As a direct consequence of this seminar, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture on July 19, with a view to creating a Commission – with representation of the private sector – in order to formulate a bill to draw up Norms for Organic Production.

The following paragraphs represent a summary of the results found at the BioFach Latin America Seminar:

1 – Of all the entrepreneurs among whom the survey was conducted, about 60% relate the organic or biological concept with ecology, health and the absence of toxic chemicals. The others connect it with product certification and the creation of rural employment.

2 – In relation to the themes to be addressed in the next seminars, diversity rather than a clear concentration is shown. The agricultural topic was that which roused the greatest interest, followed by consumer awareness and the organic market.

3 – 28% of those surveyed said that in order to develop the organic market, it is necessary for consumers to be better informed about the organic concept, and 23% said there would be a need for training in order to impart knowledge of organic production techniques. The other answers were related to establishing norms for the sector, increasing exports and other matters.

4 – 33% of those surveyed said that fruit and vegetables would raise greater interest among consumers in the region, 20% said that it would be meat, 15% sugar, 14% processed food, and other answers.

5 – In relation to the question as to whether consumers seem to value organic products, the great majority (67%) think they do, but they could value them even more. 19% say they don’t and 13%, that they are already valued.

It cannot be said that organic farming in Paraguay is more advanced than in other countries, whether with regard to the level of technology or the area cultivated. However, it is true that industries are exporting processed organic products (sugar, yerba maté, concentrated fruit juice and others).

Paraguay’s production level is extensive. It could be said that the country’s farmland already enjoys the conditions required by international certifying bodies. Historically, the land has been free of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, which is an advantage in relation to other countries when it comes to promoting organic production.  

On the other hand, there are companies carrying out organic farming in the country in a systematic way, from production itself to processing and sales, and receiving the corresponding certification. Likewise, there are cases of producers who have managed to get organized in order to tackle production and sales in the form of entrepreneurial farming properties. The NGOs are also developing activities to cooperate and give assistance to such organizations.

There are no precise data on the national organic food market. In the public market in Asuncion, no transactions are carried out with organic products yet. This is because this market does not yet have an environment prepared for the sale of organic products.

The fact that products are sold, identified as organic in different ways, as is the case in the domestic market, brings with it the problem of affecting these products’ credibility in the future. For that reason, at a later stage, it is desirable to consolidate a system that will ensure both certification and inspection at the national level and the enhancement of the domestic market. 

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