The Organic Trade Association was awarded funding from two separate USDA programs for 2019. The annual Market Access Program funding was $883,593 for 2019, the largest award the association has received in its almost two decades as an official cooperator in USDA's flagship program to promote American agricultural products in global markets.

A new program introduced in the fall of 2018, the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program, began as part of the funding assistance given by the U.S. government to those affected by retaliatory tariffs. The Organic Trade Association was awarded $547,085 to carry out market promotion activities in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more about OTA's international promotion programs.

On April 11, in anticipation of an April 12 Brexit which has now been extended to October 31, The United States and United Kingdom have signed letters to recognize their respective organic programs as equivalent in the event that the UK should leave the European Union to become an independent market. The equivalence arrangement replicates the current arrangement between the US and EU to ensure the smooth flow of organic trade. Further details will be shared with stakeholders/certifiers once the timing of the UK exit from the EU is determined.

As part of a plan to support organic production, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is providing about $431,000 to 165 farmers to help them convert to organic agriculture. Saudi Organic Farming Society is implementing the  support program with field visits to prepare farms for certification.

France’s National Committee of Biological Agriculture postponed until July 2019 a vote on whether produce from heated greenhouses is acceptable in organic production. Synabio, an association of over 190 organic companies, and the National Federation of Organic Agriculture (FNAB), which represents organic farmers in France, have both requested a moratorium on heated greenhouses until there is a decision. 

Per capita spending on organic food CHF360 in 2018, up from CHF330 in 2017. Overall, sales were up 13.3 percent in 2018 and hit $3 billion. Supermarket chains Migros and Coop brought in 3/4 of the sales. In some sectors, (eggs, fresh bread, vegetables, salad and potatoes) organic products had over 20 percent market share. Over half (56 percent) of shoppers buy organic food at least several times per week.

The Ministry of Agriculture intends to promote organic food in its marketing campaigns. The Czech Confederation of Commerce and Tourism (SOCR CR) and the PRO-BIO Association of Organic Farmers have signed a joint memorandum to strengthen cooperation. Sales of organic food there have increased tenfold in the last three years. In 2016, organic food sales were valued at nearly €99 million.

In a survey of 609 shoppers, researchers found consumers’ concerns regarding the environment, health, food safety and their knowledge of organic food all significantly impacted their purchase behavior of organic meat. Food stores’ green marketing practices significantly enhanced consumers’ actual purchase behavior, but premium prices of organic meat were a deterrent. POositive attitudes about organic meat did not necessarily lead to purchase.

The industry journal Lebensmittel Zeitung reported that Edeka, one of Germany’s largest retailers, plans to add separate stores under the “Naturkind” brand in addition to organic shops within the shop. Edeka also plans to expand its own “Edeka Bio” brand.

March 19, 2019

France’s ministry of agriculture and food has established a National Council for Collective Catering, which will ensure better food is served in canteens and cafeterias. One objective is to ensure that by 2022, 50% of food served in places like school cafeterias is organic, sustainable or of a specific quality.