Ecology and Farming No 2/2013

SOS Save Our Seeds

Growth in the American organic sector

ecology No 2 // June 2013

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Table of Con tents

JUNE 2013 // No 2

safety issues

MARKET 36 The global market for organic food and non- food production Calculating the value of organic chains.

GMO 39 GMO Safety Issues based on Science standards 46 The Organic Standard education 48 A birthplace for social innovation

MARKET

photo impression

10 Growth

in the American organic sector

28 Doug Tompkin’s Laguna Blanca

Strong growth and new challenges in the USA.

COuNtRY pROFILE

COuNtRY pROFILE

30 The UK’s Signs of revival.

14 Springbockvley

Namibia

organic market And more....

Farm,

The efficiency of low input livestock farming.

MARKET 20 Cocoa Where does your chocolate come from? agro biodiversity 24 SOS save our seeds The Global Seed Alliance.

The Social Innovation Centre at Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development.

Opinion 33 Developing a Communication Strategy for the Organic Sector

News 9 Editorial 7 Calendar 51

Certification body

FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Inspection and certification of products, systems and services Drafting of standards Training

A WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF EXPERTS Name and seal recognized by authorities and consumers

Expert in organic farming and inputs, food quality and safety, fair trade, organic cosmetics, organic textiles, carbon balance, social responsibility

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introduction

Denise Godinho Peter Brul

Best practices, beautiful farms How can organic farming help to feed a growing world

good agricultural practices with a wide range of (local)

population and remain a sustainable form of agricul-

resilient varieties. Exchanging and developing seeds is

ture? This was one of the interesting discussions that

one way to do this.

emerged from the IFOAM working group on ‘best prac-

Best practice not only involves good yields, quality

tices in organic agriculture’. The publication on best

food and a diverse and clean environment. It is also

practices will soon be available and you will be able to

about beauty. That is the message of Doug Tomkins,

read more about it in the coming editions. There are

who was interviewed in the previous edition. Now we

very different solutions for solving the big challenges

show you some more pictures of this beautiful farm.

facing agriculture. Monsanto, for example, has a quite

We hope they inspire you!

different approach for tackling problems and developing agriculture. Their strategy is aggressive since it

People working in the organic movement are often

threatens other more sustainable ways of developing

inspired by good and beautiful farms. But another

agriculture. More than two million people around the

source of inspiration is the continuous development of

world have just shown that they are angry and worried

the organic sector and the market for organic produce.

by marching against Monsanto. Elsewhere in this issue

In these difficult economic times in the main markets

André Leu, the President of IFOAM, summarises the

for organic products, the USA and Europe, the mar-

scientific findings about the potential health effects of

kets continue to grow. New ways are continually found

consuming GMOs.

to make links between producers and consumers. In this issue you will find reports about the world mar-

This issue covers other activist topics. Jozef Fincke, an

ket, (worth 70 billion US dollars last year), and market

organic farmer in Ireland, invites us to develop a more

developments in the USA, the UK and for cocoa. All

successful communication strategy for organic agricul-

hopeful stories!

ture. I agree with him that we can and should do much more in this field. In our opinion one of the best strate-

Peter Brul

gies for this is to show the results of best practices in organic farming world wide. Another activist article, a call to save our seeds, comes from Bernward Geier.

While citizens may protest and demand food labelling, so they can choose the food they want (or don’t want) and a food production system they want. But the organic sector can work – together with others – on

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

7

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// 2 million protesters marched against the biotech mulitinational Monsanto.

The ‘March Against Monsanto’ was organised on May 25 in 436 cities, in 52 countries. Around 200,000 people were expected to rally against Monsanto, but more than two million took part in the day of action campaign.

News

As readers of Ecology & Farming might know, Monsanto is accused of aggressively pushing the introduction of genetically modified crops, manipulating research and political decisions about consumer rights and denying the rights of farmers to reproduce seeds. They are accused of routinely denying any health and environmental risks. ‘March Against Monsanto’, a small group in the USA, took the initiative to raise awareness about the lack of action from the US and other national governments. The initiative developed into a global campaign and demonstration with over two million people protesting.

March Against Monsanto Director Nick Bernabe: “What we’re trying to do is raise awareness about GMOs and the health effects that they’re causing and bring about some solutions as to what people can do to take back control over their food supply,” In March 2013 the U.S. Congress passed a biotechnology rider which was dubbed the ’Monsanto Protection Act’. The legislation effec-

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tively allows Monsanto and other corporations that use GMOs to plant and sell genetically altered products even if legal action is being taken against them. Effectively this means that the U.S. Congress has given Monsanto (and others) a carte blanche to largely ignore the country´s judiciary.

According to Food & Water Watch, the relationship between Monsanto and the U.S. government extends even beyond Congress and the Supreme Court. They claim that WikiLeaks has uncovered communications from the U.S State Department that actively lobbies foreign governments to adopt pro-agricultural biotechnology legislation, seeks to improve the image of biotechnology and challenges commonsense biotechnology safeguards and rules. This lobbying also extended to food labelling laws in Europe and other countries. Monsanto is quite tough, but so it seems are its opponents. A German newspaper (Süddeutsche Zeitung) recently reported that a spokesman of Monsanto has declared that they will stop lobbying in Europe, due to lack of support for GMOs among farmers, citizens and politicians.

More information can be found on March Against Monsanto’s website: www.march-against-monsanto.com Link: http://tile.openstreetmap.org/2/1/1.pngAs

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

9

Strong growth and new challenges in the USA

Growth in the American organic sector Barbara Fitch Haumann

In October 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published the results of its first survey focused exclusively on certified organic production throughout the nation.

10

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

$35 BILLION ORGANIC FOOD AND FARMING GENERATES

$3.5 ORGANIC GROWERS

$

BILLION IN FARM-GATE SALES IN 2011

81%

OF U.S. FAMILIES ARE

BUYING

ORGANIC

16%

FOURTH FOOD/FEED CROP

RANKS

REAC HED

$$

ORGANIC

OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS

GENERATED BY CERTIFIED

OVER

IN 2012 U.S. CONSUMER SALES

Country profile

IN U.S. PRODUCTION AT FARM-GATE VALUES

OF THE ORGANIC MARKET IS DAIRY

FARMS, RANCHES, EXPORTS 17,750 ORGANIC AND BUSINESSES IN TRIPLED IN 2012 CERTIFIED THE UNITED STATES FIBER PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CLOTHING, LINENS, AND MATTRESSES, ACCOUNT FOR THE

ORGANIC APPLE MORE THAN

MORE THAN A HALF MILLION AMERICAN JOBS

LARGEST SHARE OF THE

42% TRUST IN THE USDA ORGANIC SEAL

$2.5 BILLION ORGANIC NON-FOOD MARKET

OVER

OF PARENTS REPORT THEIR

OF ALL FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

10% ORGANIC

HAS INCREASED

SOLD TO U.S. CONSUMERS ARE

T WO U.S. ORGANIC EQUIVALENCY ARRANGEMENTS

TEN PERCENT

30%

OVER

IN 2012, THE ORGANIC INDUSTRY GREW BY

WITH CANADA AND THE EU EXPAND GLOBAL MARKETS

OF PARENTS BUY ORGANIC TO AVOID TOXIC PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS

Organic is an important part of the diverse U.S. agricultural landscape. The Organic Trade Association represents over 6,500 farmers, ranchers, handlers, processors, distributors, and retailers across the organic supply chain. Learn more at OTA.COM

N

ASS conducted the survey for

accounted for $125.3 million in farm sales.

organic milk, $276 million for eggs, and

USDA’s Risk Management Agency to

The states with the most certified organic

$115 million for chicken.

help refine federal crop insurance offer-

farms were California (1,898), Wiscon-

The survey also asked certified farms

ings for organic producers. The findings

sin (870), New York (597), Washington

where their products were marketed.

showed that U.S. certified organic grow-

(493) and Iowa (467). Wisconsin led the

Eighty-one per cent of sales were through

ers sold more than $3.5 billion worth of

nation in organic field crop acreage, with

the wholesale market, 13 per cent of sales

organically grown agricultural commodi-

110,000 acres harvested in 2011, followed

were made directly to retailers and the

ties in 2011.

by New York, with more than 97,000 acres

remaining 6 per cent concerned direct

and California, with more than 91,000

sales to consumers.

This total of farm-gate sales means that

acres.

the organic sector would rank as the fifth

With added staff in the past few years,

largest commodity class in the United

USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP)

States, and is larger than peanuts and

announced in September 2012 that it had

cotton combined. Thus, as pointed out

suspended the organic certifications of

by the Organic Trade Association (OTA),

200 operations and revoked six so far that

this means that there is a very good case

year. It also issued seven penalties, worth

for the organic sector having a seat at the table when agricultural policy is decided by policy makers in Washington, D.C. According to the survey, certified organic

Stronger enforcement in the NOP

a total of $80,000, for wilful violations of national organic regulations.

NOP has explained that a suspended operation may not sell or represent its

farmers and ranchers sold more than

products as USDA Organic until it is

$2.2 billion in organically grown agri-

reinstated in writing by NOP. A revoked

cultural commodities and more than $1

operation or a person responsible for a

billion in livestock products in 2011. The

revoked operation may not obtain certification for a period of five years.

9,140 U.S. certified organic farms gener-

The average sales per organic farm

ated $1.1 billion in farm-gate sales of

worked out to be $414,726, compared

vegetables and $494.8 million in sales of

with the $134,807 average for all farms

Driven by consumer demand, the U.S.

fruits, including $122.2 million for certi-

taking part in the 2007 U.S. Census of

organic industry grew by 9.5 per cent

fied organic apples and $160.6 million for

Agriculture. Sales of certified organic live-

overall in 2011 (or $2.5 billion) to reach

certified organic grapes. Organic berries

stock products included $765 million for

$31.5 billion in sales. Of this, the organic ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

11

The White House report notes rapid

The report also compared the economic

growth in the U.S. organic industry, echo-

value that would be generated by conven-

ing a report released by OTA in April,

tional and organic farms in the two states

which showed that the organic food

if both experienced the same hypotheti-

food and beverage sector was valued at

cal level of increased sales. Under this

$29.22 billion, while the organic non-food

scenario, organic dairy farms in Vermont

sector reached $2.2 billion, according to

could be expected to contribute 33 per

findings from the Organic Trade Asso-

cent more to the state’s economy than

ciation’s (OTA’s) 2012 Organic Industry

conventional farms, and employ 83 per

Survey.

cent more workers. Similarly, in Minne-

Overall growth outpaced that among comparable conventionally produced food and non-food items, which experienced

Market growth continues at almost 10% p.a.

sota, organic dairies would increase the state’s economy by 11 per cent more and employment by 14 per cent more than conventional dairy farms.

