The increasing demand for organic farm and local products had been already high before the beginning of the pandemic, but then the demand increased even more for these products. For example, in Germany, the demand for organic products at the beginning of the pandemic increased by 17%, and in the USA almost by 50%. We are investigating how the demand has changed in Ukraine and what is the difference between the discussed types of products.
Let’s start from definitions
Organic products — production of sustainable agriculture and/or food industry received as a result of the certified organic production process where at every production stage only natural ingredients and processes for saving natural resources are used, it also includes protection of the environment, soil fertility restoration, biodiversity enrichment, high standards of animals welfare, production of high-quality products, development of rural areas and harmony between human and nature.
Farm products — products grown and produced by small or family-type farms. Very often such products are distributed by the producer itself but the quality of production entirely depends on the producer.
Local products — products produced and distributed within a region. Thus, producers help with the region’s development and decrease impacts on nature as they avoid additional transportation. But in different countries, the definition of «local» may vary — depending on the size of the country and a region in particular. The producer is the only one responsible for the quality of such products.
Is the combination possible?
Of course, there is nothing impossible. For example, in Ukraine, according to the data collected by the «Organic Standard» certification body, 150 out of 600 certified organic operators are farms. Usually, such households have an area of fewer than 100 hectares, bigger areas belong only to 30 households. The majority of such households are located in the Vinnytsia and Kyiv region. So if you find such a producer in your region and buy products directly from him, it will be the organic local farm product we’re talking about.
But not many consumers are ready to go somewhere to buy a product. Also, farm products are not always organic and organic doesn’t always mean farm. It’s widely believed that a product bought from a «grandma» guarantees «eco» origin, but that’s not true, because a lot of farmers use chemical pesticides and fertilizers to protect their crops.
Where to find and how to be sure
Some retail chains started to make separate sections for organic and farm products, and local products are mostly distributed in small stores so it’s getting easier to find them and recognize.
Organic products can be recognized by special labeling, — at the moment Ukrainian producers use the euroleaf. It’s adopted by the EU and used for marking organic products and products that are produced in accordance with an equivalent standard to the EU organic legislation. But the Ukrainian logotype is coming soon, it’s going to be used for labeling organic products according to Ukrainian standards.
At the moment, farm and local products do not have their own labeling in Ukraine and consumers are used to buy such products mostly on local markets. According to data collected by the USDA’s (United States Department of Agriculture) Foreign Agricultural Service, Ukrainians keep buying about 50% of products on local markets. That’s why the recent shutdown of the markets during the strict COVID-19 quarantine was so hard for farmers. In response to the shutdown, many farmers started to offer home delivery and expanded the possibilities for online orders.
According to results of «Organic Ukraine 2020» Regional forums, which were held in all regions in June-October, and according to Olena Berezovska, the president of the «Organic Ukraine» business-union, most organic producers emphasize the need to develop local farm markets.
Of course, the increase in sales closer to the production area and organizing organic fairs and farmers markets will help to make it easier for consumers to access organic local farm products. In parallel, it’s important to organize educational events and explain to consumers about different types of labeling of products.
Kateryna Shor, OrganicInfo.ua
Earlier we wrote already about changing consumer habits.