The winter food bowl of North West Europe (or the greenhouse of Europe) is Spain. Consumer demands have created a green revolution in Spain to make organic production mainstream. Currently >2,000 ha are certified organic (plus 1,000 ha transition) of the 30,000ha of greenhouse crops around Almeria, Spain.
The change is rapid with specific organic consultants and supporting industries, like certified organic suppliers of compost, crop nutrition / protection and beneficial insects / fungi. One leading supplier is the Enza Zaden subsidiary “Vitalis” with specific organic breeding programs and certified organic seed. Vitalis ensures crops are certified organic from the beginning. More details at eu.biovitalis.eu
The European retail market for organic products grew 11.4% in 2017. European retail chains set ambitious targets for organic production over the coming 5 years to make most production around Almeria certified organic. They target selling only certified organic produce within 10 years for fruit and salad crops.
There are currently 120ha of tomatoes is grown organically (and hydroponically) in Canada (70ha) and North America (30ha). Organic production is growing 15% per year. Many growers use the same variety in both organic and conventional production. Example; Mastronardi’s Campari tomatoes in the Sunset brand.
Market surveys show the main reason for purchasing organic produce is due to consumers concerned about pesticides and health, especially Millennials that become parents and hope to become better parents, seeking healthy and nutritious food, for themselves and their children.
In Australia the organic market is 1% of the retail spend (but grew 13% in the last year) and 3% of the total farm gate retail value. The Australian, National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, allows certified organic production for soilless production in Australia.
This is your opportunity to define your future and grow an organic green revolution in Australia.