As part of an effort to increase domestic and international sales of foods from Quebec, the provincial government unveiled a policy that would seek to double the area of farmland devoted to organic agriculture. The 108-page policy also encouraged agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and food processing sectors to improve and modernize.

The Singapore Standards Council and Enterprise Singapore have issued The Singapore Standard (SS) 632:2017 for Organic Primary Produce. The standards is touted as the world’s first in addressing urban and indoor growing, and also covers production, post-harvest practices, import, packing, re-packing, storage, transport and labelling.

A consumer survey conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) report  found four major trends in China’s packaged food market: the gradual return of consumer confidence in domestic brands; preference for attractive packaging and international flavors; diversity of online and physical sales channels; and growing popularity of organic varieties. The rise in popularity of organic products echoes a shift of consumer interest in food ‘safety’ to ‘health.’ A rise in income and a drop in the price of organic foods is also seen as part of the increased interest in organic products. Organic and Wellness News reports that the organic market in China is about one percent of the food market, or about US$2.5 billion. 

Facilities using the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) increased 8.2 percent, from 4,642 facilities in 2016 to 5,024 facilities in 2017.GOTS certified facilities are located in 62 countries around the world with continuous growth in both production as well as consuming regions.

Countries or regions with the largest increase in GOTS certification in 2017 are (in rank order): Bangladesh (+40%), North America (+39%), Portugal (+39%), Europe (+29%).
The top ten countries in terms of total number of certified facilities are: India (1658), Bangladesh (534), Germany (480), Turkey (445), Italy (307), China (292), Pakistan (194), Portugal (180), USA (99) and South Korea (69).

The Organic Industries of Australia association, formed in February, will perform the functions of the Australia Organic Industry Working Group and serve as a voice for the industry on governmental policy matters. Options for the group include to demonstrate unity of purpose for the organic sector include merging functions with Australian Organic Ltd. and merging with the Organic Federation of Australia.

The Soil Association reports that key food trends in the United Kingdom fit well with organic products: healthiness, taste and inspiration, fits around me, pleasure, value, and makes a statement. Sales of organic products in the United Kingdom are valued at €2.47 billion.

From 2012 to 2016, land in organic production grew 18.7 percent in the European Union.  Bulgaria’s organic land area increased 310 percent, and Croatia had an 193 percent increase. In Romania, however, land devoted to organic agriculture decreased over 20 percent.

Sales of fresh food via e-commerce grew 59.7 percent in 2017, according to data from consulting firm iResearch. Fruit is the most frequently purchased, followed by dairy products and vegetables. 

Modeled after other successful consumer education and promotion events around the world, New Zealand’s first Organic Week (April 9-15, 2018) will focus on encouraging the involvement of the wider organic community. Organic grocery sales in New Zealand grew 127 percent between 2012-2016, and the next organic market report is expected in mid-2018. New Zealand does not have a national standard for organic products.

Feb. 1, 2018