procedure• the forms to be used by operators and

inspection bodies• the procedures for certificates and im-

ports

Competent authority for the application ofCouncil Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 is theOffice for inter-professional agreementsand organic farming (Ufficio associanismoaccordi interprofessionali ed agricolturabiologica) of the Ministry of Agriculture andForestry (Ministero per le Politiche Agricolee Forestali – MiPAF). MiPAF currently au-thorises 15 private inspection bodies forinspection and certification according tothe Council regulation 2092/91. The in-spection bodies are either accredited ac-

cording to EN 45011 by the accreditationbody Sincert, or directly by MiPAF. SomeInspection bodies have an additionalIFOAM, NOP and JAS accreditation, fordetails see the annexed list.

Before splitting up the original organizationinto inspection and associative bodiesmany organisations in the organic sectorshad proper standards and a proper label.Since the organisations had to separateassociative activities and inspection activi-ties, only three organisations have properstandards of national significance:BioAgriCoop (certification by BioAgriCert),AIAB (certification by ICEA) and AMAB(certification by IMC).

Labelling foreign produce with one of theprivate labels can be done either by ha-ving the product certified directly by thecorresponding inspection body, or throughcertification by an inspection body withwhich the label-owner has a contractualagreement.

Produce from EU member states, orcountries that appear on the third countryregister (Council Regulation (EEC) 92/94),can be imported and sold as organic inItaly provided the produce is certified by

71

an accredited inspection body in a mem-ber state or by an accredited inspectionbody listed in the annex of CR 92/94.

Produce from non-EU countries or coun-tries that do not appear on the third coun-try list, can be certified for the Italian mar-ket under the following conditions:1. the produce has been certified by an

accredited EU member state inspec-tion body

2. i n case the inspection body is not regi-stered and accredited by an EU mem-ber country, application for import li-cences of organic products must bepresented to MiPAF. Based on the rele-vant documentation listed in MiPAFCirc. no. 3 del 16/6/2000, MiPAF willevaluate equivalence with the Councilregulation 2092–91 and authorise, ornot, imports into Italy. The process isreported to be long and arduous.

3.6 The organic market inSweden

3.6.1 Market volume and potential

Organic development in Sweden startedwith the emergence of the first organicfarms in the 1940’s. Before the 1980’sorganic farming in Sweden consisted of anumber of organisations working in isola-tion each with its own concept and philo-sophy. Then a common basis with a com-mon concept of organic farming wasformed in the beginning of the 1980’s witha forum for co-operation SAO – Samar-betsgruppen für Alternative Odling (theCooperation Group for AlternativeAgriculture). The need to work with far-mers interests like policy making and mar-keting led in 1985 to the establishment ofARF (Alternativodlarnas Riksförbund- theNational Association of AlternativeFarmers) which cared for developing thismarket and later came to be known asEcologiska Lantbrukarna I Sverige(http://ekolantbruk.se/ Swedish EcologicalFarmers Association) in 1994. It foundedKRAV (http://www.krav.se/) with an aim tounite different practices under a commonsystem of standards and certification. Itbrought together production organisations,processors, retailers, environmentalgroups and consumer associations andacted as a strong binding group. All thistogether with the first support to conver-sion to organic farming with the EU grantshelped in development of organic farmingin Sweden.

After careful market analysis the Board ofAgriculture has set a new overall target of20% organic agricultural utilised area inthe year 2005. As of December 2002, theorganic agricultural area amounted to187,000 ha which is 6.1% of the totalagricultural area and is cultivated by 3,530organic farms (3.94% of all farms). TheEcological Farmer Association strives for30% of the agricultural land to be organi-cally used by 2010. Though experts re-gard a market share of 2.0–2.5% as reali-stic, retail chains which are the main mar-keting channels, hope for a market shareof above 5% by 2005.

According to EU regulations (Sweden be-came a member in 1995) 14% ofSweden’s agricultural area is organicallyused, but only half of the area is organi-cally certified. In 1999 almost 10% ofSweden’s arable land was either certifiedorganic or was only participating on thenational support programme for organicfarming under Council regulation (EC)2078/92. Other developmental factorsincluded a well-organised sector, con-sumers trust and awareness of a singlecertification system and one label, goodrelationship between the organic and con-ventional organisations and engagementby the food chains. In Sweden to sellorganic products they must bear theKRAV sign. It is the best known label toconsumers for environmentally sound foodproducts.

Two private sector bodies are recognisedby the government authorities to carry outinspection and certification, KRAV(http://www.krav.se) and SvenskaDemeterförbunde (http://www.antropo-sofi.com/biodyn/demeter/intro.html).Sweden has no national certification bodyor legislation defining organic farming.

500

400

300

200

100

01998 2002

110

400(estimated)

Figure 21: Organic food andbeverages in Sweden 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

7272

The organic market is currently growing ata rate of 20–30% per annum. The marketshare for organic products that is mainlydairy and fresh fruits and vegetables isbetween 1%–1.5%. While 91% of all orga-nic products are sold via the retail sectoronly 7% is sold by direct selling activitiesor farmer shops and the remaining 2% byother channels. The multiple retailer COOPSweden is one of the leading Europeancompanies in selling and promoting orga-nic food (app. 7% sales share in organicfood).

The average price premium is also quitelow at about 30% with the lowest in milkand the highest in fruits and vegetablesdepending on the season. However milkpresently has and will probably continue tohave the strongest growth the next fewyears.

Eco Trade AB (http://www.odal.se/odal/spannmal/krav/kravstyr.html) the mainmarketing organisation for organic grain, isworking for long term contracts with far-mers who can supply sufficient quantityand good quality. Organic egg productionhas also grown in the last few years with2.5% of the eggs laid now organic.

Motivation for the customers to buy orga-nic food is their respect for animal welfarewithin the organic production systems, theenvironmental friendly agriculture and sa-fety aspects. Nevertheless about 43% ofthe population never buys organic food.This can be related to the price premiums,the limited supply and less trust in the or-ganic production.

3.6.2 Imports and marketrequirements

In Sweden organic products have beenimported for more than a decade and theimports are higher than the exports.Imports are oriented towards productsthat are not produced or not available insufficient quantities in Sweden like citrusand tropical fruits, cereals, vegetables

Main countriesof origin

DE, US, IT, AR.

DE, US

–

IL.

IL, IT, DE, NL

IT, NL, DO, DE

FR, ES, AT

DK, DE

–

–

–

Total quantity –(t)

10,000

5,000

0

40

1,000

4,234

62,631 (l)

20

0

0

0

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Olives for oil

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Wine

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Sheep meat(incl. Lamb)

Pork

Total quantity –(t)

5,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

435

32

316

Table 10: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in Sweden

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

DE, CH

–

–

–

–

–

–

GB, FI

GB

GB

GB, DK

ExportsImports

Figure 22: Sales channels for organicproducts in Sweden in 2001

Direct marketing7%

Organic and Health food shops2%

Retail sector91%

Source: Richter et al., 2003

73

nuts, spices, green coffee and wine.Organic imports often use the same chan-nels as non-organic products.

The largest import of organic fruits is ba-nana from the Dominican Republic. Owingto inadequate supplies the imports of ci-trus fruits has so far remained insignificant,but there is a great demand for citrus fruitsespecially for Satsumas and Oranges andSwedish importers regard them as havinghigh import potential. The major exportingcountries to Sweden are The Netherlands,Denmark, Italy, USA, Israel, and Argentina.The real need for imports of vegetables isin April and June before the domestic har-vest begins. A growing demand is alsodeveloping for herbs like Basil, Thyme,Tarragon, Coriander, Rosemary andOregano. The Swedes are among the hig-hest per capita consumers of herbs andspices within the European Union and the-refore Sweden is a potential market. Alldried fruits and nuts in Sweden are impor-ted which include raisins, dates, figs,plums, apricots, almonds, cashews, hazel-nuts and walnuts, etc. Organic dried vege-tables imported are chickpeas, kidney andmung beans, lentils and also desiccatedcoconut and soy products including roa-sted soybeans. The most popular cannedfruits are pineapple, peaches, pears andmixed fruits. Most of the trade for cerealsetc. is carried out by a company Ecotrade.The company foresees a continued de-mand for basic organic cereals and forgrains with high nutritional value. Swedenhas the highest per capita consumptionrates for coffee and green coffee is impor-ted from Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras,Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil.Organic baby food products have attaineda large market share as high as 10% forcertain products.

3.6.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inSweden:

In Sweden there are no additional statu-tory regulations on organic farming. The two competent authorities are theMinistry of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) –responsible for agricultural production andthe import of animal feed) and the Ministryof Nutrition (Livsmedelsverekt) – responsi-ble for processing and import of organicproducts).

The solely approved private inspectionbody KRAV carries out inspections.KRAV developed an extensive privatestandard that incorporates all relevant EUrequirements and a number of stricter re-quirements. In addition, it regulates someareas not covered by the EU Regulation,as for example textile production, leatherproduction, and aquaculture and pet foodproduction. Swedish companies that sig-ned a licence agreement with KRAV areallowed to label their products with theKRAV logo – provided the products havebeen produced according to the KRAVstandards. The KRAV logo dominates theSwedish market and is well known bySwedish consumers. For market accessthe use of the KRAV logo is crucial.

Imported products that are supposed tobe labelled with the KRAV logo have to becertified or re-certified by KRAV. Theseproducts need to fulfil the requirements ofthe EU Regulation as well as the applica-ble KRAV standards.

There are three categories (A, B & C) ofrecognition of certification and inspectionbodies:• The inspection body has an IFOAM

Accreditation and remains accredited. • The inspection body is evaluated by

KRAV or an independent party recog-nised by KRAV. The evaluation is ba-sed on the requirements of the IFOAMAccreditation Criteria e.g. with regardsto independence; objectivity; organisa-tion structure; inspection and certifica-tion procedures etc. The recognitiondecision will be reviewed every secondyear.

• Other ways to establish credibility andtrustworthiness. The recognition deci-sion will be reviewed annually.

For all categories, an agreement is requi-red between KRAV and the certificationbody. Besides fulfilling the EU Regulation,standards must also correspond either toKRAV’s standards or the IFOAM BasicStandards.

7474

3.7 The organic market inThe Netherlands

3.7.1 Market volume and potential

The Netherlands is a small and very den-sely populated country in which agricultureplays only a marginal role, both in terms ofthe area utilised and value added.Wherever agriculture is practised, it is nor-mally very intensive. The main branches ofproduction are fruit, vegetables, flowersand ornamental plants and cattle farming.Within the agricultural sector, organic far-ming plays only a modest role comparedto neighbouring countries. In the 1990s,organic farming began to grow in theNetherlands – as it did in most Europeancountries. In 2002, 1560 organic farmsmanaged a total of 42,610 ha, correspon-ding to 2.2% of total farmland. Food sca-res and downward pressure on prices inconventional agriculture make organic far-ming attractive for consumers and produ-cers alike. Since 1992, the governmenthas provided support for converting farms.However The Ministry of Agriculture,Nature and Fisheries abolished subsidiesfor conversion from 1st January 2003.A government plan of action has set thegoal of 10% of the area being managedto organic standards by 2010. Most Dutchorganic farms are mixed operations.

In 2002 organic sales amounted to about€ 375 million, while the share of organicproducts in the total food market figuredabout 1.5%. This small share is partly

because distribution of organic products is relatively expensive in The Netherlandsand organic products are thus often more expensive than in surroundingcountries.

In The Netherlands too, market growth isdriven by the supermarkets. The interestof supermarkets has grown steadily in re-cent years. In 2001 42.3% of the totalsales of organic products was sold viasupermarkets against 40.8% in wholefood stores i.e. health food shops andnatural food stores and 16.9% was soldthrough other distribution channels likebakeries, butcheries and direct selling.Most supermarket chains in The Nether-lands such as Konmar, Vomar, Dekamarktand De Nieuwe Weme sell organicproducts in their branches. In 1998 the

Main countriesof origin

FR, UA, RO, NL

FR, AG, PY, NL

DE

IT, IL, ES,

US, AG, NZ

DE

AT, DE

DE, GL

DE

FR, NL

NL

Total quantity –(t)

40,000

30,000

7,500

80,000

2,000

2,500

690

225

275

80

12

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Sheep meat (incl. Lamb)

Pork

Poultry

Eggs (million pieces)

Total quantity –(t)

35,000

–

5,500

130,000

1,600

15,000

0

0

430

243

1

Table 11: Import and export of organic agricultural food products in The Netherlands

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Countries exporting to

DE, UK, BE

–

DE, UK

DE, UK, SE, DK

DE, UK, AT, CH

DE, UK

0

0

UK, BE, AT, DE

DE, BE

DE

ExportsImports

500

400

300

200

100

01998

375(estimated)

2002

230

Figure 23: Organic food and beveragesin The Netherlands 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Platform Biologica 2001, 2004, FiBL, 2003

75

largest Dutch supermarket chain, AlbertHeijn (Ahold), launched an organic labelprogramme of its own and has since thenbeen promoting organic sales in a target-ed manner. In 2001 they organised salesoffer weeks three times a year and duringthese periods all organic products wereoffered with a price reduction of 25%. Inthe past two years, the share of organicsales marketed through supermarkets hasrisen to 42.3%. The low rate of domesticsupply and the expensive distribution arethe largest problems in the organic marketin The Netherlands. In foreign trade, incontrast, The Netherlands has been ableto establish its role as an internationalturntable for organic produce.

3.7.2 Imports and marketrequirements

Imports have a central position for organicproduce in The Netherlands. The majorplayers in the organic market the super-market chains, often have to procure or-ganic products from abroad. On the otherhand, The Netherlands is also a large ex-porter of organic products. This isbecause numerous international food pro-cessors process organic products for re-export in their branches in The Nether-lands. Unprocessed organic products arealso re-exported from here.

The main imported products are freshfruits and vegetables, cereals, oil-seeds,dried fruits, nuts, seeds for planting,coffee, tea, spices and herbs. The mainsuppliers are the central and easternEuropean countries and EU member statecountries. Off-season and exotic productsfrom tropical and subtropical countriesaccount for an ever larger share.

3.7.3 Market access provisions

Market access for organic products isregulated by EU Regulation 2092/91 onorganic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply inthe Netherlands:

In the Netherlands, EU Regulation2092/91 is implemented through a natio-nal Decree on the Agricultural Quality ofOrganic Production Methods. This legisla-tion designates the organisation Skal asthe sole official body for inspection andcertification pursuant to the EU Regulationin the Netherlands. In 2002, Skal was splitup into two organisations: the privatefoundation Stichting Skal for certification oforganic production in the Netherlands byorder of the Ministry of Agriculture, andthe private company Skal International.Skal developed private regulations forsome areas that are not yet covered bythe EU Regulation 2092/91. Skal’s certification mark, EKO, indicatesthat the product carrying it meets the re-quirements of the EU Regulation 2092/91.The EKO label is mainly used for products,which have been produced in theNetherlands. Only foreign producers thathave signed a contract with Skal can usethe EKO label – provided they produceaccording to the EU-regulations and meetthe requirements and conditions of Skal.

Applications for import licences for organicproducts can be issued to the Ministry ofAgriculture. For imports to The Nether-lands, product-specific requirements uponquality, size and constituents must be met(for addresses see Annex IV).

Figure 24: Sales channels for organicproducts in The Netherlands in 2000

Direct sales, bakeries and butcheries

16.9%

Retail Chains42.3%

Health and natural food shops

40.8%

Source: Richter et al., 2003

7676

3.8 The organic market in theUnited Kingdom

3.8.1 Market volume and potential

With the foundation of the Soil Associationin 1946, organic farming has a long historyin the United Kingdom (UK). However, theorganic market has developed only slowlycompared to other European countries inthe mid 90’s. This has been explained bythe poor interest of British consumers and the modest financial support providedto organic farms compared to otherEuropean countries. It is only since thelate 1990s that demand for organic pro-ducts has risen significantly, particularly fordairy and meat products. This is due inpart to the advertising efforts of the retailtrade.

The British retail market growth for organicproducts has been one of the fastest inEurope. The retail sales in 2003 are esti-mated to reach upto €1750 million.Estimates of the share of organic productsin the overall retail market for the year2002 ranged between 1.5–2.0%. Themain organic products are fruits, vegeta-bles and herbs. Supermarkets todayaccount for 80% of organic productmarketing. Box schemes, involvingdelivery to the home, directly or by mailorder of a box of fresh in-season organicfruits and vegetables, are a significantmarket outlet.

Of the 100,000 farms in the UnitedKingdom, 4057 (1.74% of all farms) pro-duced according to organic standards in2002. These organic farms managed anarea of 724,523 ha, corresponding to ashare of 4.2% of the total farmland area.Domestic production lags far behind de-mand. As 80% of the organic land isclassified as grassland used for organic

livestock production majority of theorganic products consumed are imported.

Thanks to the entry of large supermarketchains, the growth prospects of the Britishorganic food market are good. Thesemultiple retailers are responsible for 80%of the total organic food sales, 9% is donethrough local and direct sales and 11%through independent and health foodshops. Experts consider annual growth insales by 10–15% to be realistic, reachinga value of € 2.0–2.5 billion by the year2005, which would amount to 2 to 3% oftotal food sales. Trade estimates even putthe market share at 10 to 15% by the year2009. The branches experiencing thestrongest growth are organic fruits andvegetables, organic meat, wine, beer andprocessed foods. A considerable rise inthe capacity of supply, of both domesticproduction and imports, will be a precon-dition to this growth.