4.7 per cent growth in the same year.

Consumer demand for organic dairy

Organic food sales experienced 9.4 per

products has jumped dramatically over

cent growth in 2011. The easing of the

the past decade, with emerging research

recession, consumer price inflation due to

industry generated more than 500,000

showing that well-managed organic dairy

increases in input prices and consumers’

American jobs in 2010. Organic dairy and

farms are less harmful to the environment

increasing desire for convenience prod-

fresh produce, which are the two largest

than conventional dairies, and that the

ucts were all contributory factors. The

organic product categories, were specifi-

milk produced may be better for human

fruit and vegetable category contributed

cally highlighted for their central roles in

health. Organically raised cows graze on

close to 50 per cent of those new dol-

creating opportunities for farmers and

pasture during the growing season, eat

lars, although the fastest-growing sector

ranchers, and helping rural businesses

organically grown feed, and are not treat-

was the meat, fish & poultry category,

become more competitive.

ed with synthetic hormones or antibiotics.

which posted 13 per cent growth, but still

In addition, a report by the Union of

Meanwhile, the Organic Farming

remains the smallest of the eight organic

Concerned Scientists, released in mid-

Research Foundation released a science-

food categories.

November 2012 once more confirmed

based, peer-reviewed report extolling the

that the organic dairy sector provides

multiple societal benefits of organic farm-

Organic food sales now represent 4.2 per

more economic opportunities and gener-

ing in North America. The report, entitled

cent of all U.S. food sales, up from 4 per

ates more jobs in rural communities than

Organic Farming for Health and Prosper-

cent in 2010. Meanwhile, organic non-

conventional dairies. The first-of-its-kind

ity, also outlines policy recommendations

food sales experienced a strong 11 per

study, Cream of the Crop: The Economic

to support the expansion of organic farm-

cent growth, compared to 5 per cent for

Benefits of Organic Dairy Farms, calcu-

ing in the United States.

comparable non-organic items. Prospects

lated the economic value of organic milk

for 2012 and 2013, as indicated through

production based on 2008-2011 financial

One of the biggest challenges for the

the 2012 survey results, indicate that

data from Vermont and Minnesota, two

organic industry during the year was the

organic food and non-food sales will con-

major milk-producing states.

unresolved outlook for a new farm bill.

tinue to sustain growth levels of nine per

Although the U.S. Senate approved its “Over the past 30 years, dairy farmers

version of a new farm bill last summer,

have had a choice: either get big or get

the House of Representatives never voted

In June 2012, the Obama Administration

out. Dairy farmers either had to expand

on it. As a result, provisions in the 2008

released a report on rural communities

dramatically and become large industrial

Farm Bill expired in September 30, 2012.

and businesses highlighting the tremen-

operations or they went out of busi-

dous value of the organic sector in the

ness,” said Jeffrey O’Hara, agricultural

In the waning hours of 2012, U.S. Sen-

nation’s diverse agricultural economy. The

economist for the Food and Environment

ate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of

report, prepared by the Council of Eco-

Program at UCS and author of the report.

Kentucky and Vice President Joe Biden

nomic Advisers, the White House Rural

“However, organic dairy production

negotiated a nine-month extension of the

Council and USDA, pointed to numerous

offers farmers another option – one that

2012 Farm Bill which was attached to the

examples of how organic agriculture and

is better for the environment, produces

complex ‘fiscal cliff’ legislation, known

trade are expanding opportunities for agri-

a healthier product, and leads to greater

as the American Taxpayer Relief Act.

cultural production.

levels of economic activity.”

This legislation passed the Senate early

cent or more.

12

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

“An audacious goal…”

Country profile

USDA’s strategic plan aims to have

nised as a distinct commodity class, as it

2,719 additional U.S. farms and

covers a wide range of commodities. This

businesses certified to its organic

means that the organic sector would not

regulations by 2015, reaching a goal of

qualify for a promotional programme such

on January 1st, with the House of Rep-

20,000 U.S. organic operations. Deputy

as the existing ones. The legislation would

resentatives approving it less than 20

Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merri-

require amending the current ORPPs so

hours later. While this passage brought

gan said in a video address given at the

that organic products are recognised as a

general taxpayer relief, the organic sec-

autumn 2012 meeting of the US Nation-

commodity class. The OTA has begun to

tor was not so fortunate.

al Organic Standards Board that this

pursue solutions to these issues, but it is

is “an audacious goal, but if everyone

up to the entire organic sector whether to

The Farm Bill Extension Measure (going

does their part to help organic farm-

pursue such a programme.

through to the end of September 2013)

ers and ranchers and processors, we

slashed essential organic programmes

believe we will cross that finish line.”).

It is evident that there is a need for addi-

including organic data collection,

tional research into organic agriculture

organic research and extension, and

and more consumer education about the

partial reimbursement to farmers for

as primary natural disaster areas and

benefits of organic food and farming. Dur-

certification costs. It also eliminated any

approximately 390 other counties as

ing 2012, several research reports added

investments in the future of rural com-

contiguous disaster areas. USDA grant-

to consumer confusion as the media

munities, family farming and organic

ed temporary derogations for organic

and the framework offered by research-

farming. Smaller, targeted programmes

ruminant livestock producers in counties

ers claimed that organic products were

that invest in proven strategies to create

declared as primary or contiguous natu-

no more nutritious than conventional

rural jobs, revitalise rural communities

ral disaster areas and with non-irrigated

counterparts, even though the studies

and initiatives to foster a new genera-

pastures. These derogations allowed

cited actually revealed numerous benefits

tion of family farmers and ranchers were

organic farmers in these designated dis-

associated with organic agriculture and

completely absent from the final farm bill

aster counties to supply just 15 per cent

products.

extension. The eleventh hour deal also

of their dry matter intake (on average)

prevented farmers and ranchers from

from certified organic pasture for the

For example, a review article published

being able to improve soil and water

remainder of 2012.

in September in the Annals of Internal

conservation through enrolling in the

Medicine by Stanford University research-

Conservation Stewardship Program in

The U.S. organic industry continues to

ers confirmed that consuming organic

2013.

discuss a possible sector-wide organic

foods reduces consumers’ exposure

Thus, in 2013, work must begin anew on

research and promotion programme

to pesticide residues and to bacteria

a full five-year farm bill. Such legislation

(ORPP). The OTA has been facilitating

resistant to antibiotics. In addition, a clini-

will need to work its way back through

the process, hosting numerous in-per-

cal report published online in October

committee stages and onto the floors of

son and online meetings with the goal of

by the American Academy of Pediatrics

both House and Senate prior to being

reaching an industry-wide decision on

highlighted the many attributes of organic

enacted into law.

whether this is a viable option.

foods and provided guidance to par-

The goal of such a programme would

ents confused by conflicting marketing

Meanwhile, for U.S. farmers, whether

be to offer a collective industry solu-

messages about making healthy food

organic or not, 2012 will be remembered

tion to distinguish organic products in

choices for their children. The OTA hailed

as the year of severe drought. A tell-

the marketplace, increase demand, and

the report as a major milestone for the

ing indication of the drought’s impact

educate consumers about the wide

organic sector and confirmation of the

on organic farmers was reflected in

range of benefits of purchasing organic

significance of the benefits of organic

the temporary derogations issued by

products. There are currently numerous

food. OTA noted that the science cited

USDA’s National Organic Program to

commodity ORPPs in the USA, most

in this report points firmly towards the

address the problems that organic pro-

notably those promoting milk, beef and

positive aspects of organic farming, and

ducers’ had in meeting requirements for

eggs. These are industry funded but are

provides many reasons for purchasing

at least 30 per cent of dry matter intake

administered by the government.

organic foods.

for ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats)

Several technical legislative fixes are

to come from organic pastures.

required in order for the organic industry

The severe drought led USDA to desig-

to even have the option of pursuing an

nate approximately 2.200 U.S. counties

ORPP. The organic sector is not recog-

Barbara Fitch Haumann is Senior Editor/Writer with the Organic Trade Association e mail bhaumann@ota.com

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

13

The efficiency of low input livestock farming

Ekkehard Külbs, Judith Isele & Wiebke Volkmann

Springbockvley Farm, Namibia E

kkehard Külbs took over the farming business from his parents in 1989, with his wife Judith Isele joining the

running of the farm in 2004. In January 2013 Ekkehard sadly passed away after an accident. Since then Judith has been running the farm on her own, with four permanent employees, each of whom is responsible for managing one of the four ‘flerds’, a combined flock of sheep and herd of cattle.

This article describes the operation until 2012. In the past few months Judith has introduced several changes to herd compositions and water supply, but all these changes are based upon the planning, monitoring and management processes described below.

Animals and Infrastructure – imitating nature A year after taking over the farm Ekkehard started to implement the principles of Holistic Management, focussing on

14

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Country profile

The grazing and watering habits commnent of the sheep and cows are complementary, allowing a higher livestock density

Springbockvley Farm is located 180 km southeast of the Namibian capital Windhoek. Situated on the western edge of the Kalahari dune landscape, but in almost completely flat countryside, it covers 9,500 hectares of predominantly red sand and partially limestone soils, mainly covered with open grassland, with some shrubs and trees. The long-term average annual rainfall at Springbockvley is 260 mm, although this has varied between 70 mm and 680 mm in the last seven years.

