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4 reasons why the organic sector will come out stronger from this crisis

01-04-20 15:13

We are living in bizarre times and the scary thing is that we all know it will get a lot worse before it will get better. In German there is a word that describes the uncertain current global sentiment .. unheimisch, literally meaning not home …… which is also ironic as most of us are in home quarantine.

Apart from uncertainty and concern, for those of us who are not directly affected by the virus, the current situation also feels like someone just pressed an enormous “pause button”. Although we try to carry on as best we can, we are also taking a massive “time out” from our usual lives.

Over the past weeks I have spoken to numerous people within the organic sector to discuss the expected short, mid and long term impact that corona will have on the organic movement. These discussions have been extremely interesting and therefore I want to share the first insights with you.

On the negative side organic farmers are worried about the fact that there may be a shortfall in farm workers. Furthermore there are concerns that the agro-chemical lobby is already “using” the crisis to support more chemicals in farming.

Nevertheless, there are numerous reasons to be optimistic.. I would like to share 4 with you.

1. History

Whether it is EHEC crisis, horse meat scandals or even the economic crisis in 2008, history teaches us that the organic movement always comes out stronger from a crisis. This is because in times of uncertainty people look for reassurance and seek healthy, wholesome products they value and trust.

2. The EU Green Deal remains in place

The Green Deal and the related “Farm to Fork” strategy of the European commission remains firmly in place. In a recent interview the responsible EU commissioner, Frans Timmermans, confirmed that if anything the corona crisis is an extra motivation to move forward with commissions ambitious plans to make Europe climate neutral in 2050. In a recent interview with a Dutch newspaper he says: “I do not doubt that between now and 2050 we will be distracted by other crises and challenges. But I also do not doubt that mother earth will keep us focussed on the health of our planet. The big difference between this crisis and the euro crisis in 2008 is that back then the urgency to change our system was only felt by scientists and NGO’s. Today everybody in all levels of society are concerned about climate change and want to see action”.

In the “Farm to Fork” strategy the European Commission specifically focusses on organic farming as part of the solution when it comes to taking climate action.

3. Values are becoming more important than costs

As the world comes to a standstill you often hear: “at times like these you realize what is truly important”. During this global “time out” people are living their lives more consciously and genuinely appreciate the more simple and less superficial things in life like: health, a nature walk, caring for and spending time with loved ones. The four IFOAM organic principles (Care, Ecology, Fairness and Health) fit perfectly in the current global zeitgeist

4. Local and regional products vs global trade

In times of crisis, countries tend to “turn inward”. Borders close and international trade agreements like CETA and Mercosur are less popular than they were six months ago. When it comes to the agri-food industry, the general expectation of the people I spoke to is that our economies will become more local and regionally focussed. We will still be trading with one another but more within the European boundaries as opposed to importing South American soya to feed Dutch cows so that the milk can be turned into powder for Chinese babies. Although the organic movement is also internationally orientated organic consumers have always had a strong preference for local, regional products as opposed to cheap commodities.

The discussion about what impact this crisis will have on our sector is still very much ongoing and we are therefore interested to hear more views. Please send your insights to me at wilde@bionext.nl

For now however, let’s get through these incredibly difficult times together. Stay healthy and connected.

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