Besides the reliability and continuity ofsupply, particular potential problems forthe British organic market are compliancewith quality requirements and pricingstructures. Furthermore, organic productscontinue to compete with the food pro-ducts of integrated production. The issuewill be resolved on the market. In theUnited Kingdom organic products alsocompete with low-cost “gene food”. Thisincreases the likelihood that the premiumfor organic products (presently 50–55%)will come under pressure.

Figure 26: Sales channels for organicproducts in the United Kingdom in 2001

Local and Direct Sales

9%

Independent/Healthfood shops11%

MultiplesRetailer80%

Source: Richter et al., 2003

2400

1800

1200

800

400

0

450

1998

1,435(estimated)

2002

Figure 25: Organic food and beveragesin the United Kingdom 1998 and 2002

€ m

illio

n

Source: Kortbech-Olesen, 1999, FiBL, 2003

77

Despite competition on the food market,much scope will remain in future for fo-reign suppliers of organic products. Thecrucial aspects are credible certification,efficient trade structures and strong rela-tionships with British market partners.

3.8.2 Imports and marketrequirements

About half of all imported organic foodscome from EU member states. The mainorganic suppliers outside of the EU are theUSA, Egypt, Israel, Argentina, South Africaand Central America. Some 70% of orga-nic foods are imported. The import sharefor organic beverages (incl. wine and spi-rits) figures 90%, for fruits, vegetables andherbs 82%, for cereals, bakery productsand baby food 70%, for juices 50% andfor dairy products 40%. Tea and coffee are100% imported.

Organic fresh fruits and vegetables havethe strongest demand in the UK. Mostorganic imports in this sector come fromEU and a group of well-established thirdcountries. British consumers place veryhigh demands upon the external appea-rance of these fresh products. They aremainly distributed by supermarket chainsand box schemes. Excellent market per-spectives exist for processed fruits andvegetables particularly dried, frozen andcanned products. Demand for baby foodand convenience products is growing ra-pidly too.

Meat, meat products and eggs are supp-lied mainly by domestic producers. Half ofthe domestic demand for cereal and ce-real products is met by imports comingmainly from the EU and the USA. Growthis expected in the area of animal feedsdue to rising demand for organic poultry,meat and eggs. Price differentials of 80 to100% compared to conventional feedstuffcereals are (still) commonplace. Cereals forbakery products tend to be bought directby the millers.

Supply systems are complex with muchinter trading between suppliers for driedfruits and nuts. In many cases dried fruitsthough produced organically cannot besold as organic products because produ-cers are not certified.

Fair Trade organisations are not alwaysable to sell tea and coffee with an additio-nal organic label despite these havingbeen cultivated organically because a partof the certification chain is missing. Thefuture market prospects of this productgroup depend above all upon the commit-ment of the supermarket chains.

3.8.3 Market access provisions

The market access for organic productsis regulated by EU Regulation 2092/91on organic farming (see Chapter 2). Thefollowing additional provisions apply in theUnited Kingdom:

In 1987, the United Kingdom governmentdesignated UKROFS (United KingdomRegister of Organic Food Standards) asan executive body to oversee and approvethe private certification organisations inthe UK. Although UKROFS could operateas a certifying body (UK1), it only approv-ed and monitored the activities of theprivate certifying bodies (e.g. interviewingand registering inspectors trained bycertification bodies).

Main countriesof origin

AT, AU, CN,Eastern Europe, FR

EG, ES, IT, IL, NL, DE,FR, BE

NL, ES, IL, ITAR, W. Africa, Chile, DK

US, S. America, ES, NL,FR, EG, IS, GR, IT, CL,

AR, NZ ZA, MX, GL

AT, DK

AR, DE, SW, DK

NZ, DE, SE

DE, SW, NL, DK

DK, FR

FR

Total quantity –(t)

160,000

Very small

20,000

74,000

30,000

22,000

496

18

750

700

5

Product group

Cereals

Oilseeds

Potatoes

Vegetables

Fruit (incl. nuts)

Milk and milkproducts

Beef (incl. Veal)

Sheep meat (incl. Lamb)

Pork

Poultry

Eggs (million pieces)

Table 12: Import of organic agricultural food products inThe United Kingdom

Source: Omiard unpublished results, 2003

Imports

7878

UKROFS had produced a set of officialnational standards and established anindependent certification and inspectionscheme for organic producers. UKROFSstandards are based on EU standardswith additional UK regulations.

In 2001, a review of UKROFS was con-ducted which resulted in this body beingdissolved with effect from July 2003. Theexecutive functions previously undertakenby UKROFS (e.g. approval and monitoringof organic certifiers, issue of import autho-risation etc.) are now undertaken directlyby the Department for Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs (DEFRA), in consultationwith the devolved administrations in theother countries of the United Kingdom:Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

There are currently 12 private sector bo-dies approved and monitored byUKROFS/DEFRA in the United Kingdom.These include OF&G (Organic Farmersand Growers Ltd, UK2), Scottish OrganicProducers Association (UK3), OFF(Organic Food Federation, UK4), SACert(Soil Association Certification Ltd, UK5),the Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association(UK6), Irish Organic Farmers and GrowerAssociation (UK7) and others. Some of thecertification bodies certify only to the offi-cial national standards, others developedadditional private standards.

The oversight and approval of the certifi-cation bodies is now undertaken by UKAS(United Kingdom Accreditation Service).UKAS is the sole national accreditationbody recognised by government to as-sess, against internationally agreed stand-ards, organisations that provide certifica-tion, testing, and inspection and calibra-tion services.

There is no national label for organic pro-ducts in the United Kingdom. Britishsupermarket chains dominate the organicmarket. They are known for their high qua-lity and service standards and are widelytrusted by their customers. Therefore, theword “organic” in combination with thesupermarket’s brand name like Marks &Spencer Organic, Waitrose Organic,Sainsbury Organic, Tesco Organic orASDA Organic are used in marketing. Thecertification service sometimes appearsonly with their official code-number (e.g.Organic Certification: UK4), sometimeswith the certifier’s logo. Consumers acceptany UKROFS/DEFRA accredited UK certi-fication service. Supermarkets are workingwith various certification services depen-ding on product and country of origin.

In the market place and by the consumer,the symbol of SACert is presently the bestknown and SACert labelled productscurrently occupy about a third of the UKorganic market.

79

Part C: AnnexesGuidelines, Addresses, Forms

80

in Germanhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_18.htmlhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c910_181.html

in Frenchhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c910_18.htmlhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c910_181.html

in Italianhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/i/sr/c910_18.htmlhttp://www.admin.ch/ch/i/sr/c910_181.html

the inoffical version can be downloaded from:

http://www.blw.admin.ch

Annex 2 of the ordinance 910.181 givesdetails about authorized fertilizers; Annex 3of 910.181 gives details about authorizedingredients and technical aids; Annex 4 givesdetails about the country list.

Annex I/1The Swiss Ordinance on Organic Agriculture and onAppropriate Labelling of Plant Products and foodstuffs(short name: Bioverordnung 910.18 and 910.181).As well as the different changes made since 1997, canbe downloaded in German, French and Italian fromthe website:

81

A consolidated (but unofficial) text incorporating all amendments, which is regularly updated, isavailable at:http://www.prolink.de/~hps/

As well as a text from the EU with information ofgeneral nature regarding organically grownagricultural products and foodstuffs with usefulexplications to the legislation, available at:http://europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l21118.htm

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_243/l_24320010913en00030014.pdfgives the EU legislation on organic products fromnon-EU countries.

This is the original – unconsolidated andconsolidated – text, which has since beenamended by numerous further pieces of EUlegislation.To obtain the hardcopy of the regulation outside ofEurope, address yourself to the nearest EuropeanCommission Delegation, the addresses areavailable at:http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/delegations/intro/index.htm

Inside of Europe address yourself to the nearestEuropean Info Center, the addresses are availableat:http://europa.eu.int/comm/offices.htm

Annex IIEU Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June1991 on Organic Production of AgriculturalProducts and Indications Referring thereto onAgricultural Products and Foodstuffs

The EU Regulation on organic production can be downloaded at the following website:http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/consleg/main/1991/en_1991R2092_index.html

Your Notes:

82

Annex IIIComparison of standards in organic agriculture

* Component of the “environmental performance record” (Ökologischer Leistungsnachweis, ÖLN: documentationof ecological services provided in tillage farming): precondition for the release of direct payments.** BIO SUISSE and Migros-Bio agricultural standards are identical.

– Mandatory for plant productsand foods labelled with thewords “organic” (in English),“biologisch” or “ökologisch” (in German), or equivalentterms

– To take into account of naturalcycles and processes

– No utilization of syntheticchemical agents or ingredients

– No utilization of geneticallymodified organisms or theirproducts

– No utilization of growthregulators, defoliants orherbicides

– No ionizing rays or irradiatedproducts

– Sectoral conversion in cropproduction and livestockmanagement (no parallelproduction, traceability)

– Annual certification includingat least one inspection peryear

– 2 years and 3 years forperennials; may be shortenedto 1 year for individual farms (ifno prohibited agents utilized inthe last 3 years)

– No specific legislation

– Compliance with relevantnational legislation

– Same as EU Regulation

– To take into account of naturalcycles and processes

– Same as EU Regulation

– Whole-farm organic mana-gement (non-organic wine orfruit production permitted, inaccordance with ÖLN, withinthe organic holding for anunlimited period of time)

– 2 years; conversion datealways January 1

– Permitted in specific circum-stances on farms with peren-nial speciality crops, over aperiod of 5 years at most

– Mandatory

– Mandatory products to besold as meeting the standardsof the BIO SUISSE Knospe(“bud”), Migros-Bio orDemeter organic labels

– Demeter: Use of biodynamiccompost preparations,attention to stellar/planetaryinfluences on planting andcropping

– No exceptions to the principleof whole-farm organicmanagement

– 2 days mandatory training forfarmers starting the processof conversion

– Demeter: 3 years, reduced to 1 year if from BIO SUISSEto Demeter, no retro-perspec-tive approval of farms andparcels

– Like Swiss Organic Ordinance.Detailed conversion planrequired. No parallel produc-tion of non-organic and fullyorganic fields is not allowedin any case.

–

Scope of Application

Principles

Prohibitions

GeneralRequirements

Conversion Period

Conversion in Stages(step by step)

Environment Protec-tion, Water Resour-ces Protection andAnimal WelfareLegislation*

Minimum requirementsEU Regulation on organicproduction 2092/91,Regulation to include livestock production 1804/99(as from Aug. 2000)

Minimum requirementsSwiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)

Additional requirements of BIO SUISSE/Migros-Bio**/Demeter

83

– Balanced crop rotation, nospecific legislation in detail(checked by nationalinspection and certificationbodies)

– No specific legislation

– Even, on farms with livestockinputs from livestock limited tomax. 170 kg N/ha

– Maintenance and improve-ment of soil fertility and soilbiological activity by means oforganic fertilizers and croprotation

– Only permitted fertilizers aslisted in special annex II A

– No sewage sludge

– Pest, disease and weedcontrol by makingcomprehensive use of:

– Appropriate species and varieties

– Appropriate crop rotations

– Maximum proportions in croprotation: Cereals (exceptmaize, oats) 66%, wheat (incl. spelt) 50%, oats 25%,maize 40%, potatoes 25%

– 7% of agricultural area,3.5% for horticulture holdings

– Even, LBL (balance sheet ofLindau agricultural extensionservice) method

– Maintenance andimprovement of soil fertilityand soil biological activity

– Low-impact husbandry

– Promotion of biodiversity

– Fodder production on theholding to be graded incorrelation with manureapplied and fodder utilization

– Organic fertilizers from ownfarm wherever possible

– Spreading of nutrients max.2.5 LU equivalent per ha inprime locations

– Peat only for seedlingproduction and peat border

– No use of meat, blood andbone meal as fertilisersallowed

– Permitted fertilizers as listed inAnnex 2 of Swiss OrganicFarming Ordinance (Bio-V)

– As per EU Regulation

– List of permitted plantprotection agents as in Annex2 of Swiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-V)

– Min. 20% of soil improvingcrops (e.g. ley and/or greenmanures)

– Except for rice, a cultivationbreak of at least a year mustbe made between two meancrops of the same variety forannual crops.

– 7% of agricultural area forall holdings, min. 5% of totalvegetation must be low-inputgrassland

– Even, LU equiv. max. method,LBL method where in doubt

– Demeter: Consideration ofstellar/planetary influences inplanting and cropping

– Min. 50% of nutrients to beapplied to own land

_ Maximum amounts of nitrogen and phosphorusper group of crops

– Export of farmyard manuresonly to organic holdings,import from holdings at leasthaving “environmental perfor-mance record” (ÖLN), max.transport distance: 10 kmradius (poultry manure: 20 km)

– Conditioning of imported farm-yard manures (if from holdingwith ÖLN documentation)

– Fertilisers and soil conditionersonly from the Swiss ResearchInstitute of Organic Agriculture(FiBL) list of approved sub-stances

– Demeter: Use of biodynamiccompost preparations with all farmyard manures at leastonce per year. Application ofhorn manure and horn silica to every crop including grass-land

– Only substances from theFiBL list of approvedsubstances

Crop Rotation*

Surfaces enhancingbiodiversity (“Ecolo-gical CompensationAreas”)*

Nutrient Balance *

Soil Fertility and SoilBiological Activity

Use of Fertilizers andSoil conditioners

Crop Protection

Minimum requirementsEU Regulation on organicproduction 2092/91,Regulation to include livestock production 1804/99(as from Aug. 2000)

Minimum requirementsSwiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)

Additional requirements of BIO SUISSE/Migros-Bio**/Demeter

84

– Mechanical and thermal methods

– Promotion and protection ofbeneficial organisms

– Only substances of a speciallist of permitted plantprotection agents (Annex II B)

– Use of copper: maximum8 kg/ha on a 5 year average,from 2006 on 6 kg/hacalculated on a 5 yearaverage

– Metaldehyde and pyrethroidsin traps, organic herbicidesare allowed (until 31 of March2006).

– Seed, seedlings and vegeta-tive propagating material mustbe from organic production(Transition period ends Dec31, 2003: If proof is given thatorganic propagation materialfor an appropriate variety isnot available, conventionalseed may be used.)

– No conventionally treatedseed allowed anymore after2004 except when required bylegal national regulations

– A data-base system for theavailability of organic seedmust be in place in eachmember state from 2004 on

– No special regulations

– No special regulations

– No prophylactic administrationof pharmacological medicationor antibiotics

– Medication journal to be kept

– Double withdrawal period afteradministration of medication(max. 3 cycles of treatment)

– Copper application limited to4kg/ha

– Metaldehyde and pyrethroidsin traps, organic herbicidesare not allowed.

– Seed, seedlings and vegeta-tive propagating material mustbe from organic production(Transition period ends Dec31, 2003: If proof is given thatorganic propagation materialfor an appropriate variety isnot available, conventionalseed may be used.)

– Soil steaming only permittedfor greenhouse vegetableproduction and productionof seedlings

–

– As per EU Regulation

– Limits for application ofcopper range from 1.5 kgto 4 kg per hectare per yeardepending on crop, e.g.1.5 kg for apples/pears, 2 kgfor berries and 4 kg for stonefruits, potatoes and wine (forgrapes: calculated on a5 year average)

– Use of substances notcompliant with organicstandards is not permittedfor commission processing

– Demeter: copper notpermitted in vegetablecultivation (incl. potatoes)

– Vegetable and herb seedlingsmust be of BIO SUISSEquality (max. 5% of seedlingscan be certified only to EUorganic standards)

– Max. 60% peat in soil mixesand propagation substrates,max. 70% peat in blockingsoil (sep. regulation for hort-iculture)

– Addition of Styromull (groundstyrofoam) to soil substratesis prohibited

– Compliance with BIO SUISSEseed and seedling guidelines

– Vegetable cultivation per-mitted in soil only

– Heating in greenhouses notto exceed 5oC (from Dec. 1to Feb. 28)

– Demeter: Mulch sheeting tocover no more than 5% totalarea, for speciality certaincrops

– Generally year-round ground-cover,

– Minimum green cover invineyards and orchards alsoinarid areas (minimum of4 months)

– Minimum quality standardsfor organic fruit

– Demeter: no dehorning. no(intramammary) treatmentswith antibiotics for drying off

Crop Protection

Seeds and PlantPropagating Material

Vegetable Production

Fruit and WineProduction

Animal Health

Minimum requirementsEU Regulation on organicproduction 2092/91,Regulation to include livestock production 1804/99(as from Aug. 2000)

Minimum requirementsSwiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)

Additional requirements of BIO SUISSE/Migros-Bio**/Demeter

85

– Use of feedstuffs from on-farmproduction

– Feedstuffs from organicproduction may be bought in

– Max. proportion bought-infeed from non-organic pro-duction (until 24th of August2005, afterwards morerestricted):– 10% of total intake ofruminants (organic dry matter)– 20% of total intake percategory of non-ruminants

– As a proportion of daily intake,25% maximum conventionalfeed (dry matter) permitted

– No chemical or syntheticadditives or geneticallymodified organisms

– Detailed list of approvedfeedstuffs

– A maximum of 10% of adultbovine livestock and 20% ofthe adult porcine, ovine andcaprine livestock may bebrought in, as female (nulli-parous) animals, from nonorganic-production stockfarmsper year, as replacements(when organically rearedanimals are not available).(Exceptions include males forbreeding; herd/flock renewalafter disease outbreak.)

