Rapidly increasing demand from Danish consumers for organic food products accelerates conversion to organic farming
Sales of organic food products in Denmark have almost doubled within the past four years. It's anticipated prior to 2013 sales will double again and then double that again before the year 2020.
This rapidly increasing demand coupled with potentially much higher returns provides significant incentive for larger numbers of Danish producers to make the switch to organic farming.
Consequently, "Organic Farming" will be a focus at the upcoming Nov. 25th t 29th Agromek, www.Agromek.dk, Exhibition in Herning, Denmark.
Special on-site tours around the Agromek show grounds will be arranged to visit those exhibitors who have machines, implements and other production aids for organic farming. Organic farming will also be in focus on a special theme day and at two booths that will provide consultation on getting started in organic production.
Full information on organic farming is the title of the organic theme day at Agromek on Friday, November 28th. This is being arranged by Organic Denmark, www.organicdenmark.dk, in cooperation with the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service (DAAS), National Centre for Organic Farming.
Danish organic farming used 5 percent of total acres and's growing
Danish Minister for Food, Eva Kjer Hansen, says, “We have been selected as being the Organic Country of the World in 2009 – and we must take this opportunity to market good organic Danish food products.”
In the spring of 2008, Hansen introduced a new Danish subsidy arrangement for information, sales promotion and marketing of special quality food products.
Organic food products now comprise more than 6 percent of the total Danish consumption. In the first half of this decade that figure was approximately 3.5 percent.
Some product categories, however, are much higher. Organic liquid milk products comprised 21 percent of total Danish consumption in 2007. Organic eggs comprised almost 10 percent of total consumption.
Approximately 2,800 farms, with 5 percent of the total farming area in Denmark, are now involved in organic farming. In stark contrast, on a global basis, ony about 0.65 percent of the world’s agricultural area is used for organic production.
Both consumption and production of organic food products increased very rapidly in Denmark during the 1990s. Following stagnation in the first half of this decade, there is once again a significant growth in the demand for organic food products.
There is also considerable interest in increasing the exports of organic food products from Denmark. The Danish import of organic food products is, however, currently twice that of Danish exports.