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

15

the financial and grazing aspects. He combined herds and

This is partly because of the very low species diversity of the

flocks into ‘flerds’ and started to move them around, following a

grasses: only two relatively narrow leaved species (the peren-

time plan based around the quantity and

nial stipagrostis uniplumis and the annual

quality of fodder available in each area

schmidtia kalahariensis) make up 90% of the

or ‘camp’ as well as considering the time

grasses. Despite much emphasis on grazing

that plants need to recover after having been grazed. In planning this rotation he took into account the nutritional needs of the animals at different times of the year so as to optimise their condition and production. Now there are three big cells of 16 to 17 camps each, (containing up to 2000 sheep and 300 cattle). In the fourth

The main strategy is to select cattle and sheep that thrive under the prevailing circumstances.

management over many years, there has still been no evident increase in grass diversity.

The diversity and nutritional value of the grazing on Springbockvley are closely inter-related with the condition and production capability of its animals. The animals and grazing have developed together, so grazing can only be improved together with and through the ani-

cell, 11 camps close to the farmyard are

mals that live on it – and vice versa. Hence,

grazed by a smaller ‘flerd’ of around 500

the main strategy to improve the farm’s profit-

sheep and 100 cattle.

ability is to select cattle and sheep that thrive

The farm has 17 water points (reservoirs and troughs) each of

under the prevailing circumstances (rather than giving in to the

which serves 4 – 5 camps. There are 7 boreholes (5 – 25 m

ever-present temptation to ‘buy better genes’).

deep), all of which are wind-powered (no engines are used on the farm). The water gravitates along approximately 25 km of

The average grazing period in the growing season is between

pipeline from the central reservoirs at the boreholes to the other

four and six days per camp, provided there is fast growth. With

water points. The 40 mm plastic pipes are buried into the Kala-

the current strategy of rotating through each cell approximately

hari sand and are almost maintenance free.

every 180 days, two rounds must be done between each rainy season in the non-growing season. So the animals get fresh

Alongside the cattle and sheep, approximately 350 springbuck,

grazing every 10 to 12 days for almost six months. During the

100 oryx and varying numbers of kudu and warthog also graze

second round, there is probably some newly-grown forage in

on Springbockvley. They are used for home consumption of

the camps as well as left-overs from the first one: There will be

venison and occasionally their numbers are controlled by pro-

pods and leaves that have dropped, and new shoots on peren-

fessional hunters. The numbers of oryx and springbuck have

nial grasses or new leaves on the bush after winter. The moves

increased substantially in the last 10 to 12 years. They now

are designed to optimise the performance of the rumen’s diges-

roam freely, and readily pass through the camp gates that are

tive flora and to avoid the animals having to adjust to new con-

open whenever the camps are not occupied by the livestock.

ditions every time they move to a new camp. Despite this there

Oryx sometimes even allow themselves to be moved between

is still ample pressure on the animals in the flerds to force them

camps, which is done to rest the camps after grazing by the

to utilise less valuable plant material.

livestock.

In addition there are also duiker, steenbok, aardwolf, bat-eared

Assessment and Planning – producing peace of mind

fox and other small animals, as well as predators such as the

At the beginning of the dry season after the growth has

African wild cat, cape foxes, the caracal and black-backed

stopped, the amount and quality of available forage is assessed

jackals. The latter are seen as a threat by sheep farmers. Their

by taking two to three samples in each camp using what is

movements are closely monitored and whenever they come

known as the STAC method. This gives a fair indication of the

within close range of the sheep, they are trapped and killed.

amount of grazing available and the condition of the soil.

Despite such measures the farm accepts losing approximately

The results from the samples are calculated into the total for-

5% of its sheep to this predator each year. Although it would be

age available in each camp, each cell and ultimately on the

preferable to co-exist with jackals, the current practice keeps

entire farm. These calculations can be cross-checked using

losses down to an acceptable level.

the ‘square estimation’, which visualises the area necessary to provide one cow with sufficient feed for one day. Judith feels

Livestock and Vegetation – combining needs

confident enough to build the entire animal production plan for

At the present time the limiting growth factor is the ability of

the rest of the year on this early assessment. This method is

the animals to perform on the resources available on the farm.

quite time consuming as it takes the best part of two to three

16

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Country profile

days walking in the veld to collect the samples. However

humus. This trampling effect critically depends on the amount of

knowing what to expect early on in the year and seeing the

hooves per hectare, not on the type and weight of the animals.

outcomes of all the decisions and processes of earlier actions

On the soft soils of Springbockvley, the sheep do tremendous

makes it worthwhile. With the amount of forage assessed, a

work, although animal density alone is still not enough to really

non-growing season (including a drought reserve of 300 days)

break down the harder perennial grasses. Higher numbers and

is planned for, based on the experience that the first growth

tighter densities of cattle change the behaviour of the animals,

only occurs at the end of January.

instilling a herd effect, where they trample the land indiscriminately and with greater force, increasing the healthy disturbance

The idea is to build a grazing plan that aims for the livestock

of the soil. Each camp is, on average, 160 hectares large so

‘to be at the right place for the right reasons at the right time’.

the density could be calculated as averaging 15 animals per

By using this plan, Springbockvley has almost continually

hectare: in reality higher densities occur as the animals are not

increased its carrying capacity, even in years when rainfall

evenly spread over the whole camp but usually tend to bunch

was less than a third of the average (1995, 1996 and 2007)

together.

and some drastic temporary de-stocking had to take place.

In 2010 Springbockvley stocked almost 40 kg of live animal

Breeding smaller-framed animals

mass per hectare in the Kalahari Sandveld, much more than

In 1989 Ekkehard took over the livestock from his parents: 250

most farms in the region are able to achieve.

Simmentaler cattle and 3000 Karakul sheep. By 2010 he had

In addition to a detailed, careful and yet ambitious grazing

changed breeds and raised the numbers to about 700 Nguni

plan, another tool employed is to manage the animals’ impact.

cattle and 5000 Damara sheep. He was not enthusiastic about

Combining the livestock into four large flerds and keeping

the Karakul breed and prices for them were constantly declin-

them in specified camps for periods means that the animals

ing. He soon introduced Damara rams to the Karakul flock,

live at a relatively high density, and are closer to each other

building on the existing adaptation of the flock, and occasion-

while grazing and walking to the water point. This stimulates

ally bought small Damara flocks to speed up the replacement

them to eat less selectively and also to be less selective about

process. Over twenty-five years he converted his flock to

where they place their hooves. This means they trample down

Damara. This breed fits well with the prevailing system, being

more brittle plant matter, which helps build soil cover and

well-adapted to the climatic circumstances and vegetation ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

17

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@ecologyfarming

Country profile

available in the area. They also have good mothering abilities

once a year for compulsory vaccinations. Apart from that they

and, like the Karakul, they have strong herd instincts and hence

only go through the handling facilities for weighing, branding

function well in large flerds.

and ear tagging before being transported (and for branding, castrating and dehorning as calves). There is almost no han-

In 1994 Ekkehard introduced Nguni bulls to the mixed Sim-

dling of the sheep except the regular sorting and tagging three

mentaler-Afrikaner herd and over the last 15 years the animals

to four times a year. They are not routinely treated, except in

have developed into a compact medium-frame crossbreed (see

individual cases, when ticks are causing obvious pain or injury.

picture). This allows for more animals to graze the available land

The grazing management makes this possible, as the short

while maintaining the animal’s reproduction and with this an

stays in each camp (not longer than 5 to 14 days, depending

increase of the farm’s productivity and profitability.

on temperature and moisture) and a return cycle that is never

Even with larger flerds and higher animal densities, cattle and

less than 60 days, which breaks the breeding cycles of internal

sheep do not bother each other when in the same camps. In

and external parasites, and ensures that the animals are able to

fact they complement each other very well, not only in their

handle the remaining pressure.

daily routines but also in their diet and grazing habits. While the sheep come to the water point in early mornings and late

Management of the whole – keeping it simple and efficient

afternoons and quickly return into the veld, the cattle character-

A big part of daily life at Springbockvley is keeping the feed-

istically hang around the water point to drink, rest, and ruminate

back loop running, not only planning for healthy finances and

from late morning until early afternoon. A very important part of

grazing etc., but also monitoring and controlling to show where

the sustenance of the sheep (being 60% browsers) are leaves

goals are not being met. Consequently, much of the routine

and other parts of bushes, as well as herbs and small leaves

farming work consists of checking tasks. Much time is spent

and spikes of grasses, while the cattle (as grazers) mainly eat

checking border fences for intrusion by predators and all herds

more fibrous grass plants and only a small part of the diet that

are visited and checked for wellbeing, sufficient water and lick

sheep prefer. This means that a camp that would be considered

supply at least every second day.

as being fully stocked by sheep, still has space and fodder for

Apart from the high time input in these management tasks, the

cattle and vice versa.

setup on the whole farm is deliberately kept as simple, clear,

By farming with these two indigenous breeds – Ngunis and

and efficient as possible. A low level of technical and financial

Damaras – Springbockvley achieves remarkable production

inputs is involved. The aim is for the farm to be as self sustain-

rates. Since 2000, annual meat production has averaged 11 kg/

ing as possible: it relies completely on renewable energies. All

ha (with a maximum of 14.8 kg/ha in 2003) – in a country where

the boreholes are equipped with low-maintenance windmills.

10kg/ha is considered good or very good.

The electrical power is supplied from an efficient solar system.

The garden supplies a variety of vegetables and fruits that are

Selection – breeding well-adapted animals

consumed fresh or preserved for the rest of the year. They bake

The changes shown in figure 1 were not just brought about by

their own bread, hunt springbuck and oryx for fresh and smoke

changing to smaller indigenous breeds. It was also combined

meat or salami. Judith processes milk from their cows into

with a strict selection of animals from within the herd, keeping

yoghurt and different cheeses.

the ones that appear the healthiest and best-suited to thriving under the prevailing conditions.

