ORGANIC Farm

From Farm To Folk

How Organic Food Embrace a Sustainable Way of Life

From Farm To Folk

Why is Denmark the global leader in organic market share, and what drives consumer trust in organic food? Explore the significance of the red label in supermarkets and the puzzling prevalence of plastic packaging in the organic food industry.

Join the unique journey of organic produce, from farm to fork, and discover why it matters.

From Farm To Folk

Ingerslevs Boulevard, nestled in the heart of Aarhus, springs to life every Wednesday and Saturday as a bustling marketplace. Here, local vendors unite to offer an enticing array of fresh produce, from farm-fresh vegetables to vibrant flowers, succulent seafood, and quality meats.

Families and friends throng this vibrant hub, exploring its offerings, engaging with friendly stall owners, and delving into ingredient usage. The cozy café at the end of the street serves as a lively gathering spot, where locals can savor a cup of coffee, enjoy the autumn breeze, and often leave with the day’s “hunt” – a basket of freshly harvested farm vegetables.

Aya, a 48-year-old city dweller who has passionately frequented this marketplace for half a decade. For her, the market is not merely a place to shop, but an intersection of farm-fresh sustenance and city life’s pulse. This vibrant marketplace transcends the mere act of shopping; it embodies her unwavering commitment to uncompromising food quality.

“To me, organic food signifies less pollution, being eco-friendly, and lending support to local farms.” Aya said.

Nestled within the bustling market, a remarkable stall with a striking red label draws a constant stream of people. For over six years, Svend Skovsboel Knudsenhas been the  owner of this popular establishment, known as Radissen ØKO Frugt & Grønt, sourcing his produce from a network of almost 15 trusted farms.

Svend Skovsboel Knudsen

Svend’s stall stands alone as the sole bearer of this coveted organic label within the market. “The red Ø label is synonymous with trust, a clear sign that consumers deeply rely upon. It signifies the organic nature of offerings, guaranteeing the absence of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in our cultivation.”He said.

Yet, obtaining and maintaining this certification is no simple task. It entails a substantial responsibility, with regular inspections to verify the authenticity of the organic produce. This red label fosters a profound trust between the diligent farmers, and the loyal consumers who place their faith in its promise.

Denmark: The Unwavering Leader in                                           Global Organic Market Share

In 2022, a recent report from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland reaffirmed Denmark’s standing as the global leader in organic market share. Denmark boasted a remarkable 13% share of the organic market’s total value in the retail sector, maintaining its prominent position in the world of organics.

Denmark’s robust presence in the organic market is deeply rooted in its rich traditions of organic production. As far back as 1987, Denmark took the pioneering step of enacting legislation dedicated to organic farming. Alongside this legal framework, the Danish government introduced a rigorous system of inspections, spanning the entire organic production chain. An iconic symbol of this commitment to quality and authenticity is the Danish Ø label, representing government-certified organic products. This label has garnered unwavering trust from Danish consumers, embodying Denmark’s dedication to the organic cause.

Organic

Ø Label: A Symbol of Trust in Organic Quality

Organic Denmark leads Denmark’s organic drive, uniting farmers, consumers, and 130 food producers, contributing 85% of the nation’s organic output. Formed in 2002, it consolidated eight organic associations with a shared mission: promoting sustainable organic production and fostering change.

THE 4 ORGANIC PRINCIPLES

Health

Pure, additive-free food, fostering well-being

Fairness

Decency, sustainable livelihoods, responsible resource management

Care

Precaution, natural alignment, biodiversity preservation

Ecology

Circular, sustainable practices, gentle resource footprint

Dennis Hvam,International Market Director of Organic Denmark

Work with the market related organization, helping Organic Denmark to brand themselves and to increase their sales in foreign markets.

Dennis Hvam point out to make sure that there are several criteria that organic farmers must adhere to. These criteria encompass various aspects of production, including how they treat the farmland and animals. Organic farming prohibits the use of pesticides and many synthetic fertilizers, emphasizing the use of natural and organic alternatives. The transition to organic farming can take up to two years for certification.

Sale

TURNOVER OF ORGANIC FOODS IN RETAIL SHOPS, 2022

Organic Market Report 2023 point out that the fruit and vegetable category accounts for more than a third of the turnover in organic products in the grocery segment.And the dairy category accounts for more than 20 % of organic sales.

So, what market strategies does Danish Organics employ                                when selecting product categories for organic production ?

Dennis Hvam explains that Organics Denmark encourages supermarkets to commence with fundamental product categories, such as fruits and vegetables, which exhibit a robust demand for organic options. The introduction of a diverse range of organic choices in these fundamental categories not only fuels demand but also works to enhance price competitiveness. However, as one ventures into more processed or specialized product categories, the price disparity between conventional and organic products typically widens.

 Consumer demand for organic products has been surging on a global scale, with a notable increase in interest in organic and plant-based items. As a result, new innovations predominantly emerge in these categories, as they hold untapped potential for growth. Organics Denmark remains flexible and attuned to evolving trends, adapting its strategies to meet changing market dynamics.

Another Side of The Story: Packaging

The Paradox of Packaging

The topic of packaging in food production is undeniably pivotal, particularly when viewed through the lens of sustainability. This perspective often gives rise to a perplexing paradox:

despite the evident benefits of organic agriculture in reducing land and water pollution, organic food products on supermarket shelves are often clad in plastic packaging.

However, delving into this intricate matter, Dennis sheds light on the multifaceted nature of packaging. The choice of packaging material involves a delicate balancing act between safeguarding the product, extending its shelf life, managing costs, and mitigating its environmental impact. While it’s true that some organic companies resort to plastic packaging, a growing number are actively exploring alternative materials. These alternatives include options like tin and recyclable plastics, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the environmental concerns associated with packaging.

Dennis underscores, “Reducing the environmental footprint through responsible packaging is a top priority for us.”

This commitment to sustainability and minimizing the ecological impact is mirrored on a broader scale in Denmark, where regulatory measures have been implemented to hold companies accountable for their environmental footprint. Consequently, the exploration of eco-friendly packaging alternatives remains a focal point in the pursuit of a more sustainable and responsible organic industry.

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