– Special outdoor access andhousing area requirements

– Tethered housing prohibitedfrom 2010 with the exceptionof small farms

– No fully-slatted floors

– Bedded or dry and wellinsulated rest areas

– Rearing and fattening calves ingroups on litter

– Embryo transfer prohibited

– No use of milk powder

– Min. 60% of feed as roughage

– Conversion periods forbought-in conventional cattle 6 months for milk, 12 monthsfor meat production or at least3/4 of animal’s lifetime

– Daily roughage for rearing andfattening pigs

– Pasture and/or out-dooraccess

– As per EU Regulation

– Obligatory FiBL/RAC/BIOSUISSE list of approvedfeedstuffs

– As per EU Regulation

– Compliance with outdooraccess requirements of theSwiss programme for regularoutdoor management oflivestock (RegelmässigerAuslauf von Nutztieren imFreien: RAUS)

– Other requirements as per EURegulation

– Compliance with RAUSoutdoor access requirements

– Tail-docking, nose-ringing(exception summering area)and teeth-cutting prohibited

– 100% conventional feeds forindividual livestock categoriespermitted until 1.1.2001,for produce not to be soldwith the BIO SUISSE Knospelabel.

–

– Cow trainers prohibited from1.1.2002

– Outdoor access from day 24

– Bought-in piglets must beorganically reared

– Compliance with BIO SUISSEpig-keeping guidelines

Feeding

Bought-in Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Minimum requirementsEU Regulation on organicproduction 2092/91,Regulation to include livestock production 1804/99(as from Aug. 2000)

Minimum requirementsSwiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)

Additional requirements of BIO SUISSE/Migros-Bio**/Demeter

86

– Compliance with special EUrequirements on outdooraccess and housing area

– Conversion period for bought-in conventional pigs for meatproduction: 6 months

– Compliance with specialrequirements on outdooraccess and housing area

– Conversion period for bought-in conventional livestock formeat production: 6 months

– Compliance with specialrequirements on outdooraccess and housing area

– Floor area at least 1/3concrete (with litter)

– Laying hens: 6 hens per m2

floor area of housing. Outdoorrun 4 m2 per hen

– Max. 3000 laying hens andmax. 4800 broilers perhousing unit

– Min. age at slaughter 81 daysfor chickens, where impos-sible, slow-growing breeds tobe used

– Conversion period for bought-in conventional poultry foreggs 6 weeks and for meatproduction 56 days (max.3 days old)

– No special requirement

– The use of additives andprocessing aids is restrictedfor plant products.See Annex 6

– Maximum age at castration 14days

– Other regulations as per EURegulation

– Compliance with RAUSoutdoor access requirements

– No tail-docking

– Other regulations as per EURegulation

– Compliance with RAUSoutdoor access requirements

– Detailed requirements onhousing size, stocking density,nests, access doors, light

– Laying hens: 5 hens per m2

floor area of housing. Outdoorrun 5 m2 per hen

– Broiler poultry: Outdoor run2 m2 per hen

– No beak clipping or beaktrimming/heating

– Other regulations as per EURegulation

– No special requirement

– The use of additives andprocessing aids is restrictedfor plant and animal products.See Annex 6 of the SwissOrganic Ordinance

– Use of milk powder permittedfor triplet births

– Compliance with BIO SUISSEsheep and goat guidelines

– Max. 2000 laying hens perhousing unit

– Bought-in chicks must beorganically reared

– Compliance with BIO SUISSElaying-hen guidelines

– The products must be trans-ported by land or by sea

– In addition storage and pro-cessing, in particular the useof additives and processingaids as well as the processingmethods must comply withthe product specific directivesfor processing. (See www.bio-suisse.ch)

– No use of synthetic ascorbicacids, colorants and naturalflavours allowed.

– No reconstitution of juicesallowed.

Pigs

Goats and Sheep

Hens

Transport

Processing andstorage

Minimum requirementsEU Regulation on organicproduction 2092/91,Regulation to include livestock production 1804/99(as from Aug. 2000)

Minimum requirementsSwiss Organic FarmingOrdinance (Bio-Verordnung: Bio-V)

Additional requirements of BIO SUISSE/Migros-Bio**/Demeter

FIBL/BIO SUISSE 2003

87

The addresses of national umbrella organizations and certification bodies can be obtained from IFOAM.

Demeter Organizations

In the year 2000, there are national Demeter associations based in 19 countries around the world. These countries are: Austria, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, theNetherlands, Sweden, Finland, England, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand and the U.S.A.The address for Demeter Switzerland is given above. Enquiries concerning national Demeter associations can be found at www.demeter.net. Some addresses of national associations based outside the EU are:

1. International Organizations and Trade Fairs

IFOAM

Organization

IFOAMInternational Federationof Organic AgricultureMovements

Address

c/o Ökozentrum ImsbachDE-66636 Tholey-TheleyGermany

Telephone

+49 - 6853 - 51 90

Fax

+49 - 6853 - 30 110

E-mail/Homepage

webmaster@ifoam.org

www.ifoam.org

Association

Bio-dynamic Farming &Gardening Ass. Inc.

Instituto biodinâmico C.P.

The CanadianBiodynamic Alliance

Egyptian Bio-DynamicAssociation / SEKEMFarms

Bio-Dynamic Farmingand Gardening Assoc. N. Z.

Demeter Association Inc.

Address

PO Box 54AUS-2454 BellingenAustralia

321BR-18603-970 Botucatu/SPBrasil

255 Neva RoadP.O. Box 167BC VOR 2GO Lake CowichanCanada

POB 1535Alf Maskan11777 ET CairoEgypt

P.O. Box 39045Wellington Mail Centre NZNew Zealand

USA

Telephone

+61 - 2 66 55 85 51

+55 - 148 22 50 66

+1 - 250 749 41 99

+20 - 2 281 88 86

+64 - 4 - 589 53 66

+1 - 315 - 364 56 17

Fax

+61 - 2 66 55 85 51

+55 - 148 22 50 66

+1 - 250 749 47 88

+20 - 2 281 88 86

+64 - 4 - 589 53 65

+1 - 315 - 364 52 24

E-mail/Homepage

poss@midcoast.com.au

ibd@laser.com.br

Octavia@telus.net

ebda@sekem.comwww.sekem.com

d.wright@clear.net.nz

demeter@baldcom.net

Annex IVSwiss, European and International AddressesThis Annex lists Swiss and international addresses of trading companies, producer organizations, certification bodies and authorities. The collection makes no claim to being complete. Annexes V and VI list further addresses.

88

International Trade Fairs

Trade Fair

BIOFACHNuremberg

ANUGA – Köln – “World Food Market”

PRO SANITA

SANA

Trade Fair for HealthFood and ReformhausGoods in Bunnik

BIOCULTURA

SIALEuropeNorth- and South AmericaAsia

Contact

Ökowelt GmbHwww.biofach.deinfo@biofach.de

ANUGAKöln Messewww.anuga.de

Stuttgarter Messe- undKongressges. mbHPro Sanitawww.messe-stuttgart.de

Bologna-Italywww.sana.it

Vakcentrum

Vidasana

www.sial.frsial@sial.fr

Address

Industriestrasse 12DE-91186 BüchenbachGermany

Messeplatz 1DE-50679 KölnGermany

Am Kochenhof 16DE-70192 StuttgartGermany

Voorstaat 91/a3441 CK WoerdenNetherlands

Calle Clot 39E-08018 BarcelonaSpain

1 rue du parc92300 Levalloius-PerretFrance

Telephone

+49 - 91 71 - 96100

+49 - 221 - 821 0

+49 - 7 11 - 2 58 90

+31 - 34 80 - 1 97 71

+34 - 3 - 2 65 25 05

+33 - 1 - 49 68 54 98

Fax

+49 - 91 71 - 4016

+49 - 221 - 821 2574

– / –

+31 - 34 80 - 2 08 01

+34 - 3 - 2 65 24 45

– / –

Certification Body

SKAL

Associazione Italiana per l'Agricol-turaBiologica (AIAB)

KRAV (Swedish OrganicAgriculture Association)

Farm Verified Organic,INC. (FVO)

GARANTIEBio-Ecocert

ECOCERT France

Country/Address

Stationsplein 5PO Box 384NL-8000 AJ ZwolleNetherlands

Strada Maggiore, 29IT-40125 BolognaItaly

PO Box 1940S-75149 UppsalaSweden

301 5th Ave SEMedina, ND 58467USA

50, Route du PrésidentKennedyLocal 250, LévisQc, Canada

BP47F32600 l’Isle-JourdainFrance

Telephone

+31 - 38 - 426 81 81

+39 - 051 - 27 29 86

+46 - 18 - 101 006

+1 - 701 - 486 35 78

+1 - 418 - 838 69 41

+33 5 62073424

Fax

+31 - 38 - 421 30 63

+39 - 051 - 23 20 11

+46 - 18 - 101 066

+1 - 701 - 486 35 80

+1 - 418 - 838 98 23

+33 5 62071167

E-mail/Homepage

info@skal.comwww.skal.nl

aiab@aiab.itwww.aiab.it

Info@krav.sewww.krav.se

farmvo@daktel.comwww.ics-intl.com/fvo.html

garantie@globetrotter.netwww.garantiebio-ecocert.qc.ca

info@ecocert.frwww.ecocert.fr

Inspection and Certification Bodies

See Annex V. A list of inspection and certification bodies accredited by IFOAM can be found at:www.ifoam.orgSome addresses of national and international working certification bodies:

89

Firm

Andros

Agrexco Ltd.

Bargosa S.A.-Genève

Barry Callebaut Sourcing AG

G. Berger AG

Bertschi Fritz AG

Biofamilia AG

Biofarm-Genossenschaft

Bioforce AG

Biotta AG

Bio Steinmann AG

Blaser Café AG

Blattmann

Bonatura AG

claro AG

Cretti & Co.

Delinat AG

DIXA AG

Eichberg Bio AG

Fairness Handel

Address

Ch. de la Crétaux C.P. 413CH-1196 Gland

Jungholzstr. 6CH-8050, Zürich

25. rue Blavignac,CH-1227 Carouge-Genève

Sumpfstr. 3CH-6300 Zug

Hünigenstr.CH-3510 Konolfingen

Rührbergstrasse 13 CH-4127 Birsfelden

Brünigstrasse 141 CH-6072 Sachseln

Postfach 18 CH-4936 Kleindietwil

Abt. Heilpflanzenanbau CH-9325 Roggwil

Pflanzbergstr. 8 CH-8274 Tägerwilen

Staufferstr. 2CH-5703 Seon

Güterstrasse 4 CH-3001 Claro

Seestrasse 201 CH-8820 Wädenswil

Industriestrasse 7 CH-3210 Kerzers

Byfangstrasse 19 Postfach 69CH-2552 Orpund

Hauptstr.1CH-9434 Au

Kirchstr. 10Postfach 8 CH-9326 Horn

Stationsstr. 39aCH-9014 St. Gallen

Eichberg 32CH-5707 Seengen

Sedelstr. 32CH-6020 Emmenbrücke

Telephone

+41 - 22 995 08 00

+41 - 1-315 76 20

+41 - 22-343 71 60

+41- 41-748 72 44

+41 - 31-790 44 44

+41 - 61 313 22 00

+41 - 41 666 25 55

+41 - 62 957 80 50

+41 - 71-454 61 61

+41 - 71-666 80 80

+41 - 62-769 00 69

+41 - 31 380 55 55

+41 - 1 783 40 40

+41 - 31 750 14 26

+41 - 32 - 356 07 00

+41 - 71 744 05 05

+41 - 71 845 45 72

+41 - 71-274 22 74

+41 - 62 777 00 49

+41 - 41-268 11 22

Fax

+41 - 22 995 09 46

+41 - 1-315 76 70

+41 - 22-342 80 72

+41 - 41-748 71 81

+41 - 31-790 44 45

+41 - 61 313 19 49

+41 - 41 666 25 50

+41 - 71 - 454 61 62

+41 - 71 - 666 80 81

+41 - 62 - 769 00 66

+41 - 31 380 55 40

+41 - 1 783 40 00

+41 - 31 750 14 24

+41 - 32 - 356 07 01

+41 - 71 744 15 17

+41 - 71 845 45 79

+41 - 71-274 22 60

+41 - 62 777 02 35

+41 - 41-268 11 33

Imported Products

Orange juices

Fruits/vegetables

Fruits/vegetables

Cocoa

Cereals/coffee

Coffee

Process nuts, sugar,dried fruit into muesli

Dried fruit and nuts,sugar

Herb salts, processed ve-getables, whole grain rice

Juices, fresh vegetables

Chocolate products

Coffee

Cereals and cerealproducts, oil-seeds,protein plants

Fresh fruits (raspberries)

Tea, coffee, sugar,sweeteners (muscovado)

Cereals/coffee

Wine

Herbs/spices

Protein plants, wine,sugar, honey, coffee,cocoa, tea, cereals, oil-seeds, fresh fruits, juices,vegetables, dried fruitand nuts

Fair trade produce

2. Switzerland

Importers

90

First Catering Produktion AG

Frigemo AG ProductionCressier Fenaco

J. Carl Fridlin AG

Granosa AG

Gugger-Guillod SA

Goldenpharm AG

Cantina TerraVerde

Georges Helfer SA

“Georges Sohn”Henauer Kaffee und Tee

Hess Import

Hilcona AG

HolzofenbäckereiDä Hobbit

HorizontiKräuterhandel GmbH

HPW Marketing GmbH

Hügli Nährmittel AG

IFIR Handels AG

Jojoba Gold

Kentaur AG

KnollNaturproduktehandelGmbH

Lendi

Lohit AGSharma Mahesh

Maestrani Schweizeri-sche Schokoladen AG

Mavena AG

Grindelstr. 11CH-8303 Bassersdorf

Rte de Neuchâtel 49 CH-2088 Cressier

Bösch 61CH-6331 Hünenberg

Eisenbahnstr. 41CH-9401 Rohrschach

Rte de l'Industrie 5 CH-1786 Sugiez

Churerstr. 999471 Buchs 3

Am Wasser 55CH-8049 Zürich

Chemin De FontenaillesCH-1196 Gland

Hofstr. 9CH-8181 Höri

Haldenstr. 38CH-8142 Uitikon

Bendererstr. 21FL-9494 Schaan

Im Tal 50CH-8233 Bargen

Mittelholzerstr. 9CH-9015 St. Gallen

Neumattstr. 30CH-5000 Aarau

BleichestrasseCH-9323 Steinach

Wengistrasse 7 CH-8026 Zürich Schweiz

Atlantis Center. C.P. 211628 Vuadens

Gässli 63432 Lützelflüh

Talackerstrasse 14CH-8274 Tägerwilen

ErboristiCH-6981 Bedigliora Schweiz

Eisengasse 12CH-6004 Luzern

St. Georgenstr. 105PostfachCH-9011 St. Gallen

Birkenweg 1-8 CH-3123 Belp

+41 - 1-838 50 00

+41 - 32 758 51 11

+41 - 41-780 55 22

+41 - 718 44 98 20

+41 - 26 - 673 23 73

+41 - 81-756 55 54

+41 - 1-342 10 00

+41 - 22-9999999

+41 - 1-861 17 88

+41 - 1-400 42 41

+41 - 75 235 95 95

+41 - 52-6531683

+41 - 79-220 18 67/+41 - 71-3112096

+41 - 62-834 80 60

+41 - 71-4472211

+41 - 1 297 27 01

+41 - 26-912 50 50

+41 - 34-460 61 11

+41 - 71 669 23 01

+41 - 91 - 606 71 70

+41 - 41-410 73 06

+41 - 71 228 38 11

+41 - 31 - 818 55 88

+41 - 1-838 50 01

+41 - 32 757 17 38

+41 - 41-780 28 08

+41 - 718 44 98 30

+41 - 26 - 673 19 04

+41 - 81-756 06 27

+41 - 1-341 97 62

+41 - 22-9999988

+41 - 1-400 42 42

+41 - 75 232 02 85

+41 - 52-653 17 22

+41 - 71-311 46 17/2096

+41 - 62-834 80 61

+41 - 71-4472994

+41 - 1 297 27 02

+41 - 26-912 50 11

+41 - 34-460 61 66

+41 - 71 669 22 34

+41 - 91 - 606 34 91

+41 - 41-410 76 08

+41 - 71 228 38 00

+41 - 31 - 818 55 90

Vegetables/fruits

Fresh vegetables

Spices

Cereals

Fresh vegetables

Baking products

Organe-Vine

Avocados

Tea/coffee

Dried fruits

Vegetables, cereals,cereal products, oil-seeds

Vegan specialities

Spices/herbs

Pineapples

Ready-to-serve products

Cereals and cerealproducts, oil-seeds,protein plants

Cosmetics/oils

Cereals/seeds

'Brottrunk', a health drink made of fermentedbread

Culinary and medicinalherbs, tea

Organic tea marketing

Cocoa

Cereals, cereal products,protein plants, pumpkinseeds for baby food

Firm Address Telephone Fax Imported Products

91

+41 - 56 297 87 87

+41 - 71 422 15 16

+41 - 71-992 60 40

+41 - 34-402 22 94

+41 - 32 366 62 62

+41 - 21-924 31 11

+41 - 71-424 73 00

+41 - 91-610 70 50

+41 - 32 861 14 45

+41 - 22-364 11 18

+41 - 52 234 09 09

+41 - 52-681 31 44

+41 - 41-728 72 60

+41 - 81-6301020

+41 - 31-839 22 05

+41 - 71-911 41 33

+41 - 62-391 00 80

+41 - 62-295 46 46

+41 - 1-731 12 00

+41 - 71-655 15 34

+41 - 1-938 18 08

+41 - 71 932 61 11

+41 - 1 877 60 60

Max Schwarz AGVilligen

René Meier Früchte + Gemüse

Morga AG

Multi Extrakt AG

Narimpex AG

Nestlé Suisse SA

Obipektin AG

Oleificio Sabo

Perrenoud SA

Phag sarl

PRONATEC AG

Rimuss-Kellerei Rahm & Co.