Ekkehard and Judith have followed the dictum that ‘maintaining

The first priority in the cattle selection process is high and early

income while controlling costs produces profit’ in their personal

fertility – meaning every cow has to give birth within its first two

lives and farming business. Before buying a product they con-

and a half years and every year thereafter. The rams are kept

sciously ask themselves if it is really necessary, worthwhile and

in the flock throughout the year. With the sheep the aim is to

what its benefits? This approach combined with all the manage-

maintain very low input levels. The goal is to produce meat from

ment factors discussed above means that Springbockvley’s

the available natural resources with the least possible external

farming business is highly profitable. The farm has been able to

inputs. Minimal supplements are provided and the sheep get no

continually increase its income while keeping expenses almost

licks at all (the design of the cattle lick troughs make them inac-

stable. Since the year 2000 the farm’s expenses have account-

cessible to the sheep). The sheep meet their mineral require-

ed for one third or less of turnover.

ments by browsing bush components Animal handling – reducing frequency and stress Springbockvley keeps working the animals in kraals or in the chute to a minimum. All the cattle have to go through the chute

Judith Isele, Livestock Farmer, Springbockvley Farm, Namibia, HYPERLINK “mailto:iselkuel@iway.na” iselkuel@iway.na Wiebke Volkmann, Holistic Management Certified Educator – Earthwise Enterprise and Training Coordinator – Community Based Rangeland and Livestock Management, Namibia HYPERLINK “mailto:wiebke@mweb.com. na” wiebke@mweb.com.na ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

19

By Peter Brul & Bo van Elzakker

Where does your chocolate come from?

Cocoa

Cocoa is the basis for one of the world’s most popular treats: chocolate. Cocoa is predominantly a smallholders’ crop. It is estimated that some five million farming families around the world grow cocoa on 7.5 million hectares. It provides a means of livelihood for up to 40 million people. It is mainly grown within 10 degrees of the equator and production is heavily concentrated in the West African countries of the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria.

The fruit is harvested twice a year in the form of a main crop and a mid-crop, which provides lower yields.

20

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

market

ICCO

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), which is based in the UK, con-

stantly monitors the world cocoa market.

Every month, it reviews recent market developments, together with longer-term trends and forecasts. Any findings resulting from studies and analyses are subsequently

I

translated into recommendations and action

n 2010 global cocoa production was

Cocoa, like coffee, is best cultivated

plans. These include initiatives to work in

around 4.3 million tonnes (ICCO).

under the shade of native canopy trees in

co-operation with governments in cocoa

Besides organic, there is also Fair Trade,

a landscape that mimics the natural for-

producing countries to improve the provision

Rainforest Alliance and Utz Certified

est. Such agroforestry systems conserve

of cocoa market information to smallholder

cocoa. Altogether certified sustainable

the habitats of plant and animal species;

cocoa farmers (www.icco.org).

cocoa production was around 275,000

protect the natural pollinators of cocoa

tonnes in 2010 and the certified market

and the natural predators of its pests, and

share almost doubled from 3% to nearly

create beneficial microclimates and bio-

6% between 2009 and 2010. Certified

logical corridors that maintain biodiversity

(composting, recycling, green manure and

organic production continued to grow to

and the stability of ecosystems. Shade

other measures), renewing the trees and

more than 45,000 tonnes (circa 1% of the

trees in an agro-forestry system should

increasing the diversity of valuable crops.

total) in 2011.

include species of economic value, pro-

In the year 2000 11,680 tonnes of certi-

ducing timber or fruits. However, in many

Sustainable cocoa production has often

fied organic cocoa was produced in 13

countries, farmers have been growing

been rather neglected: ICCO, the cocoa

countries, but strangely not in the main

cocoa in a kind of shifting cultivation, cut-

boards, cooperatives and small farmers

cocoa producing area of West Africa. It

ting down forests to open up new fields

have not invested enough in nurseries,

was around this time that the first organic

once the old field becomes tired. Modern

replanting, maintaining soil fertility, and

cocoa projects got off the ground in

cocoa farming does not use shade trees,

certainly not in the ecosystem in which

Africa. By 2011 world production had

cocoa thrives. It appears that the world

increased to around 45,000 tonnes. This

has reached ‘Peak Cocoa’. Production is

growth rate is far beyond average growth

stagnant. Consumption is increasing and

within the global organic sector, which runs at more than 10% per year. However, the volumes of certified cocoa grown do not equal the volumes sold.

It appears that the world has reached ‘Peak Cocoa’.

there are hardly any rainforests left to cut down. Current cocoa production needs to be more productive and to become sustainable. In the last five years there has been a change in attitude. Large

Organic chocolate has increased in popu-

chocolate companies such as Mars,

larity during the last ten years and is now

Nestlé and Kraft are trying to work with governments, cocoa boards and farm-

manufactured by several producers and available in health food shops and super-

as this improves yields in the short-term.

ers’ cooperatives to improve production.

markets in the USA and Europe. In 2011,

However, this method is only suitable for

Unfortunately this often leads to intro-

organic chocolate posted almost 20%

hybrid plants that require the applica-

ducing short cycle hybrid crops without

growth in the USA. Overall, the global

tion of agrochemicals. Growing cocoa

shade trees and using more artificial

market for organic chocolate products

in full sun leads to more weeds that

fertilisers and pesticides, which means a

was probably worth a little less than US$

require pesticides. It also increases ero-

further loss of biodiversity and a negative

1 billion in 2012. A large part of that is not

sion and run-off; compaction and water

impact on the environment. At the end

only certified organic but also Fair Trade

contamination. In these modern systems

of the day it is questionable whether it is

labelled. The organic chocolate market

the fields are generally abandoned after

the farmers who profit from the improved

also shows a trend towards purer choco-

30 years because of soil degradation. In

yield, or other stakeholders further up

late, with a higher cocoa content (up to

contrast to this, an organic agro-forestry

the chain. The challenge is to start larger

70%). By contrast, milk chocolate may

system can be productive over a very

programmes using more sustainable

contain just 25% cocoa with the rest con-

long period of time, provided that farm-

production systems such as organic and

sisting of sugar and milk powder.

ers are trained in improving soil fertility

agroecological ones.

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

21

Table 1:

Volumes certified (tonnes) 2010

2011

Fair trade

106,400

150,000

Rain forest

56,000

98,000

Utz

70,000

214,000

Organic

42,500

45,000

Farmers finding markets

A study in 2011 identified 27 different organic cocoa projects in nine African countries. In 2013, another four were added to this list. Some of these pro-

jects have been in existence for ten years or more, such as the French company Koaka which operates in Sao Tome and Madagascar, and Callebaut working in Tanzania, the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. Beans from these projects are not sold on the international market but are sold in processed form. Other projects have been developed and perhaps exported once or twice but could not maintain themselves. Such projects may fail for a variety of reasons: donor funding can run out, it may be difficult to find a suitable buyer or to communicate in the international market place, or there is insufficient access to trade finance. Some projects have had organic beans available at harvest but did not find an organic buyer, so sold

Child labour and cocoa

the produce as conventional, only to be approached by an organic buyer some

In 2000, the U.S. State Department

months later. Synchronising supply and demand is often difficult. Although there

reported that as many as 15,000 children

are problems, however, the potential is definitely there.

between the ages of nine and twelve had

From: ‘A survey of certified organic cocoa in Africa and an analysis of the problems and opportunities in the export market’, by Niyi Olabiran, 2011, Van Hall Larenstein-Wageningen / AgroEco-LBI.

been sold into forced labour on cotton, coffee and cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast. The increased exposure of the practice and consumer disgust at this has prompted action. The presence of child

Cocoa production under the Rainfor-

The market for organic cocoa beans is

labour forced the conservative cocoa sec-

est Alliance (RA) is increasing in Latin

dominated by a few companies. The four

tor to open up to consumer concerns. A

America and West Africa. Interestingly,

leading companies in Europe are Pro-

little later, environmental sustainability was

some organic buyers insist on the combi-

natec and Barry Callebaut (both Swiss),

added as another major issue.

nation of organic with RA as this is a bet-

Mapryser (Spanish) and Tradin Organic, (a

ter guarantee of social and environmental

Dutch based daughter of Sunopta). Tradin

Several different sustainability pro-

sustainability. RA standards are much

plans to open a new cocoa grinding facil-

grammes for cocoa have since been

stricter in prescribing fair employment

ity in the Netherlands in mid-2013. This

established, which include social criteria.

conditions and nature conservation meas-

facility will specialise in processing certi-

There are FLO (Fair Trade) certified cocoa

ures (including buffer zones and shade

fied cocoa beans into derivatives, such

producer associations in 12 countries.

trees) than organic standards.

as cocoa powder, butter and liquor. The

Their production levels are low but

UTZ certified is a sustainability labelling

investment in a new factory is a clear sign

increasing. In January 2013, the Interna-

organisation based in the Netherlands

that there is a bright future for these prod-

tional Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) report-

that mainly works for and with the large

ucts. ICAM in Italy is the largest organic

ed: “Most Fair Trade producer organisa-

market players. It started off with coffee

chocolate maker, producing chocolate for

tions in Latin America are also certified

and now works in cocoa for key indus-

major European brands.

as organic. They joined Fair Trade first,

try members such as Mars, Nestlé and

worked on their businesses and once they

Heinz. Its goal is to create a certification

These traders deliver cocoa liquor, but-

reached a certain level of organisational

and traceability programme for socially

ter and powder, and other ingredients to

development, they converted to organic

and environmentally responsible cocoa

different organic chocolate makers such

production. In this case, they used the

production that meets the needs of both

as Blanxart, Callebaut, Dagoba, Green

Fair Trade premium funds to invest in the

producers and markets.

& Black’s, Newman’s, Rapunzel, Tcho,

infrastructure and fees needed for organic

A cost-benefit analysis by KPMG in

Theo, Valrhona and Vivani. Often organic

certification. The Fair Trade minimum

2012 showed that incomes from certified

retailers have their own brands of organic

price is $1600/tonne + $150 premium.

producers are much higher than in non-

chocolate. In many countries organic

When the New York price is higher than

certified production. These certification

chocolate can also be ordered through

$1600, the Fair Trade price is the New

programmes are an improvement but do

the internet. Go and get it!

York price + $150. Other benefits for cer-

they guarantee long-term sustainability?

tified producer organisations are better

Does organic certification provide that

capacity building and market access”.

guarantee?

22

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Organic Raw Materials – The Safer Choice Consumers expect a lot from Organic products: health, safety, well-being and environmental friendliness.

Food producers therefore need appropriate organic raw materials and Tradin Organic Agriculture BV provides these: certified, controlled, analysed organic raw materials.

