The situation of the BIO sector calls for new challenges and tools

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), recently published and corresponding to the year 2021, the area allocated to organic production in Spain increased by 8% compared to the previous year (2020). With 2,635,442 hectares , the useful agricultural area (UAA) dedicated to organic production grew to 10.79%. In terms of turnover, the Spanish BIO market was valued at 2,752 million euros last year (2021), as highlighted by Ecovalia in its Annual Report on Organic Production in Spain 2022 .

With the official data on the table, a positive development of the sector in Spain is perceived in line with the growth trend that the sector has experienced in recent years. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the world organic market recorded the highest growth in its history in 2020, exceeding 120,000 million euros , as stated in the report “The World of Organic Agriculture” , published by FiBL and IFOAM – Organics International in February 2022.

However, immersed in a complicated scenario marked by market shocks and the current context of economic, energy and climate crisis, the sector faces a complex end to 2022. These are times of uncertainty, but organic production has proven to be an effective and safe production system , in the face of the risks arising from the conventional agri-food system.

challenges and tools

The organic sector in Spain poses challenges and needs tools to grow . And, with this, the effort and involvement of all the actors is key. On the one hand, to increase production and encourage conversion to organic farming. On the other hand, to increase consumption, a need to consolidate the ecological transition and strengthen the resilience of the sector. According to the Ecovalia report , Spain would need more than 7,500 million to reach the ecological objectives set for 2030 or, in other words, reach 10% in consumption of organic food.

In this sense, that administrations and public institutions implement real and effective measures that contribute to the development of the ecological sector is a priority. This goes through the implementation of public purchases in school canteens , hospitals, the army and other centers managed by the administrations, making efforts in economic investment and developing promotion and awareness campaigns , as well as other specific measures, such as the reduction of VAT for organic products, with the aim of encouraging BIO consumption .

Raising awareness of the benefits of organic farming and food, identified by the European Union as a key and essential element to promote within the framework of the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork Strategies, is more important than ever to ensure a sustainable future. sustainable and healthy for all.

Face-to-face meetings, a necessary showcase

In this sense, the fairs are promoters of the value of organic production . The professional and commercial events are configured as a showcase for the sector, a place for meeting, meeting and exchange between key agents -retailers, distributors, importers, exporters, managers of supermarkets and purchasing departments, restaurateurs, among others- essential for disseminate the contributions of BIO agriculture and its future opportunities , while seeking joint strategies to educate the consumer to stimulate demand and consumption.

Well, sharing space, time and knowledge with the main agents of the national and international sector is essential to strengthen the ecological industrial fabric, build bridges and jointly advance in the transformation of the food system .

Organic Food & Eco Living Iberia is already launching its 2023 edition, which will bring together the organic community and offer a complete perspective of the situation, as well as current trends in the Spanish and European sectors, with the background of reinforcing the same message: don’t give up.

It is true that there is still a lot of work to be done, but the sum of efforts and predisposition are the basis for creating strategies to move forward. And professional fairs are an optimal tool to give continuity and promote the activity of the Spanish organic sector.

For more information visit www.organicfoodiberia.com