21 February 2012
Global Organic Market Access Conference Examines Barriers for Access in Developing Countries
story highlights

The Global Organic Market Access Conference was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

It sought to highlight barriers facing farmers in developing countries to access global organics' markets and examine effective models for accessing markets.

GOMA14 February 2011: The Global Organic Market Access Conference focused on challenges facing organic agriculture in emerging markets, noting the large impact that minor differences in organic standards can have on accessing markets.

The conference met in Nuremberg, Germany, from 13-14 February 2012, and looked at emerging issues, such as the potential for organic standards to promote the growth of organic agriculture against their potential to stifle growth. Key government and private sector actors came together to review progress made on organic guarantee systems and to develop strategies for the next decade of public-private cooperation.

Participants underscored that organic farming relies on healthy soils and active agro-ecological management rather than artificial pesticides and fertilizers. It was highlighted that the benefits of organic agriculture include: increased livelihoods for farmers; more stable and nutritious diets for consumers; and environmental improvements such as higher soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, and better resilience to climate extremes such as drought and heavy rainfall.

The meeting was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). [UN Press Release] [Conference Website]

related posts