A wide range of products is being imported from over 36 countries all over the world, coming from well established packers and processors: Dried Fruits and Nuts / Seeds, Pulses and Grains / Cocoa products / Juices, Purees and Concentrates / Sweeteners / Fats and Oils / Frozen Fruit and more.

From the cultivation, to the harvesting and further processing or refining Tradin is present. We can organize, control and manage all part of our supply chain, allowing us to meet the expectations of our customers. Therefore, we can provide a full traceability report to each of our customers for each products.

Over the years Tradin has initiated a number of own projects.

These projects are the backbone of Tradin’s trade activities: • Sesame and Green Coffee from Ethiopia.

• Frozen Fruit from Serbia and Bulgaria.

• Original Basmati Rice from Pakistan.

• Vietnam’s Cashews, Pineapples and Passion fruit.

• The Seeds and Pulses from China.

• Iranian Raisins.

• Coconut Oil from Indonesia.

• Cocoa and Banana Chips from the Philippines.

• Orange Juice and Pink Grapefruit Juice from Mexico.

These projects do not only supply safer raw materials, but also they are exemplary and have a positive spill-off effect in their regions. Beyond the organic agricultural techniques, sustainability, CO2 footprint, and Fair Trade concerns are at our top priority, all these characteristics have been embraced into our daily operations to provide the best possible social organic products with the smallest environmental impact.

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SOS The Global Seed Alliance

SAVE OUR SEEDS

Bernward Geier

agro biodiversity

Crops and seeds are not only a source of life. They are also a fundamental precondition for our being. In the last 20 years, there has been a tremendous concentration of the control of seeds by a handful of multinational corporations. This has been accompanied by a rapid erosion of both seed diversity and seed independence.

T

his is a dangerous threat to our food

ers from reproducing seed and threatens

and farmers who are increasingly losing

security. Most people are still unaware

future food security.

the diversity of their seeds and becoming enslaved by these multinational corpora-

of this development towards a seed dictatorship and do not realise what disastrous

This could erode fundamental freedoms.

tions and moneylenders. India has been

consequences it could have. Fortunately

The companies that have so success-

one of the hardest hit countries. Since the

the threat has mobilised resistance. Here

fully brought seeds under their control are

introduction of GM cotton into India, there

the resistance not only involves political

mainly those who originally benefited from

have been an estimated 250,000 suicides

action and lobbying but also, and perhaps

the war industry. After the Second World

by cotton-producing farmers who fell

most importantly, actions by seed grow-

hopelessly into debt as a result of buying

ers and multipliers and in peoples’ fields

patented genetically engineered seeds

and gardens.

from Monsanto.

SEED IN NEED For thousands of years, farmers have practised seed production and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the enormous crop diversity they have generated. Farmers’ reproduction of their own seed material is crucial to preserving biodiversity, enables them to maintain their independence and guarantees the voluntary (and often free) exchange of seeds. But now seed freedom is under extreme threat from new technologies, such as genetic

‘Since the introduction of GM cotton into India, there have been an estimated 250,000 suicides by cotton-producing farmers who fell hopelessly into debt’

The Freedom to Save and Sow Seeds Worldwide, there are hundreds of organisations and institutions, and millions of seed multipliers and defenders who are committed to defending seed freedom.

These people think within a global context but act locally. Until now, however, there has been no global alliance to develop synergy between these activists. To fill this gap the Global Seed Alliance was formed last year under the leadership of the Indian activist and eco-feminist Vandana Shiva, winner of the Right Livelihood

manipulation and in particular, from pat-

Award (the ‘alternative’ Nobel Prize). With

ents that transform seed from a public good to a commodity that is controlled by

War they evolved into the agricultural

the help of Navdanya and many friends

multinational corporations. The develop-

chemical industry, and are now becoming

around the world she has published a

ment of hybrids, sterile seeds and genetic

‘bio-pirates’, hijacking the world’s seed

global citizens’ report entitled ‘Seed

engineering in particular prevents farm-

supply. The main victims are peasants

Freedom’. This is a unique work of over ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

25

320 pages, which highlights the alarm-

tions of the multinational seed corpora-

Organic agriculture is a central pillar in

ing threat to seed freedom. It provides

tions. Companies such as Monsanto

the struggle for seed freedom. IFOAM

a necessary wake-up call by drawing

have multi-million dollar budgets: it is

contributed to the seed report and many

together a wealth of existing information,

therefore better to coordinate resistance

of the initiatives discussed are from the

including a large report on the subject of

organic movement. Humberto Rios from

genetic engineering ‘The genetic engi-

Cuba, a finalist in the 2012 One World

neering emperor wears no clothes’. The

Award, drew up a fascinating report of

study was supported by more than 100 organisations, institutions and networks who were involved in creating it. There are inspiring reports compiled by seed savers and growers from each continent.

These reports look at past initiatives, but focus on what is happening now, showing how diverse resistance is and

‘In October 2012 160 actions and activities to liberate seed were held all over the world’.

best practice. Organic agriculture has a very specific interest and need for free seeds and has also developed a lot of solutions. The organic movement should play an active role in this new alliance, fully support its political struggle and share the solutions we have developed.

how people from all around the world

GET PERSONALLY ACTIVE

are engaged in fighting to liberate the

The Seed Alliance needs the commitment of many individuals. Seed is the first link

planet’s seed stock. in a way that empowers the millions of

in the food chain. Consumers are the

The report is illustrated with beautiful

people who are already active. Priority

last, crucial link. What we don’t buy will

photos and paintings that show how

must be given to informing people, but

not be seeded and grown. In addition to

diverse the existing alternatives already

above all the political leaders, about the

our consumer behaviour there is also the

are, and how it is possible to cre-

‘state of emergency’ concerning seeds.

need to change the political framework

ate a future full of diversity, controlled

The ultimate objective is the ambitious

and to abolish exploitative seed laws.

by human communities instead of a

target of abolishing unlawful instruments

The first step that any individual can take

future dominated by monocultures and

that patent seeds and laws that criminal-

here is to sign the Global Seed Alliance’s

monopolies. This book is a feast for the

ise the reproduction of seed.

‘Declaration on Seed Freedom’. The tar-

eyes with beautiful drawings and paint-

get is to get one million signatures for the

ings, as well as wonderful poems. The

The publication of the Seed Report was

Declaration. If all members and support-

complete report can be downloaded

timed to coincide with the launch of the

ers of IFOAM members and associates

from Navdanya’s website: www.navdan-

Global Seed Alliance and its first globally

were to sign this and encourage organic

ya.org.

coordinated action. In the two weeks

consumers to do so, this would have a

between Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday

huge impact.

THE NEW SEED ALLIANCE

(2nd October) and World Food Day (the

Activists of the seed movement have

16th October) 2012, 160 actions and

been well connected, but mainly at

activities to liberate seed were held all

national level. Although the ‘Let’s liber-

over the world. They ranged from the

ate diversity’ movement has existed in

exchange of seed at free markets to

Europe since 2005 until now there has

actions of civil disobedience that fol-

been no global network to unite seed

lowed in the spirit of Gandhi. With the

growers and multipliers and political

rapid increase in the Seed Alliance’s

activists and defenders of seed freedom.

organisational capacity and ongoing

Such international cooperation, which

networking, there are plans for a much

has the potential to generate synergies,

larger signal of resistance in the same

is urgently needed to resist the machina-

two weeks this year.

26

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

You can sign the declaration on www.navdanya. org.

Bernward Geier b.geier@colabora-together.de

agro biodiversity

Priority must be given to informing people, but above all the political leaders, about the ‘state of emergency’ concerning seeds.

28

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Photo impression

Doug Tompkin’s Laguna Blanca in Argentina: “A good farm is a beautiful farm”

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

29

photo description

Rob Sexton

Signs of revival

30

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Country profile

The UK’s organic market has been in sharp decline since the start of the global financial crisis. In 2008, the UK market was valued at £2.1 billion and had been growing at over 10% per year for the past decade. Since 2008, the market has fallen every single year – bucking the trend in organic markets almost everywhere else in the world. While UK organic sales have fallen by 22% since 2008, global sales have risen by 25.1%.

Why is the UK market so unusual? What lessons can be learnt? And what does the future hold? The Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2013 provides a robust assessment of this disturbing trend, and there is much to discuss. It shows that current sales patterns are

online shopping and specialist stores

The UK market is dominated by multiple retailers

improving and the decline in the UK

over the inconvenience and frustration of finding more limited ranges and stock at many supermarkets. Online and box scheme sales grew by 4.4% and independent store sales grew by nearly 1%.

Dedicated organic grocery stores saw a growth of up to 10%.

market is rapidly slowing. Sales in 2012 experienced a slight dip of 1.5%, that in

The catering sector is also opening up.

a year that the UK re-entered recession.

Belatedly, compared with the rest of Europe, and uniquely without any gov-

The UK organic market now stands at £1.64 billion – still the third largest organic market in Europe,

ernment support at all, the organic catering market is begin-

behind Germany and France. Globally the market is dominated

ning to develop in the UK. Organic catering and restaurant

by the USA, which accounts for 44% of global sales. The 2013

sales rose by 1.6% in 2012, despite a general tendency to eat

Organic Market Report highlights some significant new trends

out less often in tough economic times. The Soil Association’s

and predicts that the UK organic market should soon bounce

Food for Life Catering Mark is filling the gap left by the UK

back.

government’s procurement policies. Over 140 million meals are now part of this award scheme, which certifies caterers

Young shoppers are leading the way. In 2012 ethically aware

who use healthy, fresh, seasonal and, at silver and gold levels,

consumers under 35 significantly increased their average

organic food. This labelling scheme covers schools, hospi-

spend on organic products. The youngest category of shop-

tals, universities, nurseries, care homes and workplaces. It is

pers (under 28 years of age) spent more on organic food in

putting healthy, sustainable eating at the top of the catering

2012 than in previous years. This is a new trend that we have

agenda, despite inaction from the UK government (although an

noticed in the last two years and its scale is growing: specific

honourable exception should be made for the Scottish Parlia-

examples include the 15% growth in sales to students at

ment).

Planet Organic stores.

These patterns show a positive future for the UK organic marOnline and independent. The UK’s organic shoppers are

ket. Yet the UK organic market faces very different challenges

increasingly choosing the convenience and variety offered by

than most other similarly placed countries.