Bernhard RothfosIntercafe AG

Sanbro Produkte

Schläppi & Co.

Alex Schönenberger &Co.

s’Lotusblüemli

Somona GmbH

SoyanaWalter Dänzer

StettlerGewürzspezialitäten

Molkerei Studer + Co.Damalis AG

Dünner Dr. AG

Träubler Alois AG

Hauptstr. 49 CH-5234 Villigen

Amriswilerstrasse 36CH-8589 Sitterdorf

Kapplerstr. 60CH-9642 Ebnat-Kappel

Sägestr.11CH-3550 Langnau i. E.

Schwanengasse 47 CH-2503 Biel

rue d’Entre-Deux-Villes10CH-1800 Vevey

Industriestr. 8CH-9220 Bischofszell

Via Cantonale(Casella postale)CH-6928 Manno

Rue de l’Anel 1 CH-2112 Motiers

La LigniereCase postaleCH-1196 Gland

Stregackerstr. 6CH-8404 Winterthur

Dickistr. 1CH-8215 Hallau (SH)

Postfach 1357 Bahnhofstr. 22CH-6301 Zug

CH-7417 Trans

Stationsstr. 1CH-3076 Worb 2

Konstanzerstr. 9CH-9512 Rossrüti

Sagmattstr. 7CH-4710 Balsthal

Bodenackerstr. 51CH-4657 Dulliken

Turmstr. 6CH-8952 Schlieren

Hauptstr. 13CH-9562 Märwil

Triemenhof. Höhenstr. 111CH-8340 Hinwil

Hausenstr. 35–37CH-9533 Kirchberg

Industriestrasse 28 CH-8304 Wallisellen

+41 - 56 297 87 02

+41 - 71-422 49 76

+41 - 71-992 60 56

+41 - 34-402 56 22

+41 - 32 366 62 66

+41 - 21-924 30 19

+41 - 71-424 73 90

+41 - 91 - 610 70 69

+41 - 32 861 28 66

+41 - 22-364 53 63

+41 - 52 235 09 19

+41 - 52-681 40 14

0+41 - 41-728 72 79

+41 - 81-6301021

+41 - 31-839 90 45

+41 - 71-911 41 35

+41 - 62-391 00 80/02

+41 - 62-2953259

+41 - 1-731 12 75

+41 - 71-655 15 55

+41 - 1-938 18 08

+41 - 71 931 41 91

+41 - 1 877 60 66

Transplants/seedlings

Vegetables/fruits

Health food products

Cereals/seeds

Honey

Foods for children

Fruit extracts

Oil-seeds

Wine

Health food products

Sugar and sweeteners(agave syrup), cocoa,vanilla

Wine/juice

Coffee

Sea buckthorn

Dried fruits

Concentrates

Health food products

Health food products

Vegan specialities

Spices/herbs

Cheese

Medicinal products

Coffee

Firm Address Telephone Fax Imported Products

92

Trawosa AG

Unipektin AG

Vanadis AG

Varistor AG

Via Verde

W. Kündig & Cie

Weber & Hermann

Weleda AG – BetriebWeiden

Weinhandlung amKüferweg AG

Eisenbahnstr. 41CH-9401 Rohrschach

Bahnhofstr. 9CH-8264 Eschenz

Staufferstr. 2CH-5703 Seon

Weststrasse 5 CH-5426 Lengnau

BrunnmattCH-6264 Pfaffnau

Stampfenbachstr. 38 P.O. Box 6784CH-8023 Zürich

Zürcherstrasse CH-8903 Birmensdorf

Stollenrain 11CH-4144 Arlesheim

Küferweg 3 CH-8912 Obfelden

+41 - 71-844 98 40

+41 - 52-742 31 31

+41 - 62 769 00 33

+41 - 56 266 50 60

+41 - 62 - 747 07 47

+41 - 1 368 25 25

+41 - 1 737 03 50

+41 - 61-705 21 21

+41 - 1 761 33 33

+41 - 71-844 98 49

+41 - 52-742 31 32

+41 - 62 769 00 44

+41 - 56 266 50 70

+41 - 62 - 747 07 37

+41 - 1 362 84 14

+41 - 1 737 33 60

+41 - 61-705 23 11

+41 - 1 761 14 33

Cereals, rice, beans,dried, fruits + vegetables,herbs, fruits concentrates

Concentrates

Health food products

Processed vegetables,dried fruit and nuts,culinary and medicinalherbs, tea

Fresh fruit, juices, vege-tables, dried fruit andnuts, sugar, honey, wine,oil-seeds, cereals, cerealproducts, culinary andmedicinal herbs

Cereals and cerealproducts, protein plants

– / –

Medicinal products

Wine

Firm Address Telephone Fax Imported Products

Supermarket Chains

Chain

MigrosGenossenschafts-Bund

Coop (Schweiz)

Bon appétitManagement AG

Manor AGHauptsitz

Address

Limmatstrasse 152CH-8005 Zürich

Thiersteinerallee 12CH-4002 Basel

Industriestrasse 25CH-8604 Volketswil

Rebgasse 34CH-4058 Basel

Telephone

+41 - 1 - 277 2111

+41 - 61 - 336 6666

+41 - 1 - 947 14 14

+41 - 61 - 686 11 11

Fax

+41 - 1 - 277 2333/277 2525

+41 - 61 - 336 7491

+41 - 1 - 945 05 60

+41 - 61 - 681 11 92

E-mail/Homepage

www.migros.chwww.miosphere.com

www.coop.ch

www.bon-appetit.ch

www.manor.ch

Catering

Company

Gate Gourmet –Zürich AGBorddienststr.

Address

CH-8058 Zürich-Flughafen

Telephone

+41 - 1 - 812 19 19

Fax

+41 - 1 - 812 91 92

E-mail/Homepage

www.gategourmet.ch

93

Agricultural Associations

Agricultural Association

Demeter Schweiz (association for bio-dynamic agriculture)

BIO SUISSE (ASOAO)

Bioterra(Swiss association fororganic agriculture)

Address

Stollenrainstr. 10cCH-4110 Arlesheim

Margarethenstr. 87CH-4053 Basel

Dubsstrasse 33CH-8003 Zürich

Telephone

+41 - 61 - 706 96 43

+41 - 61 385 96 10

+41 - 1 - 463 55 14

Fax

+41 - 61 - 706 96 44

+41 - 61 385 96 11

+41 - 1 - 463 48 49

E-mail/Homepage

info@demeter.chwww.demeter.ch

bio@bio-suisse.chwww.bio-suisse.ch

service@bioterra.chwww.bioterra.ch

Advisory Bodies

Advisory Body

FiBL(Research Institute ofOrganic Agriculture)

SIPPO – Swiss ImportPromotion Programme

Address

AckerstrassePostfachCH-5070 Frick

Stampfenbachstr. 85PO BOX 492CH-8035 Zürich

Telephone

+ 41 - 62 - 865 72 72

+41 - 1 - 365 52 00

Fax

+ 41 - 62 - 865 72 73

+41 - 1 - 365 52 02

E-mail/Homepage

admin@fibl.chwww.fibl.org

info@sippo.chwww.sippo.ch

Government Bodies

Government Body

Swiss Federal Office forAgriculture

Swiss Federal Office forPublic Health

Swiss Federal CustomsAdministration

Swiss Federal StatisticalOffice

Address

Mattenhofstrasse 5CH-3003 Bern

Schwarzenburgstr. 165CH-3097 Liebefeld

OberzolldirektionMonbijoustr. 40CH-3003 Bern

CH-3000 Bern

Telephone

+41 - 31 - 322 25 11

+41 - 31 - 322 21 11

+41 - 31 322 65 11

+41 - 31 323 60 11

Fax

+41 - 31 - 322 26 34

+41 - 31 - 322 95 07

+41 - 31 322 78 72

+41 - 31 323 60 12

E-mail/Homepage

www.blw.admin.ch

www.bag.admin.ch

www.zoll.admin.ch

www.statistik.admin.ch

Label Programmes and Certification Bodies

Certification Body

IMOInstitut für Marktökologie

bio.inspecta AG

SQSSchweizerische Vereini-gung für Qualitäts- undManagement-Systeme

Bio Test Agro AG

Address

Weststr. 51CH-8570 Weinfelden

AckerstrassePostfachCH-5070 Frick

Bernstr. 103CH-3052 Zollikofen

Im Grüttstr. 10CH-3475 Riedtwil

Telephone

+41 - 71 - 626 06 26

+41 - 62 - 865 63 00

+41 - 31 910 35 35

+41 - 62 - 968 19 77

Fax

+41 - 71 - 626 06 23

+41 - 62 - 865 63 01

+41 - 31 910 35 45

+41 - 62 - 968 19 80

E-mail/Homepage

office@imo.chwww.imo.ch

admin@inspecta.chwww.bio.inspecta.ch

headoffice@sqs.chwww.sqs.ch

info@bio-test-agro.chwww.bio-test-agro.ch

94

3. Austria

Wholesalers, Retailer

Firm

BILLA Supermarket(belonging to REWE Group)IZ NÖ Süd Str. 3 Obj. 16AT-2355 Wr. NeudorfTel.: +43 2236 600 6930Fax: +43 2236 600 7690thomas.rogy@billa.co.atwww.billa.at

SPAR Supermarket GroupTaborstr. 95AT-1200 ViennaTel.: +43 1 3300539 726Fax: +43 1 3303322harald.rauchegger@spar.co.atwww.spar.at

Organic Range

(department fruits and vegetables)

(department fruits and vegetables)

Importer

Firm

Johann Ischia & CoIm- und Exportgesellschaft GmbH & CoAmraserstr. 6AT-6020 Innsbruck/TirolTel.: +43 512 52015-0Fax: +43 512 52015-15

Obst Huber Fruchtimport GESMBHNeinergutstr. 28–30AT-4600 WelsTel.: +43 7242 404-0Fax: +43 7242 404-147

Organic Range

Import Firms Specialized in Organic Products

Firm

Al NaturkostSchulgasse 35AT-2542 KottingbrunnTel.: +43 2252 77218

Natürlich WeberAT-3932 Kirchberg/Walde 52Tel.: +43 2854 20417Fax: +43 2854 631016office@weber-austria.at

Organic Range

95

Organic Certification Bodies

ABG Austria Bio GarantieKönigbrunnerstr 8AT-2202 EnzersfeldTel.: +43 2262 672212Fax: +43 2262 674143nw@abg.at

BIOS BiokontrollserviceFeyregg 39AT-4552 WartbergTel.: +43 7587 7177 14Fax: +43 7587 7177 11

LACONAT-4122 Arnreit 13Tel.: +43 7282 7711Fax: +43 7282 7711 4

LebensmittelversuchsanstaltBlaasstr. 29AT-1190 ViennaTel.: +43 1 3688555Fax: +43 1 3688555 20

SGS Austria Controll & CoGes.m.b.H.Johannesgasse 14AT-1015 ViennaTel.: +43 1 5122567Fax: +43 1 5122567 9

Government bodies

AMA Marketing GmbHPasettistraße 64AT-1200 ViennaTel.: +43 1 33 151 – 0Fax: +43 1 33 151 – 499QM-Programme@ama.gv.at

Bio Ernte Austria – BundesbüroEuropaplatz 4AT-4020 LinzTel.: +43 0 732 654 884Fax: +43 0 732 654 884 – 40bio@ernte.atwww.ernte.at

96

4. Denmark

Importers

Firm

Urtekram A/SKlostermarken 20 DK-9550 MariagerTel.: +45-98 54 22 88 Fax: +45-98 54 23 33 urtekram@inet.uni2.dkwww.urtekram.dk

Unikost A/SOver Hadstenvej 82 DK-8370 HadstenTel.: +45-70 22 20 46 Fax: +45-86 98 00 48 jan@jan-import.dkwww.jan-import.dk

Bio Trading A/SAbenravej 9KiskelundDK-6340 KrusåTel.: +45-70 23 15 15 Fax: +45-70 23 15 16 bio@bio-trading.comwww.biotrading.dk

U-landsimportenRolstrupbakken 6 DK-7900 Nykobing Mors Tel.: +45-97 72 57 88 Fax: +45-97 72 53 54 u-landsimporten@vip.cybercity.dk

Sunprojuice Denmark ASHuginsvej 2-4 DK-4100 Ringsted Tel.: +45-57 67 11 77 Fax: +45-57 67 1145 sunpro@post4.tele.dk www.ecoweb.dk/sunprojuice

Organic Range

Dried fruit and nuts, herbs and spices, cerealproducts (incl. breakfast cereals, biscuits, pasta,rice), vegetable oils (incl. olive oil) and culinaryvinegars, tea, beans, lentils, sugar and othersweeteners, wine, cosmetics

Dried fruit and nuts, pasta, rice, seeds, sugar,grains and flour

Sugar, malt, starch, eggs and powdered egg,seeds, dried fruit and nuts, cocoa andchocolate, fats and vegetable oils, spices,processed fruit (jams, marmalades and jellies)

Coffee, tea and cocoa

Processed fruits

97

Wholesalers and Mass-Market Retail Chains

FDB (COOP DENMARK)Roskildevej 65DK-2620 AlbertslundTel.: +45-43 86 43 86; +45-43 86 48 11Fax: +45-43 86 42 09; +45-43 86 33 86fdb@fdb.dkwww.fdb.dk

IRMA A/SKorsdalsvej 101 DK-2610 RodovreTel.: +45-43 86 38 22 Fax: +45-43 86 38 09

Dansk Supermarked A/S Bjodstrup 18DK-8270 HojbjergTel.: +45-89 30 30 30 Fax: +45-86 27 65 63

DAGROFA A/SGammelager 11-13 DK-2605 BrondbyTel.: +45-43 22 82 82 Fax: +45-43 22 84 04

MATAS A/SRormosevej 1 DK-3450 Allerod Tel.: +45-48 16 55 55 Fax: +45-48 16 55 66 www.matas.dk/OKOLOGI.HTM

ISO SUPERMARKEDVermlandsgade 51 DK-2300 Copenhagen S Tel.: +45-31548411; +45-32 69 76 00 Fax: +45-31 54 3142; +45-32 69 76 01iso@iso.dkwww.iso.dk

Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Firm

Drabæks Mølle A/SOstparken 1-5DK-6640 LunderskovTel.: +45-75 58 52 66 Fax: +45-75 58 58 30 dml@post3.tele.dk

Nutana A/SRingstedvej 531DK-4632 BjaeveskovTel.: +45-56 86 96 00 Fax: +45-56 86 96 16

Svansø Food A/SRonnevej 24DK-5580 Norre-Aaby Tel.: +45-63 31 44 00 Fax: +45-63 31 41 17svansoe@svansoe.com

Schulstad Brød A/SHammerholmen 21-31 DK-2650 HvidovreTel.: +45-36 39 71 00 Fax: +45-36 39 71 71

Mølle SkovlyLyngvej 21, Skringstrup DK-8832 SkalsTel.: +45-86 69 49 66 Fax: +45-86 69 50 86 info@molle-skovly.dk www.molle-skovly.dk

Natur Frisk Brewery Ltd.Lillehoejvej 18DK-8600 SilkeborgTel.: +45-86 80 37 67 Fax: +45-86 80 24 55

Organic Range

Cereal products

Juices, spreads, baked beans, chilli beans,deep-frozen ready-meals, deep-frozenvegetables, muesli, rice, pasta, beans, seeds,grains, flour and fruit

Jams and marmalades, pasta, olive oil, deep-frozen fruits and vegetables

Bread and bakery products

Chocolate, natural confectionery

Fruit juices

98

Government Bodies

The Danish Veterinary and FoodAdministrationMørkhøj Bygade 19DK-2860 SøborgTel.: +45-33 95 60 00Fax: +45-33 95 60 01foedevaredirektoratet@fvd.dk www.foedevaredirektoratet.dk

The Plant DirectorateSkovbrynet 20DK-2800 LyngbyTel.: +45-45 26 36 00Fax: +45-45 26 36 10pdir@pdir.dkwww.plantedir.dk

Danish Import Promotion Office for Productsfrom Developing Countries (DIPO)Danish Chamber of Commerce BorsenDK-1217 Copenhagen KTel.: +45-33 95 05 00Fax: +45-3120525

The Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Department Organic FarmingHolbergsgade 2DK-1057 Copenhagen KTel.: +45-33 92 33 01Fax: +45-33 14 50 42fvm@fvm.dkwww.fvm.dk

Label Programmes and Certification Bodies

Demeterforbundet (The Demeter Association)Birkum Bygade 20DK-5220 Odense SOTel.: +45-65 97 30 50Fax: +45-65 97 30 50

Det Okologiske Fodevaredd (The Organic Food Council),StrukturdirektoratetUdvikiingskontoretToldbodgade 29DK-1253 Kobenhavn KTel.: +45-33 63 73 00Fax: +45-33 63 73 33

InfoodLangballevaenget 102 DK-8320 MarsletTel.: +45-86 12 86 38Fax: +45-86 12 86 37infood@post8.tele.dkwww.ecoweb.dkfinfood

