The address gave a global overview of the development of organic agriculture and its local and international markets. Bernward also presented the fascinating diversity of markets and marketing strategies in the organic sector

Darolt presented the main reasons why people consume organic products, the possibilities of greater consumer involvement in the production chain for sustainable food items, and also a profile of the organic consumer.

The highlight is the proposal for the development of organic agriculture sent by the Ministry of Agriculture for the 2004 to 2007 Multi-Annual Plan. This program comprises 6 actions, ranging from the Certification to the Development Support Area, through Commercial Promotion, Technology Transfer and Training of Technicians and Producers.

The certification processes for products coming from organic production and processing systems in Brazil have always been the subject of discussion among those involved in organic farming. In addition to certification by audit, we have built up the participative certification process with nationwide and regional recognition.

The talk touched on the history, structure, rules and legislation relating to certification, both in the world and in Brazil, using statistical data. Brazil is going through a time of growth in the organic movement, with positive prospects as long as the sector can grow in a systematic and organized manner. The present situation is the opposite of the statement above, so the address was about the consequences and problems derived from the lack of regulation, and suggested possible solutions.

A brief description of what REDE ECOVIDA DE AGROECOLOGIA is, and the process of participative certification and social recovery in which it, as a movement of small farmers, advisory NGOs, consumer cooperatives, small tradesmen and small agro-industries, are engaged.

General overview of the development of organic agriculture in Latin America. Its internal markets and the problems it faces. Exportation, with the main markets and their characteristics. Regulation and Norms. Opportunities for organic agriculture in the continent. The social significance of organic agriculture

The Brazilian market for organic products is going through the changes that characterize its evolution throughout the world. In Brazil, just as abroad, organic agriculture has developed fundamentally in association with family farming. Among us, it has also been characterized as a strategy to obtain capital and to win a place in the market. The consumer’s increased interest has attracted new producers to the market, making competition stronger in all links of the production chain.

AECO’s suggestions for the development of the Brazilian organic market: creating new forms of marketing, other than the supermarket; technology and research: persuading the Government and other public bodies to undertake research into new cultivation techniques. The tax question: convincing the Federal Government of the justification for differentiated taxation for organic products.

The Brazilian market for organic products has benefited from the frequent reports of food contamination by agro-chemicals. Though there are no official statistics, it is estimated that 10% of the total volume of the organic market, amounting to US$ 260 million p.a., is traded internally. The growth of this market depends on the organization of the existing producers, but also on the conversion of conventional to organic production systems.

Fazenda Tamanduá, managed by Pierre Landolt, is a pioneer and model of organic farming in the semi-arid region of the State of Paraiba; it has the following products certified by the IBD : Fresh Mangoes; Dehydrated mangoes; Coalho, Saint Paulin and Roblochon type cheeses and ricotta; Bees’ honey. Appropriate techniques have been developed for production, so as to save the scarce resources available, diversifying and integrating vegetable, animal and forest exploitation. Fazenda Tamanduá products are sold both in the domestic market and abroad. Pierre Landolt addressed the problems, the difficulties and the solutions found in the light of Fazenda Tamanduá’s 26 years’ experience in the North-Eastern region.

Historical context: family farming, the model of comparative advantages and public policies for developing countries; evaluation of local development policies and marketing policies focusing on family farming in Brazil; the impact of mass marketing strategies and the “I buy, therefore I exist” model on territories and on family farming; the importance of the synergy “organic products - ethical and interdependent trade - territorial approach”, for the collective construction of a new market, free to all.

Brazilian Organic Market.
Family farmer: characterization, importance, main products and feasibility of production.
Main difficulties. 
Actions of the Agrarian Development Ministry in support of the organic sector.
Main products of Family Farms with organic potential.

The concept that is behind BioCrush S.A. Our association with organic producers in Bolivia and the international purchasers of our product. Building bridges between the North and the South.  A concrete example of a long-lasting and sustainable collaboration. 

At Cotrimaio, organic production was started in 1999, with organic soy beans in the process of conversion. Technical monitoring provided by UNITEC – Cooperativa. Certification by ECOCERT.
The sales effort is carried out by Cotrimaio, 157 producers take part in the program, which comprises a total of 963 hectares. The launching of organic soy beans with the Cotrimaio brand name in 500gr and 30Kg packages. Other products: wheat, corn, rye and milk. An organic product store was inaugurated in July, offering rice, flours, juices, maté, wines, fruit and vegetables.

Presentation of the basic principles that apply to organic coffee production and the implications of the process of regulation and certification; Sustainability of coffee growing; Organic coffee market and sales: statistical data, special features, preparation for the market, a successful experience; Organization: concept and experiences; Solidarity in the organic coffee market.

Sales scenario for organic roast & ground coffees, with the evolution of demand, brands with the highest sales volumes, participation at sales points, average and maximum prices. Comparison with the other categories of coffee. Expectations for the near future.

The Brazilian Organic Cattle Raising Association (ABPO) was created in 2001. Its objective is to monitor every stage of organic meat production in Brazil, ensuring that the product will follow international standards. This presentation gives an overview of the national and international market for organic meats.

Presentation of the experience of the International Farming and Cattle Raising Organization in organic beef certification in Brazil and Argentina. Comparison between Brazilian and international norms for organic beef cattle raising and discussion of the present difficulties relating to the certification and sale of Brazilian organic beef, in the domestic and international markets. Discussion of the main critical points in the certification process for organic meat production in Brazil: traceability, animal health, certification of organic raw materials, food supplements, animal welfare and biodiversity in cattle raising, requirements relating to traceability and quality controls at organic meat processing plants.

Demattê addressed issues related to the production of organic chicken, certification rules, current difficulties relating to production costs, strategies to overcome such difficulties, production and market prospects for organic chicken. He also stressed the importance of developing the organic product, in view of the recent questions raised by the scientific world in relation to the use of antibiotics, chemical remedies and growth inducing drugs in animal breeding with regard to developing cross bacterial resistance in human beings, encompassing matters of food safety.

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