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

31

The UK market is dominated by multiple retailers

In the last 10 years, the UK has fallen from

Our government is out of step

2nd in the league table of government support for organic food and farming, to 2nd from bottom. This is a pretty damning

The UK grocery market is unique in the

statistic. Elsewhere in Europe the situa-

extent to which it is dominated by a

tion is markedly different; for example, the

small number of large retailers – the

Danish organic action plan target is 60%

‘big four’ account for over 80% of all

organic food in all public canteens.

grocery sales. They claim that they only stock products that people want to buy, but when the first recession hit in 2008, they made sweepeconomy products. Not surprisingly with less available choice,

Supply shortages threaten growth

organic sales declined, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Several supermarkets turned their predictions of falling demand

Waitrose has been a notable exception and has continued to

for organic food into a self-fulfilling prophecy by dramatically

invest in organic products. Organic sales now account for 5%

cutting back on organic ranges and shelf space, reducing

of their total sales and continue to grow year on year.

the availability for shoppers who wanted to carry on buying

ing reductions in organic ranges, and increased their range of

organic. This has triggered disproportionate cuts in the proThe lack of investment in organic ranges is most marked when

duction of some commodities, such as eggs, causing supply

looking at own label organic sales at the major retailers. Sales

challenges. It is important for retailers to work more closely

of organic own label products fell by 11.2% in 2012, although

than ever with their organic suppliers to ensure higher farm-

organic brands grew by 2.2%. This is the biggest difference

gate prices, forward planning and decent forward contracts,

we have seen and it is fair to say that the decline in retailer

all of which are needed to restore producer confidence and

own label organic products is single-handedly responsible for

safeguard future supplies.

keeping the UK organic market in a state of decline.

Despite relative neglect from policy makers and some super-

Our government is out of step

markets, there is much cause for optimism, due to the success of specialist retailers, the enthusiasm of young shoppers and the long-overdue questions being asked about our reliance on

Sales of organic products in the EU have increased by more

cheap, low-quality, untraceable food (especially in the wake

than 25% since the start of the global economic downturn in

of the horsemeat scandal). It is difficult to anticipate precisely

2008. Our government has much to learn from its European

when the UK organic market will return to growth, but we are

counterparts, who have been backing the organic sector

increasingly confident that it will do so in the near future.

strongly through a combination of environmentally-based producer support, firm targets for public sector procurement of organic food and investment in the promotion of organic products.

32

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Rob Sexton is Chief Executive of the Soil Association Certification Ltd. E-mail rsexton@Soilassociation.org The Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2013 report can be found at http://www.soilassociation.org/marketreport

JOSEF FINKE

Markets opinion

Developing a Communication Strategy for the Organic Sector Vested interests from the agrichemical and global food industries have identified organic food and farming as the major obstacle to achieving their goals of more control over the food sector.

I

n the past the organic sector has had only limited success in getting its message across to the

consumer. Firstly, the issue of food quality and environmental impact only concerns a section of our society (estimated at around 25%). Secondly, the message itself is rather complicated as it touches so many aspects it can be difficult for the consumer to follow the debate and make up his or her mind. Food produced without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are the main criteria that consumers recall when asked about organic food.

It also needs to be remembered that the organic message is not static; it evolves, is shaped by events, and influenced by food scandals, opinion leaders or new scientific research results.

--->

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

33

On the basis of this scenario industries, representing vest-

do not see the Machiavellian strategy behind it. The result

ed interests, have developed the following strategy, which

is that consumers, now confused by these statements take

has been confirmed by the Cornucopia Institute in the US

a step back and their belief in organic food and farming

and follows the same patterns as the campaign to discredit

has been replaced by uncertainty.

those who warn about climate change, orchestrated by vested interests in the US. The latter strategy has been so

Where does this leave the organic community? Entering the

‘successful’ that no statement is published in the US media

academic debate trying to counteract this cannot be the

without being followed by a contrasting statement from the

solution. The past shows that every argument will be fol-

climate change deniers.

lowed by a counter argument. Whereas serious scientists

This is their strategy

work thoroughly, with peer-reviews to back up their statements, these ‘bought’ scientists, working for vested interests, throw out statements that are biased and not backed by proper science. They know, once their position is out in the public realm, that their job has been done: the message has been delivered and made consumers insecure. It

1 Science is the chosen route providing the basis for their

will take more time again for the serious scientists to prove

message. In today’s world we are used to believing in and

that their claims were wrong. This will then be replaced by

following scientifically based information and knowledge.

another ‘scientific’ statement and the whole game starts again. Eventually the consumer switches off and stops lis-

2 High profile people with an unquestioned level of compe-

tening to the debate.

tence, credibility and authority are chosen as messengers.

When the message exceeds the understanding of the con-

A better communication strategy with the consumer is to

sumer, the messenger becomes a decisive part of the mes-

leave the academic debate to academics and to focus

sage. On this basis they have selected scientists, profes-

consumer communication around a ‘common sense’ posi-

sors, academics, ‘reputable’ journalists and other ‘experts’.

tion. Unfortunately the organic debate has become quite

No consumer of course knows that these messengers are

removed from its origins. Reliance on academic mes-

being paid to deliver the message.

sengers has taken the issue of organic farming away from farmers and citizens. It seems that today only scientists are

3 They shape the message by starting with research results

qualified to have an opinion about organic farming. This is

from recognised universities, taking fragments of this

wrong. Organic food and farming is, and always has been

research out of context and presenting them in isolation

an issue for concerned farmers and citizens. This common

so as to show organic food and farming in a negative light.

sense element must be brought back into the debate.

The message can also be shaped by designing research in a way that guarantees the desired outcome, using flawed

Common sense is simple, understandable by everyone,

research methods. The aim is to confuse consumers and

down to earth and leaves no room for arguing. It puts the

make them doubt the benefits of organic farming and food.

ball firmly back into the court of the consumer, allowing him or her to make a judgement and form an opinion. We

4 This strategy is complimented by attempts from a biased

must remember that this is about forming a perception

sector of the ‘scientific community’, which, using the same

among the general public. But at the same time it forms a

flawed methods, plays down the harmful role and effects of

back drop and reassures organic producers who can use

pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and food additives in con-

this for their own communications.

ventional agriculture and food.

The mantras of the industry opposed to organic farming (e.g. organic farming cannot feed the world) must be

5 At the same time the organic sector is discredited by

matched by our own mantras; and the mantras must be

portraying its representatives as dreamers, romantics,

simple.

yesterday’s men, not for today’s world, hopeless idealists, heads-in the-clouds, incompetent scientists, elitist or too affluent.

Now consumers find themselves increasingly exposed to a situation where any positive claims about organic food are immediately contradicted by ‘credible’ scientists and they 34

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

The following (next page) is an example of what this could look like. - - - >

Putting common sense into food

opinion

Consumers are getting increasingly confused. Just when one scientist states a new finding another scientist comes along and claims the opposite. For consumers it is not always easy to know when and where vested interests are involved. Perhaps common sense is a good advisor in this situation. Here is some common sense advice for confused consumers.

1 Avoiding food sprayed with pesti-

(Food diversity is under threat from GM tech-

cides can eliminate several health risks.

nology which gives patent protection and

(Scientific studies have linked pes-

thereby ultimate control over our food to a

ticides to autism, Attention Deficit

small number of profit-driven global compa-

Hyperactivity Disorder, Parkinson’s and,

nies).

Alzheimer’s Diseases and cancer. Now researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University

6 A sustainable form of food production is

have found an association with food

better than industrial farming methods which

allergies).

exploit the soil for short term gains.

(The world is fed by a few inches of top soil.

This top soil, which needs to be protected and cared for, is

2 A farming system which produces healthy animals is bet-

being lost in industrial farming at an alarming rate. If we want

ter than mass animal production systems which depend on

to feed the world of tomorrow the only answer is to sustain

high levels of medication.

the soil – through organic farming).

(Multi Resistant Strains of Antibiotics (MRSA) are the result of irresponsible overuse of antibiotics, especially in animal feed in conventional farming. 80% of all antibiotics

7 I don’t have to be concerned about E numbers if these are

produced are now destined for animal feed. What are we

not in my food

going to do when these antibiotics won’t work anymore?

(The human body is not equipped to protect itself from most

And what are the possible consequences for the effective-

synthetic chemicals and our immune system is not capa-

ness of antibiotics among humans?)

ble of processing or removing these. Tests of thousands of volunteers have discovered an average of 700 different synthetic chemicals in their bodies, absorbed through food,

3 A tasty, naturally-grown tomato is better than a watered-

water and the air. Children today particularly show a lack

up, fertiliser-pushed tomato.

of concentration, aggression, hyper activity, mood swings

(Chemical fertilisers increase the water content in vegeta-

and a range of allergies never before witnessed, and there

bles by an average of 20%, which means that, even at an

is evidence to link all of these changes (at least partially) to

organic premium of 20%, you are paying the same price as

synthetic chemicals in food. Organic food is the most strictly

conventional food on a dry matter basis).

regulated food sector in Europe and covers not only farming but also processing.), with artificial additives not being allowed.

4 A farming system which protects bio-diversity is better than one that leads to its continuous decline.

We must remain aware that the companies and lobby groups

(Large scale industrial farming practices have led to an

seeking to discredit the organic sector are very well organ-

irreversible decline in bio-diversity. The latest victims are

ised internationally and have harmonised strategies. As such

bees who are dying from exposure to nicotine based seed

they will always be ahead of the organic sector as long as it

dressings. One third of our food depends on pollination

organised at national level. It is vital that European organic

through bees).

organisations see and accept the need for a common communication strategy. This process should start as soon as possible. I encourage European organic organisations to

5 A vibrant, diverse food culture is better than an industrial food sector where power is concentrated in ever-fewer hands.

team up and get working on this common strategy.