Landsforeningen OkologiskJordbrug (LOJ)(The Danish Association for Organic Farming)Okologiens HusFrederiksgade 72DK-8000 Arhus CTel.: +45-87 32 27 00Fax: +45-87 32 27 10ecojord@ecoweb.dkwww.ecoweb.dk/oekoland

Max Havelaar Fonderenc/o Folkekirkens NodhjaelpNorregade 13DK-1165 Copenhagen KTel.: +45-33 11 13 45Fax: +45-33 11 13 47maxhavelaar@dkwww.maxhavelaar.dk

Ogruppen – Dansk,OkologileverandorforeningUdgarden 30LadingDK-8471 SabroTel.: +45 86 12 77 66Fax: +45 86 12 77 41 gruppen@ecoweb.dkwww.ecoweb.dk/gruppen/

Okologisk Landscenter (OLC), (The Danish Organic Service Centre) Okologiens HusFrederiksgade 72DK-8000 Arhus CTel.: +45-87 32 27 00 Fax: +45-87 32 27 10ecoinfo@ecoweb.dkwww.ecoweb.dk/ecoinfo

99

5. France

Importers

Firm

Arcadie SA1115 route d’Uzès FR-30100 Alès Tel.. +33-4 66 56 99 33 Fax: +33-4 66 30 62 611

Bioprim530 Av. de Milan ZI du Grand Saint Charles FR-66000 Perpignan Tel.: +33-4 68 54 79 79 Fax: +33-4 68 54 57 68 contact@bioprim.com

Dynamis France54 avenue de la Vilette FR-94637 Rungis Cedex Tel.: +33-145 60 43 44 Fax: +33-146 87 44 05

Euro Breizh8 rue des Martyrs FR-29270 Carhaix-Plouguer Tel.: +33-2 98 99 25 20 Fax: +33-2 98 99 25 21

Exodom28, rue Jules CarteretFR-69007 LyonTel.: +33-4 37 28 73 50Fax: +33-4 37 28 73 54www.exodom.fr

Fimex10 rue du Perche FR-75003 ParisTel.: +33-148 04 54 07 Fax: +33-142 7183 84

IMAGOMarché St. Charles BP 5129FR-66031 PerpignanTel.: +33-4 68 68 40 40 Fax: +33-4 48 68 40 48

JK Nature(ZI La Saussaye)124 rue du Rond d'Eau FR-45590 OrléansTel.: +33-2 38 25 00 70 Fax. +33-2 38 25 00 702

Les Rois Mages210 rue Louis Arnaud FR-13794 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3Tel.: +33-4 42 24 42 57 Fax: +33-4 42 24 36 62

Pimpexport103 boulevard Mac Donald FR-75019 ParisTel.: +33-145 9105 88 Fax: +33-145 9105 78

Organic Range

Spices, fresh and dried culinary herbs, driedvegetables, herbal teas

Fruit and vegetables

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Cereals and leguminous vegetables

Exotic fruit and vegetables, fruit juices, dried fruit,cocoa and coffee

Tea

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables

Tea and coffee

Teas, culinary herbs, herbal tea plants, plantextracts, spices

100

Processors and Packers

Firm

BIO Planète SarlRoute de LimouxFR-11150 BramTel.: +33-4 68 76 70 60Fax: +33-4 68 76 70 69info@bioplanete.comwww.bioplanete.com

CelnatZI de Blavozy FR-43700 Saint-Germain-Laprade Tel.: +33-4 71 03 04 14 Fax: +33-4 71 03 54 31

Distriborg France217 chemin du Grand Revoyet FR-69230 St-Genis-Laval Lyon Tel.: +33-4 72 67 10 20 Fax: +33-4 72 67 10 57

Florame34 boulevard Mirabeau FR-13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tel.: +33-4 90 92 48 70 Fax: +33-4 90 92 48 80

Le Goût de la Vie s. a. 83 boulevard Montparnasse FR-75006 Paris Tel.: +33-1 53 63 24 70 Fax: +33-1 53 63 24 71 vscherrer@legoutdelavie.com www.legoutdelavie.com

MarkalZA Les Plaines FR-26320 St-Marcel-lès-Valence Tel.: +33-4 75 58 72 20 Fax: +33-4 75 58 90 30

Nutrition et Soja-SoyChemin de I’HorteFR-31250 RevelTel.: +33-5 62 18 72 50 Fax: +33-5 62 18 72 51

Organic Range

Culinary oils

Cereals, cereal products, tea

Extensive range

Oils

Dried products and dairy products

Cereals, cereal products, rice, grains, leguminous vegetables

Soya products

PronaturaMIN 68FR-84953 Cavaillon CedexTel.: +33-4 90 78 73 04 Fax: +33-4 90 78 73 14

René DevalanceDomaine de Choisel FR-51120 QueudesTel.: +33-3 26 80 53 85 Fax: +33-3 26 81 35 02

Sté Arcada FranceDomaine du BlazyFR-47130 Port-Sainte-Made Tel.: +33-5 53 87 20 24 Fax. +33-5 53 87 26 18 arcada@ins.France.com

Fruits and vegetables esp. citrus fruits, dried fruit

Cereals, flour, vegetable oils, dried leguminousvegetables, oil-seeds, oil-seed and vegetableprotein products, salts, semolina, rice, cannedfoods

Fruits and vegetables

Firm Organic Range

101

Sté Bio d’ArmorLa Croix Rouge Ergué – Gabéric FR-29556 Quimper Cedex 9 Tel.: +33-2 98 59 58 00 Fax: +33-2 98 59 69 99

Blédina SABP 432FR-69654 Villefranche-sur-Saône CedexTel.: +33-4 74 62 63 64 Fax: +33-4 74 62 61 96

Sté Bonneterre (Group Distriborg)1 place des Planteurs FR-94538 Rungis Cedex Tel.: +33-1 49 78 25 00 Fax: +33-1 46 87 91 68

Fresh products and dried products

Spices, bakery products, pasta, rice, biscuits,ready-to-serve meals, sauces, juices, herbal teas,coffee, breakfast foods, flour

Dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables,cereals, vegetable oils, flour, jams andmarmalades, dried fruit

Firm Biosortiment

Retail

Supermarket Chains

CarrefourBP 75Zae de Saint Guiénault1 rue Jean MermozFR-91002 Evry CedexTel.: +33-160 91 37 37Fax: +33-160 79 44 98www.carrefour.fr

AuchanCentrale d'achats200 rue de la RechercheFR-59656 Villeneuve-d'Ascq CedexTel.: +33-3 28 37 67 00Fax: +33-3 20 67 55 20pfrisch@auchan.comwww.auchan.com

Monoprix3 rue Paul CezanneFR-75008 ParisTel.: +33-140 75 11 16Fax: +33-140 75 11 16

Organic Range

Fruit, vegetables, milk, dried products

Meat, bread, milk, convenience foods

Milk, dried products

Health Food and Organic Stores

La Vie Claire(Group Distriborg – 120 shops)35 avenue du 1er maiFR-91127 Palaiseau CedexTel.: +33-164 53 83 00Fax: +33-1 64 53 83 01

Biocoop22 cours GambettaFR-65000 TarbesTel.: +33-5 62 34 10 37Fax: +33-5 62 34 11 69

Organic Range

Complete range carried in small retail outlets

Complete range carried in small retail outlets(180 branches)

102

Food Processors

Firm

Distriborg France217 chemin du Grand Revoyet FR-69230 St-Genis-Laval Lyon Tel.: +33-4 72 67 10 20 Fax: +33-4 72 67 10 57

Le Gout de la Vie83 boulevard Montparnasse FR-75006 Paris Tel.: +33-1 53 63 24 70 Fax: +33-1 53 63 24 71 vscherrer@legoutdelavie.com www.legoutdelavie.com

Organic Range

Complete range under the Distriborg brand

Fresh products, bread, dried and deep-frozenproducts

Government Bodies

• Ministère de I’agriculture, de lapêche et de I’alimentation(Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) 30 rue Las Cases FR-75340 Paris Cedex 07 Tel.: +33-149 55 56 63Fax: +33-149 55 56 01

• Direction générale de l’alimentation Bureau des labels et des certifications de produits 175 rue du Chevaleret FR-75013 ParisTel.: +33-1 45 84 13 13

• Ministère de I’économie, des finances et de l’industrie rue de Beroy Télédoc 151 FR-75572 Paris Cedex 12 Tel.: +33-1 40 04 04 04Fax: +33-1 53 18 36 40

• Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Pêche3, rue Barbet de Jouy FR-75349 Paris 07 SPTel.: +33-1 49 55 81 01Fax: +33-1 49 55 57 85info@agriculture.gouv.frwww.agriculturebio.com

Label Programmes and Certification Bodies

• AFAQ-ASCERT International 116 avenue Adstride BriandBP 83FR-92225 Bagneaux Cedex Tel.: +33-1 46 15 70 60 Fax: +33-1 46 15 70 69

• COFRAC37 rue de Lyon FR-75012 ParisTel.: +33-1 44 68 82 58 Fax: +33-1 44 68 82 48

• ECOCERT S.A.BP 47FR-32600 L’Isle-JourdainTel.: +33-5 62 07 34 24 Fax: +33-5 62 07 1167 ecocert@compuserve.comwww.ecocert.fr

• QNPC (Qualité Nord-Pas-de-Calais)241 avenue de la République FR-59110 La MadeleineTel.: +33-3 28 38 94 84 Fax: +33-3 28 38 90 87

• Qualité France18, rue VolneyFR-75002 ParisTel.: +33-1 42 61 58 23 Fax: +33-1 42 60 51 61

103

6. Germany

Traders, Importers, Packers, Processors and Wholesalers

Firm

Rapunzel Naturkost AGHaldergasse 9 DE-87764 Legau Tel.: +49-8330 910 124 Fax: +49-8330 910 188project@rapunzel.de

Dennree Versorgungs GmbHHofer Str.11 DE-95183 Topen Tel.: +49-9295 180 Fax: +49-9295 18-101zentrale@dennree.de

Delvena Lebensmittelkontor GmbHLinnicher Strasse 48 DE-50933 Köln Tel.: +49-221 498 0491 Fax: +49-221498 0399

Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbHDarmstädter Strasse 3DE-64404 BickenbachTel.: +49-257 93 220Fax: +49-6257 932 244Alnatura@t-online.de

Auris Naturkost Vertriebs GmbHParallelweg 12DE-28219 BremenTel.: +49-421 382 041

Rila Feinkost-ImporteHinterm Teich 5DE-32351 Sternwede-LevernTel.: +49-5745 9450Fax: +49-5745 945 139

Lehmann Natur GmbHAm Churkamp 20 DE-47059 Duisburg Tel.: +49-203 932 55 11 Fax: +49-203 932 55 99 Lehmann-Natur@t-online.de

Naturkost SchrammLudwig-Winter-Str 6DE-77767 AppenweierTel.: +49-7805-96680 Fax: +49-7805-966880 team@naturkost-schramm.de

Landlinie Lebensmittel-Vertrieb GmbH & CO KGAn der Hasenkaule 24 DE-50354 Hürth-Kalscheuren Tel.: +49-2233 974510 Fax: +49-2233 9745199

Ernst Weber NaturkostKontorhaus 1Büro 522-524aDE-81371 München Tel.: +49-89 746 3420 Fax: +49-89 746 34222 weberNK@t-online.de

Organic Range

Nuts and nut-based spreads, dried fruits, cerealsand cereal products, sugar, cocoa, chocolate,pasta, tomato products, vegetable oils and fats,biscuits, coffee, vanilla, ice cream and deep-frozen products

Full range; incl. dairy products, fresh fruit andvegetables

Dried products, dairy products

Dried products

Extensive range

Extensive range

Fruits, vegetables

Extensive range

Fresh products

Dates, seeds, tea, juices, other products

104

Hipp-WerkMünchener Str. 58DE-85276 Pfaffenhofen a.d. IlmTel.: +49-8441 757 481Fax: +49-8441 757 492

Care Naturkost GmbH & CO KGRudolf-Diesel-Str. 30DE-28876 OytenTel.: +49-4207 914 444Fax: +49-4207 7185

Grüner Punkt Naturkost GmbHSchwanenkirchnerstr. 28DE-94491 HengersbergTel.: +49-9901 1842Fax: +49-9901 1875streit@bayemwald.com

Georg Rösner Vertriebs GmbHRegensburger Str. 32 DE-94315 Straubing Tel.: +49-9421 23619 Fax: +49-9421 81736

Übelhör KGFriesenhofen-Bahnhof 23-25 DE-88297 Leutkirch Tel.: +49-7567 820 Fax: +49-7567 834 uebelhoer@t-online.de

Gepa GmbHBruch 4 DE-42279 Wuppertal Tel.: +49-202 266 830 Fax: +49-202 266 8310

Mühldorfer Naturkornmühle GmbH (Prima Vera)Mühlenstrasse 15 DE-84453 Mühldorf Tel.: +49-863 137 730 Fax: +49-863 137 7349info@prima-vera.de

Byodo Naturkost GmbHEdisonstrasse 3DE-84453 MühldorfTel.: +49-8631 36290Fax: +49-8631 36258byodo-naturkostgmbh@t-online.de

BiosGabriell Rempe GmbHGrossmarkt FrischzentrumDE-59010 HammTel.: +49-2381-54 32 50Fax: +49-2381-54 32 540www.bios-hamm.de

Jars of organic purée, baby food, fresh produce(carrots, potatoes, onions, apples, lemons,oranges and kiwi fruit)

Grains, seeds, dried fruit, nuts

Processed fruits

Nuts, seeds, cereal flakes, dried fruit

Cereals, leguminous vegetables, nuts, dried fruit,sweeteners

Coffee, tea, honey, chocolate, nuts, rice, furtherproducts

Cereals, rice, millet, sugar, oil-seeds, nuts,further products

Culinary oils and other products

fruits and vegetables for catering company

Firm Organic Range

Food Producers

Firm

Hipp-WerkMünchener Str. 58DE-85276 Pfaffenhofen a.d. IlmTel.: +49-8441 757 481Fax: +49-8441 757 492

Organic Range

Jars of organic purée, baby food, fresh produce(carrots, potatoes, onions, apples, lemons,oranges and kiwi fruit)

105

AleteTel.: +49-800 23 44 944www.alete.de

Milupa GmbH & Co KGBahnstraße 14–30DE-61 381 FriedrichsdorfTel.: +49-06172 - 99 0www.milupa.de

Döhler GmbHRiedstrasse 7–9DE-64295 DarmstadtTel.: +49-61513060Fax: +49-6151 306278michael.nocker@doehler.com

Kanne Brottrunk GmbH & Co. KGDE-Bahnhofstr. 6859379 Selm-BorkTel.: +49-2592-97400

Neumarkter LammsbräuDE-92318 NeumarkAmbergerstr. 1 Tel.: +49 (91 81) 4 040

Beutelsbacher Fruchtsartkelterei GmbHStuttgarterstr. 57– 59DE-71365 Weinstadt Tel.: +49-7151 9951 50

Lebensbaum Ulrich Walter GmbHPostfach 1269DE-49342 Diepholz Tel.: +49-5441 98560 Fax: +49-5441 985 6101 info@lebensbaum.de

Davert MühleAscheberger Str. 2DE-48308 SendenTel.: +49-2598 690Fax: +49-2598 6923

Allos Walter Lang Imkerhof GmbHZum Streek 5DE-49457 MariendrebberTel.: +49-5445 9899-0Fax: +49-5445 9899-14info@allos.dewww.allos.de

Bruno Fischer GmbH, NaturkostDE-56242 MarienrachdorfTurmstr. 29 Tel.: +49 (26 26) 75 73 40Fax: +49 (26 26) 75 73-9 40

Bauck Demeter NaturkostDuhenweitz 4DE-29571 Roscheinfo@bauckhof.dewww.bauckhof.de

Barnhouse Naturprodukte GmbHDE-84453 Mühldorf Edisonstr. 3aTel.: +49 8631 36220Fax: +49 8631 3622-20

Prepared jars of organic food

Prepared jars of organic food

Mainly fruit-based raw materials for foodproduction

“Brottrunk”, a health drink made of fermentedbread

Beer, soft drinks

Juices

Coffee, tea, spices, herbs

Cereal products, oils, pasta, rice

Cereals, processed fruits, amaranth products,cakes, honey

Vegetarian products: soya milk, vegetal burgers,vegetal sausage, soups

Cereals, coffee, culinary oils, spreads,specialized in bio-dynamic products

Breakfast cereal products

Firm Organic Range

106

Wholesalers and Mass-Market Retail Chains

Firm

REWE AGDomstr. 20DE-50668 KölnTel.: +49-221 1490Fax: +49-221 149 9000

Edeka Zentrale AGNew-York-Ring 6DE-22297 HamburgTel.: +49-40 63770Fax: +49-40 63772231

METRO AGPostfach 230351DE-40235 DüsseldorfTel.: +49-21168 860Fax: +49-211962 5271

Tengelmann HandelswarengesellschaftPostfach 1020 DE-45466 Mühleim a/R Tel.: +49-208 5806 Fax: +49-208 6763www.tengelmann.de

TEGUT ZentraleGerloserweg 72 DE-36039 Fulda Tel.: +49-661 10 40 Fax: +49-661 104 496gutelebensmittel@tegut.com

Organic Range

Dried products, deep-frozen products (organicice cream, organic vegetables), apples, tropicalfruits, storable vegetables, growing herbs, milkand dairy products, beef

