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The main objective of the BioFach Latin America seminar
held in Bogotá, Colombia, was to stimulate not only local consumption
but also organic production itself. |
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With agro-ecological production still limited to a few
associations and companies, there are not a large number of producers
already certified to sell in most of the country. One of the main
points was the need for more detailed legislation regarding organic
production in the country. |
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The seminar received great support from the
Colombia-Germany Chamber of Commerce, which made it possible to
organize the event by means of a partnership with the Agroexpo fair,
the main agricultural fair in the country |
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The event had speakers representing the government –
one of the most important being the representative of the Colombian
Ministry of Agriculture, Monica Lozano, who was able to present to the
participants the current situation regarding norms established in the
country. |
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Among the important personalities present was Carlos
Escobar, the representative of Galci, a Latin American group linked to
the IFOAM. Carlos commented on the main actions of both entities and
on how interaction between them has been taking place for the
promotion of, and gathering of information on, the Latin American
market. |
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BioFach Latin America was presented within the context
of the project and with the fairs that are organized, which are now
becoming the main marketplace in the country for the sale of organic
products. |
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Some certifiers present in the country – among them BCS
Öko Garantie, represented by Uriel Contreras – also commented on their
activities and the present situation. |
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An important presentation was that given by Alexander
Loebell, of the retail company BioPlaza. Their model is fundamental
because it is an investment in the local market that resulted from a
store located in the capital city of Bogotá and specializing in
organic products. |
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Daabon, the country’s main exporter, addressed in its
presentation especially the social aspect, exemplified by organic palm
and coffee producers, focusing mainly on exportation |
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At the end of the event, there was a get-together
cocktail party organized by the Colombia-Germany Chamber of Commerce.
With over one hundred participants enrolled, the event was a great
success, enabling synergy among institutions and companies. |
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