Josef Finke runs an organic farm in Co. Tipperary, Ireland josef.finke@ballybrado.com

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

35

Calculating the value of organic chains

The global market for organic food and non-food production Peter Brul

ING bank (not known as the ‘greenest’ of banks) reports that 36

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

the Dutch organic market is growing faster than the Chinese economy

Markets

D

espite a recession and difficult eco-

Textiles

Organic cotton is mainly certified through

nomic conditions in the two main

Less than 30 years ago, the first certified

the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

markets for organic products, Europe and

organic cotton was grown, spun and then

The number of facilities certified by GOTS

the United States, the market share and

woven into t-shirts and other products.

increased by 11% in 2012, growing from

volume of organic products has continued

Now there are more than two hundred

2,714 facilities in 2011 to 3,016 facilities

to grow in recent years. The worldwide

thousand organic cotton growers around

in 2012. The countries with the most pro-

acreage of organic land is also growing.

the world and the market is worth approx-

cessing facilities are India (with 1062 certi-

However the relationship between the two

imately €5.65 billion. Organic cotton is

fied), Turkey (400) and China (252). Market

is not always straightforward.

grown in 22 countries: the leading ten (in

demand in Europe grew by more than 20%

rank order) are India, Turkey, Syria, Tanza-

for the second year in a row.

The world’s organic market is made up of

nia, China, United States, Uganda, Peru,

India is by far the largest producer of organ-

a number of segments. By far the most

Egypt and Burkina Faso. Textiles are not

ic cotton, producing just over 100,000 tons

important market is that for food and bev-

regulated under European organic legisla-

of cotton fibre in 2010-11 on nearly 250,000

erages. Western Europe and North Amer-

tion and this almost inevitably means that

hectares of certified land. The top ten cus-

ica account for more than 95% of the

the data are far less reliable than for food-

tomers of organic cotton through the Textile

world market for certified organic foods.

stuffs. In addition to organic cotton there

Exchange are mainly large textile retail

The consumption of organic products per

is a range of environmental and sustain-

chains: H & M (Sweden), C & A (Belgium),

head is more or less the same in the USA

ability labels for cotton. Large textile com-

Nike, Inc. (USA), Inditex (Zara) (Spain), Adi-

and north-western Europe, around €57

panies often mix organic and conventional

das (Germany), Green Source (USA), Anvil

per person in 2011. In Europe as a whole

cotton. They bring the products to the

(USA), Target (USA), Disney Consumer Prod-

the average was €24 per person, but in

market without organic certification to ful-

ucts (USA) and the Otto Group (Germany).

Denmark and Switzerland it was more

fil their own overall sustainability criteria.

Table 1 (based mainly on figures from the

than €130. Other markets, such as Brazil,

The textiles industry is also under con-

Textile Exchange) shows the growth in the

China, Russia, Turkey and the Middle East

siderable pressure to significantly reduce

global organic textile market over the last

are growing strongly, but only make up a

pollution. Conventional cotton cultivation

five years.

small part of the entire market. Almost all

involves intensive pesticide use, cot-

countries apart from the US, Canada and

ton is a large consumer of scarce water

Wellness

north-western Europe are net exporters of

resources and the processing of cotton

The third significant market segment is for

organic products.

(including bleaching and dyeing) involves

cosmetics, skin care and widely used natu-

Organic farming is regulated by law in the

extremely polluting processes that dye

ral medicines such as arnica, neem and

US and Europe, so the statistical data on

rivers in developing countries red, blue

echinacea. This segment is also not covered

acreage and turnover in organic foods

or purple, depending on the fashions of

by the regulations and there no clear dis-

are pretty reliable. This is much less the

the day. Only a few of the environmental

tinction between ‘natural‘ and organic prod-

case for the markets for organic textiles

improvements in the textile industry are

ucts. Some large producers consistently use

(mainly cotton) and cosmetics and well-

associated with certified organic produc-

organic ingredients, and this is an integral

ness products. These markets are also

tion; far more improvements come in

part of their corporate identity and their

quite large and have grown fast over the

small steps or are made by the industry’s

brands, but there is no organic label on the

last ten years.

own environmental labels.

packaging. According to market researcher

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

37

Table 1:

The global organic textile market in US$

Year

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Market

$3.2 billion

$4.3 billion

$5 billion

$6.2 billion

$7.4 billion

Kline & Company, the total market for nat-

Calculating the value of the organic chain

provides around €1875 for the farmer and

ural cosmetics and natural care products,

FiBL produce pretty reliable global organ-

around € 27,000 retail value (9000 x 800

(including organic ones) was 26.3 billion

ic statistical data every year. According

gram loaves of bread). In north-western

in 2012, twice the size it was in 2005.

to their latest report there were 37 million

Europe and the USA, which make up more

This is about 12% of the total market

hectares of certified organic land in 2011

than 95% of the world market there is a

of €210 billion, i.e. €160 billion. Organic

in 162 countries. One hectare of organic

strong link between production and market

cosmetics account for around 3% of the

land thus represents a retail value of

value. Virtually all organic produce is sold

total global market in 2012. The German

almost $1900. However there is a huge

as certified organic products, unless the

natural cosmetics market alone is worth

difference between intensive production

quality is poor or there is temporary over-

€815 million. Sales grew rapidly until 2010

in countries where the organic markets

production of certain products.

(by 11% in 2010 but only 2.5% in 2011 Some segments are still hidden

and stagnated last year). However with a market share of 6.5%, it is still a significant market.

70 billion dollars Taking these three segments into account we can calculate that the global organic market was worth some US$70 billion or €54 billion, 84% of which is accounted

In 2011, the global market for organic products was 70 billion dollars

In many other regions, the link between organic production and organic marketing is weak or almost non-existent. Only a part (sometimes a small part) of the total production goes into organic export chains.

For example, a family farm in Ethiopia produces all the food for a large family, and will use less than 20% of the land for their

for by food and drink. The organic food

cash crop, coffee. The domestic market

market is still growing, the textile one

for organic produce is almost non-existent.

probably not, because of lower yields in

But in neighbouring Kenya, there is a

India and the cosmetics segment is grow-

are strong and low input production in

small organic market, with shops, farmers

ing slowly, probably because of the reces-

exporting countries. For example, the

markets and consumer groups. Organic

sion in Europe. According to the Organic

Dutch organic market is worth around

produce sold on these local markets is gen-

Trade Association’s 2012 Organic Industry

€750 million, the sector exports around

erally not certified by third party certifiers,

Survey the U.S. organic industry grew by

€550 million worth of produce a year

as this would increase the prices too much

9.5 per cent overall in 2011 to reach $31.5

and imports account for €300 million. So

without adding much value. So both these

billion in sales. Of this, the organic food

Dutch production has a retail value of

forms of organic production and market-

and beverage sector was valued at $27.4

about €1 billion, grown on 47,400 ha. This

ing are totally under the statisticians’ radar,

billion, while the organic non-food sector

gives a retail value per ha of a little over

suggesting that the organic market is larger

reached $2.2 billion.

€ 20,000. One hectare of organic wheat

than we generally believe.

38

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

gmo

Andre Leu

based on Science GMOs were prohibited by the organic sector primarily due to the use of the precautionary principle. The precautionary principle is embodied in IFOAM’s Principle of Care. ‘This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound.

Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering.’ This concern about artificially transferring genes between kingdoms and species in a way that has never occurred naturally is now being validated by a large body of science.

These pictures (right) are examples of the types of mammary gland tumours (breast cancer) that the scientists found in the rats. Source: (Seralini et al 2012)

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

39

G

MO’s are currently being pushed as the solution to feed

Multiple Health Problems

the world’s ever growing population. This logic has to be

Professor Gilles-Eric Séralini and colleagues published a study

seriously questioned in the light of the scientific studies that

that reviewed 19 studies of animals fed with GMO soy and corn

show numerous serious health issues that are connected to the

in the peer reviewed scientific journal Environmental Sciences

consumption of GMO food. A long term feeding study found

Europe. The studies covered more that 80% of the GMO varie-

that rats fed a diet that contains a proportion of GM maize or

ties that are widely cultivated around the world.

minute residues of Roundup has resulted in significantly higher

Their review found significant levels of negative effects to

increases of cancers, kidney disease, liver damage and other

kidneys and livers in the animals that were fed GMOs. The

negative health effects. The study led by Professor Gilles-Eric

scientists stated: ‘...the kidneys were particularly affected, con-

Seralini and published in Food and Chemical Toxicology has

centrating 43.5% of all disrupted parameters in males, whereas

found that both the GM maize and Roundup acted as endo-

the liver was more specifically disrupted in females (30.8% of all

crine disrupters and resulted in the females dying 2 - 3 times

disrupted parameters).’

more than the control animals. (Seralini et al 2012). The females

One of the key conclusions is that the current testing method-

that were fed either GM maize or non GM maize with minute

ologies, length of feed trials and the parameters measured are

roundup residues, developed large mammary tumours almost

insufficient to evaluate the health problems that are caused by

always more often than and before controls. All the non-control

diets of GMOs. The scientists clearly stated that this lack of

females, except for one that had ovarian cancer, had mammary

proper testing protocols is socially unacceptable in terms of

hypertrophies (enlarged mammary glands) and in some cases

consumer health protection. (Seralini et al 2011)

hyperplasia with atypia (nodules in the mammary glands).

GM Soy has Adverse Effect on the Offspring The pituitary gland was the second most disabled organ and

One of the most concerning issues is the negative effects that

the sex hormonal balance was modified in females fed with the

occur in the offspring of rats and mice that are fed GM diets.

GMO and Roundup treatments.

These effects include increased infant mortality, reduced litter

The treated males presented 4 times more large palpable

sizes and reduced body weights of the offspring. In experi-

tumours than controls and these occurred up to 600 days ear-

mental trials male and female mice were fed GM soy and then

lier. The treated males had liver congestions and necrosis that

mated. The early stage embryos (4-8 cells) showed a temporary

were 2.5 - 5.5 times higher than the controls as well as marked

decrease in gene expression. This was not found in embryos

and severe kidney nephropathies (kidney damage) that were

whose parents ate natural non-GM soy. (Oliveri 2006).There is

also generally 1.3 - 2.3 greater than the controls.

strong body of science that shows that subtle changes to gene expression in embryos can cause permanent negative effects

This study was the first 2 year feeding trial conducted on rats

in the development of offspring. A Russian rat study conducted

designed to see the effects of GM over an animal’s lifetime.

by Dr Irina Ermakova and colleagues found that offspring of rats

Currently, no regulatory authority requests mandatory chronic

fed on GM soy had higher levels of mortality than rats fed with

animal feeding studies to be performed for edible GMOs. How-

non GMO soy. (Ermakova 2006)

ever, several studies consisting of 90 day rat feeding trials have been conducted by the biotech industry even though there is no requirement to do this.