Own organic range: Dairy products, driedproducts

Dried products (cereals, cereal flakes, muesli,seeds, pasta, biscuits, vinegar, oils), storablevegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes)

Dairy products, range of dried foods

Extensive range of breads and bakery products,fresh and processed meats, fruit and vegetables,dairy products. Emphasis on fresh foods

Natural Food Stores and Organic Supermarkets

Firm

Münsterländische Margarine-Werke J. Lülf GmbHPostfach 1229 DE-48720 Rosendahl Tel.: +49-254 7700 Fax: +49-254 77030 ma@min.de

AlnaturaDarmstädter Strasse 3DE-64404 BickenbachTel.: +49 6257 93220Fax: +49 6257 9322 144info@alnatura.dewww.alnatura.de

Organic Range

Margarine, oils, fats

6800 organic products, incl. fresh products, non-food items such as clothing, naturalcosmetics, toys (organic supermarket)

107

Retail and Other Organizations

Bundesverband Naturkost Naturwaren (BNN, German Association for Natural Foodand Products)Robert-Bosch-Str 6 DE-50354 Hürth Tel.: +49-2233 963 3847 Fax: +49-2233 963 3810 bnn-eh.hoeschIer@t-online.de

Fair Trade eVBruch 4DE-42279 WuppertalTel.: +49-202 648 9232Fax: +49-202 648 9235info@fairtrade.dewww.fairtrade.de

Green Trade NetTel.: +49-69 811 228Fax: +49-69 824 684info@green-tradenet.de www.green-tradenet.de

ÖkoWelt Veranstaltungs GmbH Industriestrasse 12 DE-91186 Büchenbach Tel.: +49-09171-9610-0 Tax: +49-09171 - 4016 info@biofach.dewww.biofach.de

Central Internet portal on organic agriculture(only in German)www.oekolandbau.de

GTZDag-Hammarskjöldweg 1–5 DE-65760 Eschborn Tel.: +49-6196 790 Fax: +49-6196 791115 www.gtz.de

Producer Organizations

ArbeitsGemeinschaft Ökologischer Landbau(AGÖL, Association of Organic FarmingOrganizations in Germany) Brandschneise 1 DE-64295 Darmstadt, DeutschlandTelephone: +49 - 61 55 - 20 81 Fax: +49 - 61 55 - 20 83AGOEL@T-online.de

Naturland-Verband für naturgemässenLandbau e.V.Kleinhaderner Weg 1DE-82166 GräfelfingTel.: +49-89 854 5071Fax: +49-89 855 974naturland@naturland.dewww.naturiand.de

Bioland Bundesverband Kaiserstr. 18 DE-55116 Mainz Tel.: +49-6131239 790 Fax: +49-6131 238 7927 biolandbv@compuserve.com

Bundesverband der ProduzentenÖkologischer Produkte Robert-Bosch-Str. 6 DE-50354 Hürth Tel.: +49-2233 9633833 Fax. +49-2233 9633830

Demeter Bund e.V.Brandschneise 2DE-64295 DarmstadtTel.: +49-6155 84690Fax: +49-6155 846911demeterbd@aol.com

Government Bodies

LÖK – Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft zurVerordnung EWG 2092/01 (German workinggroup of organic control authorities)c/o Landesanstalt für Ernährungswirtschaftund JagdTannenstr. 24 b Postfach 300651DE-40406 DüsseldorfTel.: +49-211-4586-631 Fax: +49-211-4586-501www.lej.nrw.de

Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft undErnährung (BLE)Referat 512/Sachgebiet Ökologischer LandbauFerdinand-Lassalle-Str. 1–5 DE-53168 BonnTel.: +49 228 6845-2914Fax: +49 228 6845-787sachgebiet-oekolandbau@ble.dewww.ble.de

ZMP – Zentrale Markt- und PreisberichtstelleGmbH (Market and price reporting centre)Rochusstrasse 2DE-53123 BonnTel.: +49-228 977 7173Fax: +49-228 977 7179info@zmp.dewww.zmp.de

108

GfR Geselischaft fur RessourcenschutzPrinzenstr. 4DE-37073 GoffingenTel.: +49-551 586 57Fax: +49-551 587 74info@gfrs.dewww.gfrs.de

ÖPZ GmbH Godesberger Allee 125–127DE-53175 Bonn Tel.: +49 (0) 228 53689-0Fax: +49 (0) 228 53689-29info@bio-siegel.dewww.bio-siegel.de

List of approved inspection bodieswww.verbraucherministerium.de/landwirt-schaft/oekologlandbau/kontrollstellenverz.pdf

Label Programmes and Certification Bodies

BCS ÖkoGarantie GmbHCimbemstr. 21DE-90402 NürnbergTel.: +49-911 42439-0Fax: +49-911 492 239info@bcs-oeko.dewww.bcs-oeko.de

Ecocontrol Ecocert GmbHFörster Str. 87DDE-37520 OsterodeTel.: +49-5522 951 161Fax: +49-5522 951 164info@ecocert.de

Stiftung Ökologie und Landbau (SÖL)Weinstr. Süd 51DE-67098 Bad DürkheimTel.: +49-6322 9897 00Fax: +49-6322 9897 01info@soel.dewww.soel.de

TransFair GermanyRemigiusstr. 21DE-50937 KölnTel.: +49-221942 0400Fax: +49-221942 04040info@transfair.orgwww.transfair.org

Verlag Gesund Essen GmbHAm Eichwald 24DE-64850 SchaafheimTel.: +49-6073 748 251Fax: +49-6073 748 299naturkost@aol.comwww.naturkost.de

ALOG eV (data bank of GMO-free products)Tel.: +49-6322 8666Fax: +49-6322 8794 www.infoxgen.com

109

Firm

Adria FruitPiazza Rossetti 2/8IT-16129 GenovaTel.: +39 010 576 72 29Fax: +39 010 576 72 49info@adriafruit.it

Billa Italia SRLVia Postumia 15IT-35010 Carmignano di Brenta (PD)Tel.: +39 049 942 34 44Fax: +39 049 943 02 44 www.billa.it

Bottega e NaturaVia Crea, 10IT-10095 Grugliasco (TO)Tel.: +39 011 777 08948info@bottegaenatura.comwww.bottegaenatura.com

BRIO SPAVia Manzoni 99IT-37050 Campagnola di Zevio (VR)Tel.: +39 045 895 17 77Fax: +39 045 873 17 44brio@briospa.comwww.briospa.com

Conad-Consorzio NazionaleDettaglianti ScarlVia Michelino 59IT-40127 Bologna (BO)Tel.: +39 051 508 111Fax: +39 051 508 247, +39 051 508 414olg@conad.itwww.conad.it

COOP Italia SCRLVia del Lavoro 6–8IT-40033 Caslecchio di Reno (BO)Tel.: +39 051 596 111Fax: +39 051 596 304, +39 051 596 218www.e-coop.it

DESPAR Italia SCRLVia Caldera 21IT-20153 Milano (MI)Tel.: +39 02 409 091Fax: +39 02 409 18 177 www.edespar.it

Ecor SPAVia Palù, 23Loc ZoppéIT-31020 San Vendemiano (TV)Tel.: +39 0438 7704Fax: +39 0438 770447info@ecor.itwww.ecor.it

EsselungaVia Giambologna 1IT-20090 Limito (MI)Tel.: +39 02 92 367Fax: +39 02 926 72 02 www.esselunga.it

Organic Range

Bananas, grapes, plums, cherrier, pineapples,kiwis, pears, oranges, grapefruite, dried fruits,apples, peaches, lemons, mangoes, tomatoes,artichoke, celery, cabboge, péppers, greensalads, courgette, french beans

Broad range of food and beverages

Broad range of food products

Fruits and vegetables, pasta, milk and by-products, wine

Extensive range, e.g.olive oil, pasta, coffee, fruit juices, fresh fruits

Nuts, dried and fresh fruits and vegetables

Extensive range, incl. fresh fruits and vegetables

Cereals and its products, milk and by-products, meat, eggs, fruits, honey, oil, alcoholic beverages, etc.

Fruits and vegetables, beverages, pasta

7. Italy

Wholesalers, Retailer

110

Firm

FiniperVia Mameli 19IT-27054 Montebello Della Battaglia (PV)Tel.: +39 0383 894 511Fax: +39 0383 592 257

Grandi Magazzini e Supermercati il Gigante SPAVia Clerici 342IT-20091 Bresso (MI)Tel.: +39 02 240 42 51Fax: +39 02 26 22 43 02

GS SPA – CarrefourVia Caldera 21IT-20153 Milano (MI)Tel.: +39 02 48 251Fax: +39 02 482 02 325 www.carrefour.com

KI-GROUPVia Marchesi 9IT-10039 CollegnoTel.: +39 011 7176700Fax: +39 011 725983kigroup@kigroup.comwww.kigroup.com

Naturasì SRLVia Mura S. Bernardino, 1IT-37123 Verona (VR)Tel.: +39 045 8030021Fax: +39 045 8031371naturasi@naturasi.comwww.naturasi.com

Group PAMVia delle Industrie 8IT-30038 Spinea (VE)Tel.: +39 041 549 51 11Fax: +39 041 999 393www.gruppopam.it

Rinascente/Gruppo AuchanStrada 8, Palazzo N-MilanofioriIT-20089 Rozzano (MI)Tel.: +39 02 575 81Fax: +39 57 58 31 80www.grupporinascente.it

Veritas Biofrutta SPAVia Provinciale 142IT-44034 Gradizza di capparoTel.: +39 532 87 38 11Fax: +39 532 830 332verybio@verybio.it

Organic Range

Cereals and it’s products, meat, fruits and vegetables, beverages

Cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables,beverages

Cereals and it’s products, fruits and vegetables, beverages

Cereals and it’s products, meat, fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, tea

Cereals, fruits and vegetables, beverages

A big company with a supermarket chain,restaurants, travel agency, travel retail and harddiscount

World wide hyper- and supermarkets

Cereals and products, meat, fruits, sweeteners,oil, condiments, beverages

111

Organic Range

Concentrated juices, beverages

Fruits and vegetables

Cereals, flours, pasta, soy, milk and by-products,fruits, vegetables, jucies, beverages, condiments

(only nuts and dried fruits)

Fruit-puree, tomato-puree, tomato-juice

Juices and preserves, oil, beverages, miscellaneous

Juices and preserves, beverages

Jams, fruit confitures, pre-cooked vegetable products

Firm

Abafoods SRLVia Ca’ Mignola vecchia 1775IT-45021 Badia Polesine ROTel.: +39 0425 594489Fax: +39 0425 594496abafoods@libero.itwww.abafoods.itwww.isolabio.it

Apofruits ScarlVia Ravennate 1345IT-47023 Cesena (FO)Tel.: +39 0547 643111Fax: +39 0547 643166info@apofruit.itwww.apofruit.it

Baule Volante SRLVia E. Matti, 48/11 HIT-40138 BolognaTel.: +39 051 6008411Fax: +39 051 538869baule@baulevolante.itwww.baulevolante.it

Besana SPAVia Ferrovia 206IT-80040 San Gennaro Vesuviano (NA)Tel.: +39 081 86 59 111Fax: +39 081 865 76 51www.vbesana.it

Cotrapo ScarlVia Trento 778-2IT-45024 Fiesso Umbertiano ROTel.: +39 0425 740274Fax: +39 0425 741322cotrapo@cotrapo.itwww.cotrapo.it

Confruit GSPAVia Emilia Ponente 4IT-48018 Faenza RATel.: +39 0546 623411Fax: +39 0546 621548info@confruitg.itwww.confruitg.it

Hans Zipperle SRLVia M. Valier 3IT-39012 Merano BZTel.: +39 0473 274100Fax: +39 0473 274222 www.zipperle.it

HERO Italia SPAVia E. Fermi 6IT-37135 VeronaTel.: +39 045 8097111Fax: +39 045 8097200www.hero.it

Processors and Importer

112

Organic Range

Fruit and vegetables, baked products, sweeteners, oil, beverages

nuts and dried fruits

Firm

OrganicsurVia Andrea Costa, 112/2IT-40067 Rastignano (BO)Tel.: +39 051 6260361Fax: +49 051 6265252francodepanfilis@organisur.itwww.organicsur.it

SweetVia Duchessa Isabella 6IT-10011 Agliè (TO)Tel.: +39 0124 429 011Fax: +39 0124 429 928sweet@rivarolo.alpcom.it

Certification Bodies and Organizations of the Organic Sector

AIABCertification bodyStrada Maggiore, 29IT-40125 BolognaTel.: +39 051 272986Fax: +39 051 232011aiab@aiab.itwww.aiab.it

ASS SUOLO E SALUTECertification bodyVia Abbazia, 17IT-61032 Fano (PS)Tel.: +39 0721 830373Fax: +39 (0)721 830373suoloesa@tin.itwww.suoloesalute.it

BIOAGRICOOPCertification bodyVia Fucini 10IT-40033 Casalecchiodi Reno (BO)Tel.: +39 051 6130512Fax: +39 (0)51 6130224bioagri@mail.asianet.itwww.bioagricoop.it

GRAB-ITOrganic Research,Market researchc/o DIBIAGA-University of AnconaVia Brecce BiancheIT-60125 Ancona (IT)Tel.: +39 071 2204929Fax: +39 071 2204858grabit@agrecon.unian.it

FIAOUmbrella body grouping most certification bodiesVia Barozzi, 8IT-40126 BolognaTel.: +39 051 254688Fax: +39 051 254842fiao@greenplanet.net

113

Name

ICEA, Istituto dicertificazione etica e ambientale

Bioagricert

CCPB, Consorzio per il Controllo deiProddotti Biologici Soc. Coop. Arl

Ecocert Italia

Istituto Mediterraneodi Certificazione

Associazione Suolo e Salute

Codex s.r.l.

QC&I InternationalServices

Bios

Eco System InternationalCertificazioni S.r.l.

Biozoo-S.r.l.

Address

Strada Maggiore, 29IT-40152 Bologna

Via dei Macabraccia 8IT-40033 Casalecchio diReno (BO)

Via Jacopo Barozzi, 8IT-40126 Bologna (BO)

Corso delle Provincie, 60IT-95127 Catania (CT)

Via C. Pisacane, 53IT-60019 Senigallia (AN)

Via Abbazia, 17IT-61032 Fano (PS)

Via Duca degli Abruzzi,41IT-95046 Scordia (CT)

Villa Parigini -Loc. BascianoIT-53035 Monteriggioni (SI)

Via Monte Grappa, 7IT-36063 Marostica (VI)

Via MonteSan Michele, 49IT-73100 Lecce (LE)

Via Chironi, 9IT-07100 Sassari (SS)

Tel.

+39 051 272986

+39 051 562158

+39 051 6089811

+39 095 442746-433071

+39 071 7928725

+39 0721 830373

+39 095 650643- 716

+39 0577 327234

+39 0424 471125

+39 0832 311589

+39 079 276537

Fax

+39 051 232 011

+39 051 564294

+39 051 254842

+39 095 505094

+39 071 7910043

+39 0721 830373

+39 095 650356

+39 0577 329907

+39 0424 476947

+39 0832 311589

+39 079 276537

E-mail/Homepage

icea@icea.infowww.icea.info

info@bioagricert.orgwww.bioagricert.org/

ccpb@ccpb.itwww.ccpb.it/uK/index.html

info.ecocert@ecocertitalia.itwww.ecocertitalia.it

imcert@imcert.itwww.imcert.it

info@suoloesalute.itwww.suoloesalute.it

codex@codexsrl.itwww.codexsrl.it

lettera@qci.itwww.qci.it

info@certbios.itwww.certbios.it

info@ecosystem-srl.itwww.ecosystem-srl.it/

info@biozoo.org

Accreditation

EN 45011, IFOAM, NOP, JAS

EN 45011, IFOAM, NOP, JAS

EN 45011

MiPAF

EN 45011

EN 45011, NOP

EN 45011, IFOAM

EN 45011

EN 45011

MiPAF

MiPAF

Governmental Bodies

Federazione Italiana per l’Agricoltura Organica FIAOLino NoriVia Barozzi 8,IT-40126 Bologna, Italy Tel.: +39 051 2960164Fax: +39 051 2918689fiao@greenplanet.netwww.fiao.it

Ministero delle Politiche Agroalimentari,Dipartimento della qualità dei prodotti agroalimentari e dei serviziBattista PirasVia XX settembre 20,IT-00187 Roma RM, Italy Tel.: +39 06/46655072Fax: +39 06 4742314Bio-agr@politicheagricole.itwww.politicheagricole.it/PRODUZIONE/AGRIBIO/home.asp

Consortiumvia Ballerini 1, pavia Tel.: +39 2/48011219Fax: +39-2/92367724www.consortium-bio.it/index.htm

DistilleriaDistilleria EcoEditoriaRosa Maria BertinoViale della Libertà,IT-47100 Forlì, Italy Tel.: +39 0543 32532Fax: + 39 0543 24311distilleria@biobank.itwww.biobank.it

114

8. Schweden

Retail Groups

Film Organic Range

Importers

Firm

Arvid Nordquist H.A.B.P.O. Box 1285SE-171 25 SolnaTel.: +46 8 799 1800Fax: +46 8 294 157vinarvid@arvid-nordquist.sewww.arvid-nordquist.se

Biodynamiska ProdukterP.O. Box 42SE-153 21 JärnaTel.: +46 8 554 810 30Fax: +46 8 554 810 39info@biodynamiskaprodukter.nu

Kaffebönans Rosteri ABKvarngatan 13SE-784 63 BorlängeTel.: +46 243 79 20 00Fax: +46 243 79 20 01

Organic Range

Coffee roaster, also imports branded packaged foods

Green coffee, also imports fresh produce andpackaged foods

Coffee roaster, also imports roasted coffee

Importers

Firm

Axfood ABP.O. Box 7314SE-103 90 StockholmTel.: +46 8 553 998 00Fax: +46 8 553 998 05info@axfood.sewww.axfood.se

BergendahlsGruppen ABP.O. Box 22SE-281 21 HässleholmTel.: +46 451 480 00Fax: +46 451 150 01info@bergendahls.sewww.bergendahls.se

D&D Unil ABAnderstorpsvägen 22SE-171 78 SolnaTel.: +46 8 734 44 16Fax: +46 8 735 77 56info@dod-dagligvaror.sewww.dod-dagligvaror.se

ICA Handlarnas ABSE-171 93 SolnaTel.: +46 8 585 500 00Fax: +46 8 585 500 09info@ica.sewww.ica.se

KFP.O. Box 15200SE-104 65 StockholmTel.: +46 8 743 1423Fax: +46 8 743 1575info@kf.sewww.kf.se

Organic Range

115

Firm

AltGrönt ABVargmötesvägen 14SE-186 30 VallentunaTel.: +46 8 511 700 60Fax: +46 8 511 763 64altgront@altgront.sewww.altgront.se

BananKompaniet ABP.O. Box 27294SE-102 53 StockholmTel.: +46 8 667 9160Fax: +46 8 661 3607info@saba.sewww.banan-kompaniet.se

Biodynamiska ProdukterP.O. Box 42SE-153 21 JärnaTel.: +46 8 554 810 30Fax: +46 8 554 810 39info@biodynamiskaprodukter.nu

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Organic Range

Fruits and vegetables

Bananas

Fresh produce and packaged foods

Firm

Kraft Foods Sverige ABP.O. Box 615SE-801 26 GävleTel.: +46 26 65 61 00Fax: +46 26 51 14 20kraftfoodssverige@krafteurope.sewww.kraftfoodsnordic.com

Kung Markatta ABHjälmarsbergSE-705 90 ÖrebroTel.: +46 19 307 300Fax: +46 19 320 201info@kungmarkatta.sewww.kungmarkatta.se

Löfbergs Lila ABP.O. Box 1501SE-651 21 KarlstadTel.: +46 54 1401 00Fax: +46 54 1401 35info@lofbergslila.sewww.lofbergslila.se

Sackéus ABBessermergatan 4SE-417 04 GöteborgTel.: +46 31 65 4800Fax: +46 31 65 4805info@sackeus.sewww.sackeus.se

Zoégas Kaffe ABP.O. Box 7073SE-250 07 HelsingborgTel.: +46 421 933 00Fax: +46 421 476 80info@se.nestle.comwww.zoegas.se

Organic Range

Coffee roaster, also imports herbs and spices

Roasted coffee, packaged foods

Coffee roaster

Roasted and instant coffee, packaged foods

116

Firm

Arvid Nordquist H.A.B.P.O. Box 1285SE-171 25 SolnaTel.: +46 8 799 1800Fax: +46 8 294 157vinarvid@arvid-nordquist.sewww.arvid-nordquist.se

Biofood ABVerkstadsvägen 14SE-137 37 VästerhaningeTel.: +46 8 500 200 00Fax: +46 8 500 242 15biofood@telia.comwww.biofood.se

Björnekulla Fruktindustri ABTvärgatan 1SE-265 31 AstorpTel.: +46 42 564 00Fax: +46 42 505 25info@bjornekulla.sewww.bjornekulla.com

Other Foods

Organic Range

Imports branded packaged foods; coffee roaster

Vegetable oils, sugar, syrup, dried fruits, raisins,seeds, pasta products, milk powder

Fruit preservers, juices, canned vegetables

Firm

Direkt Frukt och Grönt ABFlintrännegatan 21SE-211 24 MalmöTel.: +46 40 180 900Fax: +46 40 180 901torbjorn.karlsson@direktlivs.sewww.direktlivs.se

Frukt & GrönsaksspecialistenKnut Pals Väg 8SE-256 69 HelsingborgTel.: +46 42 201 160Fax: +46 42 153 727info@fgs.sewww.fgs.se

ICA Frukt & GröntP.O. Box 713SE-251 07 HelsingborgTel.: +46 42 189 000Fax: +46 42 189 288info@ica.sewww.ica.se

Marianne’s Farm ABDalsgard 2393SE-262 92 ÄngelholmTel.: +46 422 071 33Fax: +46 422 070 49info@mariannesfarm.sewww.mariannesfarm.se

Saba Trading ABP.O. Box 27106SE-102 52 StockholmTel.: +46 8 602 60 80Fax: +46 8 602 60 99info@saba.sewww.saba.se

Organic Range

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits & vegetables

Vegetables

Fruits & vegetables

117

Firm

Carlshamn Mejeri ABSE-374 82 KarlshamnTel.: +46 454 825 00Fax: +46 454 313 75carlshamn.mejeri@c-mejeri.sewww.carlshamn.com

CHE-BE Trading ABP.O. Box 247SE-151 23 SödertäljeTel.: +46 8 550 32 890Fax: +46 8 550 30 277info@chebetrading.sewww.mrschwengs.com

Dagsmeja Ren Mat HBVerkstadsvägen 24SE-245 34 StaffanstorpTel.: +46 46 253 600Fax: +46 46 252 111

Di Luca Branded Food ABBondegatan 29, 6 TRSE-116 33 StockholmTel.: +46 8 641 9569Fax: +46 8 640 4079

EnarSahn ABStenslingan 4SE-182 34 DanderydTel.: +46 8 755 0706Fax: +46 8 755 0706

Falcon Bryggeri ABP.O. Box 164SE-311 22 FalkenbergTel.: +46 346 571 05Fax: +46 346 171 55konsumentservice@carlsberg.sewww.falcon.se

Föreningen mana EkoSolC/o Groth, Erikshällsg 40SE-151 46 SödertäljeTel.: +46 8 550 865 08Fax: +46 8 550 319 67soren.groth@mailbox.swipnet.se

Formidabel ABKvarnbyvägen 13SE-212 36 MalmöTel.: +46 40 497 470Fax: +46 40 497 420info@formidabel.sewww.formidabel.se

Frebaco Kvarn ABP.O. Box 878SE-531 18 LidköpingTel.: +46 510 860 00Fax: +46 510 860 19kvarn@febaco.sewww.frebaco.se

Garbo Food ABHälleflundragatan 12SE-426 58 Västra FrölundaTel.: +46 31 293 650Fax: +46 31 292 943mail@garbofood.sewww.garbofood.se

Organic Range

Margarine, vegetable oils, ice-cream

Soy products, canned vegetables, jasmine rice etc.

Cereal and other products

Pasta products, vegetable oils

Fruit and vegetable juices, canned vegetables,fruit purées

Brewery owned by Carlsberg, Denmark

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices

Cereal Products

Packaged foods

118

Firm

Helhetshälsa ABSE-592 93 BorghamnTel.: +46 143 20 200Fax: +46 143 20 208info@helhetshalsa.sewww.helhetshalsa.se

Hilda & Hulda ABFolkungavägen 1BSE-611 34 NyköpingTel.: +46 155 286 400Fax: +46 155 286 444

HNC AgenturerP.O. Box 154SE-147 23 TumbaTel.: +46 8 530 30 987Fax: +46 8 530 35 425hnc@telia.com

Hakansonn TonySlättakra GardSE-230 42 TygelsjöTel.: +46 40 466 300Fax: +46 40 469 666

JO-Bolaget Fruktprodukter HBTorsgatan 14SE-105 46 StockholmTel.: +46 8 789 54 00Fax: +46 8 789 54 80info@jobolaget.sewww.jobolaget.se

Karlshamns ABVästra kajenSE-374 82 KarlshamnTel.: +46 454 824 24Fax: +46 454 822 20info@karlshamn.sewww.karlshamn.se

Kraft Freia Marabou ABSE-172 85 SundbybergTel.: +46 8 627 10 00Fax: +46 8 98 61 00kraftfoodssverige@krafteurope.comwww.kraftfoodsnordic.com

Kvarn AB JuvelP.O. Box 8878SE-402 72 GöteborgTel.: +46 31 779 1600Fax: +46 31 220 579

Natura ABAlmarkarödSE-242 92 HörbyTel.: +46 415 622 50Fax: +46 415 620 35info@natura.sewww.natura.se

Nordfalks ABP.O. Box 63SE-431 21 MölndalTel.: +46 31 86 58 00Fax: +46 31 86 58 01

Organic Range

Vegetable oils

Roasted soy products

Bread products

Fresh produce

Juices and nectars

Oils and fats

Chocolate products

Cereal products, rice

Fresh produce

Herbs and spices, tea, Mexican foods

119

Firm

Ölands Frö ABP.O. Box 58SE-380 62 MörbylangaTel.: +46 485 40 660Fax: +46 485 40 329romarker@olandsfro.sewww.olandsfro.se

Raggardens Produkter ABArentorpSE-534 94 VaraTel.: +46 512 13 490Fax: +46 512 13 077rpab.liselotte@delta.telenordia.sewww.raggardensprodukter.se

Risenta ABP.O. Box 7411SE-103 91 StockholmTel.: +46 8 545 015 70Fax: +46 8 611 53 66info@risenta.sewww.risenta.se

Raby Biogrönt ABRaby 4, PL 250SE-242 92 HörbyTel.: +46 415 311 156Fax: +46 415 311 156biogront@telia.com

Sackéus ABBessermergatan 4SE-417 04 GöteborgTel.: +46 31 65 4800Fax: +46 31 65 4805info@sackeus.sewww.sackeus.se

Samodlarna SveaFabriksgatan 3SE-684 00 MunkforsTel.: +46 563 52 530Fax: +46 563 52 191jan.knutar@swegro.sewww.swegro.se

Salta Kvarn ABSE-153 91 JärnaTel.: +46 8 551 50 280Fax: +46 8 551 50 240info@saltakvarn.sewww.saltakvarn.se

Seege ABSkallebackav 10SE-302 41 HalmstadTel.: +46 351 910 00Fax: +46 351 910 19info@seege.sewww.seege.se

Semper Foods ABTorsg 14SE-105 46 StockholmTel.: +46 8 677 31 00Fax: +46 8 677 31 01

Organic RangeOrganic Range

Dried vegetables

Fresh produce, preserved vegetables

Health foods, dried vegetables, seeds

Fresh produce

Fair trade labelled and organic packaged foods,coffee

Fresh produce, dried vegetables, cereales, packaged foods

Bread, flour and other cereal products

Flour, grains and breakfast cereals

Baby foods, health foods, herbal salt, raw materials and ingredients

120

Firm

Svenska NestléSE-267 81 BjuvTel.: +46 42 860 00Fax: +46 42 783 00www.nestle.se

Svenska Nutana ABEkebyholmSE-762 91 RimboTel.: +46 175 709 05Fax: +46 175 701 90info@nutana.sewww.nutana.se

Torfolk Gard ABÖ SkymäsSE-684 95 HöjeTel.: +46 563 723 68Fax: +46 563 720 66torfolk@torfolk.sewww.torfolk.se

Vargarda KvarnP.O. Box 136SE-447 00 VargardaTel.: +46 322 230 85Fax: +46 322 242 73

Wasabröd ABSE-682 82 FilipstadTel.: +46 590 18 100Fax: +46 590 18 500info@wasabrod.sewww.wasabrod.se

Organic Range

Packaged foods, raw materials for manufacture

Canned and frozen foods, cereals and grains)

Fruit preserves; chilli, pesto and other sauces;tomato products; vinegar; wine

Cereal products

Crisp bread, rice crackers

Firm

B. Engelhardt & Co. ABP.O. Box 49SE-421 21 Västra FrölundaTel.: +46 31 709 17 00Fax: +46 31 709 17 39info@engelhardt.sewww.engelhardt.se

Contifood ABP.O. Box 16002SE-200 25 MalmöTel.: +46 409 45 170Fax: +46 402 21 045

Eco Trade ABP.O. Box 905SE-601 19 NorrköpingTel.: +46 11 218 006Fax: +46 11 138 650anneke.svantesson@odal.sewww.odal.se/odal/spannmal/krav/kravsyr.htm

R. Lundberg ABP.O. Box 104SE-201 21 MalmöTel.: +46 40 698 11 00Fax: +46 40 698 11 01fornamn.efternamn@abrlundberg.comwww.abrlundberg.se

Organic Range

Cereal products, dried vegetables

Raw Materials and Ingredients for food manufactures and packers

121

Firm

Verner Frang ABBox 313SE-503 11 BorasTel.: +46 33 12 78 00Fax: +46 33 10 64 99info@vernerfrang.sewww.vernerfrang.se

Organic Range

Firm

Frökompaniet Landskrona AB Bromsgatan 5SE-261 35 LandskronaTel.: +46 418 168 60Fax: +46 418 285 10info@froekompaniet.sewww.froekompaniet.se

Lindbloms FröP.O. Box 86SE-277 21 KivikTel.: +46 414 708 80Fax: +46 414 700 09post@lindbloms.sewww.lindbloms.se

Organic Range

Onion sets, seeds

Onions sets, seeds

Seed and Planting Material

KRAV Box 1940SE-751 49 UppsalaTel.: +46 18 10 02 90Fax: +46 18 10 03 66info@krav.sewww.krav.se

LivsmedelsverketNational Food AdministrationBox 622SE-751 26 UppsalaTel.: +46 18 175500Fax: +46 18 10 58 48livsmedelsverket@slv.sewww.slv.se

JordbruksverketSwedish Board of AgricultureSE-551 82 Jönköping Tel.: +46 36 15 50 00Fax: +46 36 19 05 46jordbruksverket@sjv.se

122

9. The Netherlands

Importers, processors and packers

Ariza BVKrommesteenweg 7NL-5707 CA HelmondTel.: +31-492 528 364 Fax: +31-492 545 151

De TraayPlatinastraat 50NL-8211 AR LelystadTel.: +31-320 282 928 Fax: +31-320 282 028info@detraay.comwww.detraay.com

Doens Food Ingredients BV Oraniestraat 40APostbus 10NL-4515 ZG IJzendijkeTel.: +31-117 302 020 Fax: +31-117 301 166 info@doensfood.com

Do-it BVPrins Hendrikweg 10NL-3771 AK BarneveldTel.: +31-342 423 119 Fax: +31-342 423 571 www.organic.nl

Eosta BVPostbus 132NL-3980 CC BunnikTel.: +31-306 566 000 Fax: +31-306 566 040 info@eosta.com

Euroherb BVDe Smalle Zijde 37NL-3903 LM VeenendaalTel.: +31-318 543 288 Fax: +31-318 542 458

Good Food Foundation Alike LastPostbus 219NL-3850 AE ErmeloTel.: +31-341 560 210 Fax: +31-341 562 913 info@goodfood.nlwww.goodfood.nl

Greenfood International BVSteutenburgerweg 75NL-3784 VD TerschmerTel.: +31 342 460 000Fax: +31 342 460 005

Horizon Natuurvoeding BVPostbus 77NL-3400 AB IJsselsteinTel.: +31-30 688 7730Fax: +31-30 688 7142

Koffiebranderij G. Peeze BV Ringoven 36NL-6826 TR ArnhemTel.: +31-263 622 422 Fax: +31-263 613 380

Marfo Martinair Food B.V.Koperstraat 31NL-8200 AC Lelystad, Flevoland Tel.: +31-320 293 894 Fax: +31-320 232 096 martinairfood@wxs.nl

Neuteboom BV Aadijk 41NL-7602 PP AlmeloTel.: +31-546 864 062 Fax: +31-546 864 062

Odin International BV Postbus 225NL-4190 CE Geldermalsen Tel.: +31-345 577 133 Fax: +31-345 576 848www.odin.nl

Renco BV Postbox 46 NL-6600 AA Wijchen Tel.: +31-24 641 5304 Fax: +31-24 641 5314

Rhumveld Winter & Konijn BV Postbus 29216NL-3001 GE RotterdamTel.: +31-102 330 900 Fax: +31-102 330 574rwk@rhumveld.comwww.rhumveld.com

Rijk Zwaan Nederland BV Postbus 40NL-2678 ZG De LierTel.: +31-174 532 300 Fax: +31-174 515 334 www.rijkzwaan.nl

Tradin Organic Agriculture BV Latexweg 12NL-1047 BJ AmsterdamTel.: +31-204 074 499 Fax: +31-204 972 100 info@tradinorganic.comwww.tradinorganic.com

Trouw BVPiekstraat 63-65NL-3071 EL RotterdamTel.: +31-10 486 6332Fax: +31-10 4886 0928

123

Retail

De Nieuwe BandNoorderringweg 12 NL-9363 TC MarumTel.: +31-594 645 353Fax: +31-594 643 385info@nieuweband.nl

De RitRetsezijstraat 4 NL-4011 JP Zoelen Tel.: +31-344 681 653 Fax: +31-344 681 404

Natudis BV Postbus 376NL-3840 AJ HarderwijkTel.: +31-341 464 211 Fax: +31-341 425 704info@natudis.nl

TerraSana NL BV Postbus 70NL-2450 AB LeimuidenTel.: +31-172 503 344Fax: +31-172 503 355www.TerraSana.com

Udea BVPostbus 478NL-5400 AL Udenjvdboogaard@ekoland.con www.ekoland.com

124

Authorities, Organizations and Certifiers

B-D Association (Vereniging voor Biologisch-DynamischeLandbouw)Postbus 17NL-3970 AA DriebergenTel.: +31-343 531 740 Fax: +31-343 516 943 Bd.vereniging@ecomarkt.nl www.demeter-bd.nl

CBI(Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries)WTC Beursbuilding, 5th floorPostbus 30009NL-3001 DA RotterdamTel.: +31-102 013 434 Fax: +31-104 114 081 cbi@cbi.nlwww.cbi.nl

Dutch Food Inspection Service Ministry of Welfare, Health andCultural AffairsPostbus 5840NL-2280 HV RijswijkTel.: +31-70 340 5060 Fax: +31-70 340 5435

Fair Trade Association Beesdseweg 5Postbus 115NL-4100 AC CulemborgTel.: +31-345 545 151 Fax: +31-345 521 423

Good Food Foundation PO Box 219NL-3850 AE ErmeloTel.: +31-341 560 210 Fax: +31-341 562 913 info@goodfood.nl

Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer en VisserijPostbus 20401NL-2500 EK Den HaagThe NetherlandsTel.: +31 703 786 868Fax: +31 703 786 100www.minlnv.nl/

SKALDr. Klinkertweg 28aPostbus 384NL-8000 AJ ZwolleTel.: +31-38 426 8181 Fax: +31-38 421 3063 info@skal.comwww.skal.com

Stichting Biologica – Platform BiologicaPostbus 12048 NL-3501 AA Utrecht Tel.: +31-302 300 713Fax: +31-302 304 423 biologic@xs4all.nlwww.platformbiologica.nl

Stichting Max HavelaarLucasbolwerk 7NL-3500 BG UtrechtTel.: +31-302 337 070Fax: +31-302 332 929maxhavelaar@maxhavelaar.nlwww.maxhavelaar.nl

Wholesalers and Mass-Market Retail Chains

Albert HeijnProject Organic Products Proviancialeweg 11Postbus 3000NL-1500 HA ZaandamTel.: +31-756 592 218 Fax: +31-756 598 644 leontine.gast@corp.ah.nl

De Nieuwe Weme BV Postbus 90NL-8440 AB HeerenveenTel.: +31-513 630 333 Fax: +31-513 650 170

DekaMarkt BV Postbus 86NL-1940 AB BeverwijkTel.: +31-251 276 661 Fax: +31-251 276 657

Konmar BV De Werf 13NL-2544 EH Den HaagTel.: +31-703 215 121 Fax:+31-703 291 174

NWO(De Natuurwinkel/Gimsel/De Groene Winkel)Postbus 193NL-3840 AD HarderwijkTel.: +31-341 464 211 Fax: +31-341 464 204 info.nl@denatuurwinkel.com

Vomar Voordeelmarkt BV Postbus 217NL-1970 AE IJmuidenTel.: +31-255 563 700 Fax: +31-255 521 649vomar@vomar.nlwww.vomar.nl

125

10. United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

Importers, Traders and Wholesalers

Firm

Organic Farm Foods of WalesLlambed Estate, Lampeter GB-Carmarthenshire SA48 8LT Tel.: +44-1570 423099 Fax: +44-1570 423280 petersegger@offcom

Organic Marketing Company Unit 1, Leighton Court Lower Eggleton, LedburyGB-Herefordshire HR8 2UN Tel.: +44-1531640819Fax: +44-1531 640818

Congelow Produce LtdDen Farm Lane, Collier Street GB-Tonbridge, Kent TN 12 9 PX Tel.: +44-1892 730447 Fax: +44-1892 730566

Community Foods Ltd.Brent Terrace GB-London NW2 1 LT Tel.: +44-20 8450 9419 Fax: +44-20 8208 1551

Hider Food ImportsWiltshire Road GB-Kingston upon Hull HU4 6PA Tel.: +44-1482 561137 Fax: +44-1482 565668

Harley FoodBlindcrake Hall, Blindcrake GB-Cockermouth GA13 OQP Tel.: +44 1900 823 037Fax. +44 1900 828 276

Juniper Fine and FoodsUnit 2, Downs Way Industrial Estate Tinwalds Downs Road, Heathall GB-Dumfries DG1 3RS Tel.: +44-1387 249333 Fax: +44-1387 249900

Traidcraft plc Kingsway North. Gateshead GB-Tyne & Wear NE 11 0NETel.: +44-1914 910591 Fax: +44-1914 976562

Equal Exchange Trading Ltd10a Queensferry StreetGB-Edinburgh EH2 4PGTel.: +44-131 220 3484 Fax: +44-131 220 3565www.equalexchange.co.uk

Organic Range

Extensive range, incl. fresh fruits and vegetablesand exotic specialities

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables

Processed organic products, incl. dried fruit and nuts, teas, vegetable oils, cereals, driedleguminous vegetables

Nuts and dried fruits, leguminous vegetables,herbs and spices, cereals, coffee, bananas

Dried fruit, leguminous vegetables, grains, herbs,cereals, rice

Fresh, chilled and deep-frozen foods andbeverages, cereals

Tea and coffee (fair trade and organic label)

Tea and coffee (fair trade and organic label)

Some supermarket chains prefer to purchase organic products through their traditional (conventional)suppliers. Among these suppliers are:• Mack Multiples – www.mwmack.com• Wealmoor – www.wealmoor.co.uk

126

Retail

Supermarket Chains

Sainsbury’sStamford House GB-London SE1 9LLTel.: +44-171695 0024 Fax: +44-171 695 7507 www.sainsbury.co.uk

WaitroseDoncastle Road Southern Industrial Area, BracknellGB-Berkshire RG12 8YA Tel.: +44-1344 424680 Fax: +44-1344 825072

TescoTesco House Delamare Road, Cheshunt GB-Hertfordshire EN8 9SLTel.: +44-1992 632222 Fax. +44-1992 644747

SafewayArgyll House 6 Millington Road, Hayes GB-Middlesex UB3 4AY Tel.: +44-171695 6000 Fax: +44-171 695 7610

Marks & SpencerMichael House46–47 Baker StreetGB-London W108EPTel.: +44 2079 354422Fax: +44 8287 4872679www.marks-spencer.co.uk

AsdaAsda House, Great Wilson Street GB-Leeds LS 11 5AD Tel.: +44-1132 435435 Fax: +44-1132 418304

Organic Range

Extensive and expanding range, incl. fish, freshmeat, milk and dairy products, eggs

Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, baby food, beer, wine, cider, cereal products(bread, bakery products, muesli, oat flakes, flour, pasta, rice), chilled products (cooked meat,fresh pasta, soups, fresh salads and fruit juices),dairy products, eggs, fresh meat and meatproducts, fish, deep-frozen products (burgers, ice cream, peas, yoghurt), processed fruit andvegetables (canned tomatoes, fruit and vegetablejuices, jams and marmalades, canned beans),sweeteners (brown sugar, honey), chocolate,cocoa, drinking chocolate, coffee, teas (including herbal teas), cooking oils (e.g. olive oil),soya drinks, pet food

Extensive range, incl. fresh fruit and vegetables,meat, cereal products (including bread)

Extensive range

Fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy products,convenience products (soups, pizzas, poultry andpasta dishes), meat, eggs, cereal products,desserts, sandwiches

Expanding organic range. Fresh products, incl.meat

Organic Supermarkets

Planet Organic 42 Westbourne Grove GB-London W2 5SH Tel.: +44-207 221 7171 Fax: +44-171 221 1923

Organic Range

Fresh and processed products, extensive range(over 4000 organic products)

Health and Organic Food Stores

Holland & Barrett61, The Broadway West Ealing GB-London W13 9BPTel.: +44 - 20 8840 7558

Organic Range

Processed organic products (grains, raisins,pasta, dried leguminous vegetables)

127

Food Processors

Firm

Doves Farm FoodsSalisbury Road, HungerfordGB-Berkshire RG17 0RFTel.: +44-1488 684880 Fax: +44-1488 685235

Shipton Mill LtdFrampton Mill Frampton on Severn Industrial Park GB-Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8RPTel.: +44 - 1452 740408

Morning Foods LtdSuites 51/52, The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark St GB-London SE1 1TY

Yeo Valley Farms (Production) LtdLag Farm Blagdon GB-Bristol Avon BS40 7SGTel.: +44 - 1761 462798

Baby OrganixOrganix Brands plc No. 4 Fairfields Close, Christchurch GB-Dorset BH23 1QZTel.: +44-1202 479701 Fax: +44-1202 479712

Hipp Nutrition UK765 Main Street, NewburyNew GreenhamPark NewburyGB-Berkshire RG19 6HNTel.: +44-1635 528250Fax: +44-1635 528271

Whole Earth Foods292 Portobello Road GB-London W11 1LRTel.: +44-171 229 7545 Fax: +44-171 221 6416 100520.416@compuserve.comwww.earthfoods.co.uk

Organic Range

Organic Range

Cereal products, especially breakfast cereals

Cereal products

Cereal products

Dairy products (yoghurt)

Chocolate, drinking chocolate powder, chocolateice cream

Baby food

Bean dishes, jams and marmalades, peanutbutter, chocolate, ketchup (all with reduced sugarand salt content) etc.

128

Government Bodies

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and FoodNobel House, 17 Smith Square GB-London SW1P 3JR Tel.: +44-171 238 5803 Fax: +44-171 238 6148

Organic Farming Branch, Imports SectionDEFRAArea 5F, Ergon HouseHorseferry RoadGB-London SW1P 2ALorganic.imports@defra.gsi.gov.ukwww.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/imports/imports.htm

United Kingdom Register of Organic FoodStandards (UKROFS)Nobel House, 17 Smith SquareGB-London SW1P 3JRTel.: +44-171 238 6004Fax: +44-171 238 6533

General adress:

DEFRA, Department for Environment,Food & Rural AffairsNobel House, 17 Smith SquareGB-London SW1P 3JRwww.defra.gov.uk/farm/organicTel.: 020 7 238 6000 switchboardFrom outside the UK the telephone number is +44 (0) 20 7238 6951.There is also a minicom/textphone number for thedeaf and hard of hearing: 0845 300 1998.The general helpline email address is:helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Label Programmes and Certification Bodies

Bio-Dynamic Agricultural AssociationOld Painswick ProjectGloncester StGB-Strad Gloncestershire GL5 1QGTel.: +44 1453 759501

Organic Farmers and Growers50 High Street, Soham, ElyGB-Cambridgeshire CB7 5HFTel.: +44-1353 720250

Organic Food Federation31, Turbine WayGB-Swaffham Norfolk PE37 7XDTel.: +44-1760 720 444Fax: +44-1760 720 790organicfood@freenet.co.uk

Scottish Organic Producer AssociationSuite 15Software CentreStirling UniversityInnovation ParkGB-Stirling FK9 4FNTel.: +44-1786 458 090Fax: +44-1786 458 091

The Soil Association40–56 Victoria StreetGB-Bristol BS1 6BYTel.: +44-117 929 0661Fax: +44-117 925 2504fblake@soilassociation.org

129

The forms can be downloaded from the following website: http://www.blw.admin.ch

under columns; import; organic agriculture the different information and forms can bedownloaded; such as:

1. Dossier about the imports of organic products2. The guidance and application form for individual authorization to market imported

organic farming products in Switzerland3. The checklist for equivalence to partially converted holdings4. The attestation for equivalence to imports of organic products5. Additional products to imports of organic products6. Details of inspection / certification bodies7. Extract of the certificate of inspection8. Swiss certification / inspection bodies

Annex VSwiss Federal Office for Agriculture(Bundesamt für Landwirtschaft) forms:“Imports of organic products”

Notes:

130

Notes:

131

Annex VIBIO SUISSE forms: “BIO SUISSE Checklist”

The forms can be downloaded from the following website: http://www.bio-suisse.ch

or directly under:http://www.bio-suisse.ch/media/en/pdf2003/checklist_individual_producers.pdf

132

Annex VIISources

1. BIO SUISSE (2003): Facts andTrends 2003 (Medientext of theMedienkonferenz of 25 March 2003).Published by BIO SUISSE, Basel,Switzerland.

2. Buley, M., P. Grosch & S. Vaupel(1997): Exporting OrganicProducts – Marketing Handbook.Edited by K. Clark, GTZ LanguageServices. Published by Protrade –Dept. Organic Products and FineFoods, GTZ, Eschborn, Germany.212 pp.

3. Consorzio per il Controllo dei ProdottiBiologici (2003): L’evoluzione delBiologico – Ricerca, Produzione eMercato. CCPB publication.

4. Rundgren, G. & W. Lockeretz (2002):IFOAM Conference on OrganicGuarantee Systems – InternationalHarmonisation and Equivalence inOrganic Agriculture 17–19 Feb.2002 – Reader. Published by IFOAM.68 pp.

5. Kilcher L. (2000): Development andPerspectives in the Market forOrganic Fruit Juices from Tropicaland Subtropical Countries, in: FruitProcessing 12/2000, S. 466 ff

6. Kilcher L. (2002): Potencial delmercado Europeo para productosorgánicos de Chile. In: „MemoriasSeminario Agricultura organica enChile“. Universidad Austral deValdivia, Marzo 2002. 39–42 pp.

7. Kilcher L. (2002): Biofruchtsäfte austropischen und subtropischenLändern – Entwicklung undPerspektiven. In: „Flüssiges Obst“7/2002, 444–448 pp.

8. Kilcher L. (2002): El mercado paracafé orgánico. In: Café y Cacao.Vol. 3, No. 1, 2002, Habana (Cuba),page 5 ff.

9. Kortbech-Olesen., R. (2003):Overview on world trade in organ-ic food products, the US marketand recent trends. UNCTAD/WTOpresentation at BIOFACH CongressNuremberg, Germany.

10. Kortbech-Olesen, R., C. H. Haest,B. T. Jacobsen, J. Pakenham-Walsh,et al. (1999): Organic Food andBeverages: World Supply andMajor European Markets.Published by ITC – International TradeCentre UNCTAD/WTO, Geneva,Switzerland. 271 pp.

11. Hamm, U., F. Gronefeld & D. Halpin(2002): Analysis of the Europeanmarket for organic food – Organicmarket Initiatives and RuralDevelopment Volume 1. Publishedby The University of Wales, Aberyst-wyth, United Kingdom. 157 pp.

12. Richter, T. & G. Hempfling (2003):Supermarket Study 2003 –Organic Products in EuropeanSupermarkets. Published byResearch Institute of OrganicAgriculture (FiBL), Frick. 180 pp.

13. UNCTAD (2003): Organic Fruit andVegetables from the Tropics –Marketing, Certification andProduction Information forProducers and InternationalTrading Companies. Published byUnited Nations, Geneva. 308 pp.

14. Willer, H. & Yussefi, M. (2000): Ökologische Agrarkultur weltweit.SÖL-Sonderausgabe Nr. 74, D-BadDürkheim, 85 pp.

15. Willer, H. & Richter, T. (2003): FiBL –Statistics-Provisional figures of aFiBL survey in Nov. 2003.

16. Yussefi, M. & Willer, H. (Eds.) (2003):The World of Organic Agriculture –Statistics and Future Prospects2003. Published by IFOAM –International Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements. OekozentrumImsbach DE-66636, Tholey-Theley.127 pp.

sipposwiss import

promotion programme

SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme) is the import promotion programmeunder the patronage of the State Secretariat for the Economy of the Swissgovernment. It supports small and medium-sized companies and cooperatives inemerging markets and markets in transition to access the Swiss market as well asmarkets in the European Union.

At the same time, Swiss companies are informed about the requests for contactreceived from foreign companies and are given support in their search for newsourcing markets, products and cooperation partners.

Swiss Import Promotion ProgrammeStampfenbachstrasse 85CH-8006 ZurichTel. +41 1 365 52 00, Fax +41 1 365 52 02E-mail: info@sippo.ch, Internet: www.sippo.ch

SIPPO objectives are:

• to enhance the exporting skills of smalland medium-sized companies withrespect to product quality and exportmarketing

• to increase the number and quality ofsmall and medium-sized company tradecontacts with Swiss/EU importers

• to improve the level of information ofSwiss/EU importers on new sourcingmarkets in the partner countries

• to strengthen the skills of and to include trade institutions and branchassociations into the trade developmentprocess

SIPPO’s services include:

• business branch-related marketinformation

• advisory services for products andmarketing

• promotion in Switzerland and EU

• assistance at selected Europeantrade fairs

ANYWAY

You’d be right to call

Bernhard Danuser an

environmental activist,

even if he takes no part

in demonstrations and

sit-ins.

Near Bad Ragaz, Bern-

hard Danuser tends

some of the 50,000

apple trees that grow

here in the Rhine Valley.

For him, chemical-based

pesticides and fertilisers

are taboo because he

follows organic guide-

lines. One thing they

prescribe is the use of

natural fertilisers. Be-

sides, useful insects,

such as predatory mites

and ladybirds, keep

many pests away naturally. Danuser draws on a variety of methods taken from Nature’s box of

tricks. Apple varieties that are resistant to scabs, for example, make chemical fungus treatment

superfluous. But organic farming is also labour-intensive, and weeding is one of the necessary

chores. “I believe in consumers who care about what they eat and I’m proud to offer quality produce,”

says Danuser, whose organic methods make a silent but effective contribution to the environment’s

wellbeing. Bad Ragaz is an example of our commitment to people, animals and Nature. Further infor-

mation available from the M-Infoline on 0848 84 0848 or at www.migros.ch under “Engagement”.

ENGAGE ENTmigros.ch

PU

BL

ICIS