Regulatory authorities use a basic chemical analysis of a GM variety and compare this with it closest non GM variety. If this chemical composition is much the same, the GM variety is declared as substantially equivalent and suitable for uncontained commercial release.

The comparison of the chemical composition of the GM maize used in this study (NK603) revealed no particular difference and consequently it was classified as substantially equivalent.

Control

Control

Similarly a 90 day feeding trial showed no significant differences between the controls and the rats fed the GM maize variety.

The scientists noted that babies of the

The results of the 2 year feeding study show that the current

rats that were fed GMO diets developed at

regulatory system for approving GM crops for consumption are

slower rate, had lower weights and looked

inadequate for assessing the effects of eating these foods over

markedly different than the babies of rates

a normal lifetime.

that were fed non GMO diets.

40

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

gmo

health professionals and regulators to ensure that the GMO Non-GM soy group

GM-soy group

foods that are currently being consumed are not doing damage to our future generations.

The photo on the left is the offspring from

Studies published in the highly respected medical journal The

mothers fed natural soy. In the lower right

Lancet and in the peer reviewed Journal Nutrition and Health by

is the GM group.

Dr Arpad Pusztai showed multiple serious problems with rats that were fed GM potatoes. The scientific studies found that the rats that were fed on the GMO developed smaller brains, livers and testicles, had partial atrophy of the liver and damage to their immune system. The studies showed that the rats developed potentially precancerous cell growth in the linings of their stomach and intestinal walls. (Pusztai 2002, Ewen and Pusztai 1999)

Control group

GM-soy group

The GMO group has a significant reduction in average weight.

Difficulties with Conception Dr Ermakova and her colleagues found that the mated offspring of the GM group did not conceive. This is a serious concern that needs to be fully investigated with more scientific research.

Non GMO-fed inestinal wall

GMO-fed inestinal wall

One of the possible causes for the developmental differences

The picture on the left is the intestinal wall of

and the lack of fertility in the offspring of mice that are fed

a rat that was fed on non-GMO potato. Pic-

GMOs is that several studies have found that GMO diets cause

ture on right is from a rat that was fed on GM

structural changes to the testicles. A study published in the

potato. These types of inflammatory growths

European Journal of Histochemistry found that testicles of mice

are potentially precancerous and can lead to

fed GM soy had altered structures and function which influ-

bowel cancer, which has become one of the

enced sperm development. (Vecchio 2004)

forms of cancer that is increasing in humans.

Control group

GM-soy group

Stomach wall non-GMO Stomach wall GMO

Effect on Mothers and Children

The picture on the left is the stomach wall of

The greatest concern for humans is that the toxin from pesti-

a rat that was fed non-GMO potato. On the

cide producing GMOs can be found in bloodstream of women

right is the stomach wall of a rat that was

and their unborn children. A Canadian study published in the

fed GM potato. These inflammatory growths

scientific journal, Reproductive Toxicology, found the pesti-

are potentially precancerous.

cide toxin from GMO crops in the blood samples of women and their unborn babies. The GMO toxin was found in 93%of maternal blood samples and of greater concern in 80%vof fetal

Figure 1

blood samples. (Aris and Leblanc 2011) Given the evidence of the changes to the offspring of animals fed a GMO diet, this Canadian study should be the cause of great concern amongst ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

41

GMO Soybean Products

BT Corn

There are several animal studies that show a range of adverse

In a study by Monsanto made public because of a lawsuit,

effects from consuming GM soybean products. Mice fed GM

rats fed Bt corn developed signs of liver and kidney toxicity.

soy for 8 months had a profound drop in the amount of diges-

These included kidney inflammation and kidney lesions, and

tive enzymes produced by their pancreas. (Malatesta 2002 a,

decreased kidney weight. The latter symptom is typically related

Malatesta 2003). Researchers also found that the liver cells

to blood pressure problems. They also developed increased

were damaged or misshapen and there was altered gene

basophiles which are related to allergies. The study showed that

expression. They found that there was a higher rated metabolic

they had increased lymphocytes or white blood cells which are

activity that suggested that the liver was reacting to a toxic

part of the immune system indicating a reaction to infection or

insult. (Malatesta 2002 b)

possibly disease. There was also a 10% increase in blood sugar and a 50% decrease in immature red blood cells. (Burns 2002, Seralini 2007)

Mice livers GM Corn When Liberty Link corn was fed to chickens, twice the number of chickens died. But the test conducted by the industry was designed so poorly, even a doubling of the death rate was not statistically significant. (Leeson 1996) Control group

GM fed

FlaverSavr Tomato The first GM crop that was looked at by the US FDA was the

The above photos show how the membrane

FlavrSavr tomato, engineered to have a longer shelf-life. Cal-

surrounding the nuclei of liver cells was

gene, its producers, were the only company to give the United

more irregular in the GM-fed mice.

States FDA raw feeding study data. They did a study with rats but the rats refused to eat the tomato.

They force fed rats the FlavrSavr tomato for 28 days. 7 of 20

Mice livers

rats developed stomach lesions. Another 7 of 40 died within 2 weeks. In the documents made public, scientists said that the study doesn’t show “a reasonable certainty of no harm.” The FDA did not block the introduction of the tomato.

The company had created two lines of the GM tomato, both with the same gene inserted. One was associated with these

Control group

GM fed

high rates of lesions and deaths, the other was not. The company voluntarily decided to market the one that was not associ-

The above photos show that within the

ated with the rat problems.

nuclei of the liver cells, the structure called

This also provides an example of how the same crop inserted

the nucleoli was also misshapen in the GM-

with identical genes, may have very different results. And it pro-

fed mice.

vides a good example of what can go wrong with GMOs. (FDA 1993, Pusztai 2002) GM Pea

Rat livers

In Australia, CSIRO researchers took a gene from a kidney bean which produced proteins that acted as a pesticide, and inserted it into peas to kill the pea weevil. The researchers did an allergic-type test on mice that no other GMO food crop developer had done before.

When they exposed mice to the pesticide proteins from the

Control group

GM soy group

kidney beans, it caused no reaction. They expected the same to happen when mice were exposed to the “same” protein pro-

42

Rats fed GM soy also showed changes in

duced by the transgene inside the peas. In fact, the amino acid

their livers

sequence was identical in both proteins as the one produced

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

gmo

by both the bean and the pea. But the mice developed an

ers and breeders for millennia by inserting the new gene with

inflammatory response to the protein produced in the GM peas.

the desired trait directly into the new organisms.

It was an immune type response that was very dangerous, sug-

This distortion of the facts needs to be corrected.

gesting that the peas might create a deadly anaphylactic shock or other types of immune or inflammatory reactions in humans.

The Natural Breeding Misconception

To understand why the GMO pea caused the severe allergy

One critical issue is that multiple genes are being transferred

problems, the researchers looked very carefully at the protein

across kingdoms and species such as bacteria, viruses, plants

structure and found that the sugars that had attached to it had

and animals in ways that do not occur by natural breeding

a slightly changed pattern. They said it was the slightly changed

methods.

pattern of the sugars that made the peas harmful.

All living things are classified according to a ranking system that starts with species. Closely related species are grouped

The problem is that the potentially deadly GM peas had already

together under a rank that is called a Genus. Closely related

passed all the allergy tests that are normally used to get GM

Genera (the plural of genus) are grouped together under the

foods on the market. The only reason they were stopped was

rank of Family. Closely related Families are grouped together

because the crop developer had chosen to use a mice study

under the rank of Order. There are seven ranks. Starting with

that had never been used on any other GM food crop. This

the highest they are: kingdom, phylum or division, class, order,

shows that the regulatory system, as practiced, is a failure, and

family, genus, species.

may be letting deadly allergens on the market. To the credit of

Plants, Animals, Fungi, Viruses and Bacteria belong to separate

the CSIRO they discontinued bringing the GMO pea to point

Kingdoms. Natural breeding can take place between some

where it would be grown commercially. (Prescott 2005)

species that belong to the same genus and very occasionally between species of different genera. However species that

LTrytophan

belong to different families do not breed and definitely spe-

In the late 1980s an epidemic that killed about 100 Americans

cies that belong to different Kingdoms such as plants, animals,

and caused another 5-10,000 to fall sick or become perma-

fungi, bacteria and viruses do not breed in nature. Plants for

nently disabled was traced to an amino acid health supplement

example do not breed with animals, bacteria or viruses.

called L-tryptophan. Ltryptophan is a common amino acid that

Genetic engineering allows for the transfer of genes between

is found in milk products. For many years it was extracted from

Kingdoms in a way that can never occur naturally. This is

milk and sold as health supplement to help people sleep.

something that has never occurred before and it creates a new

A Japanese company Showa Denko started to produce L-tryp-

frontier with many uncertainties due to science’s limited under-

tophan from genetically engineering the bacteria. The epidemic

standing about genetics.

was traced back to the L-tryptophan that was produced from the genetically engineered bacteria.

The Single Gene Misconception

It took years to discover that the epidemic was underway. It

The other great misconception is that researchers are only

required a series of coincidences, plus the fact that the disease

inserting one new gene.

had three concurrent characteristics. The disease:

At this stage science is not sophisticated enough to insert a

• Was new with unique symptoms that stood out

single gene and get it to work. To overcome this problem, sci-

• It was acute so people went to doctors or hospitals

entists have to combine the gene with the desired trait (such as

• It came on quickly, so they went to doctors right after taking it

herbicide tolerance or pesticide production) with other genes that will make it work. Researchers also insert genes that help

According to the Los Angeles Times, July 10, 1991: ‘A Japanese

them to identify if the new gene is working within the chromo-

chemical manufacturer was ordered to pay more than $2 million

some.

to four people who used L-tryptophan, a food supplement linked

This becomes a complex construction of transgenes that can

to a rare blood disorder that killed at least 27 people. The state

come from bacterial, viral, fish, plant and other sources.

arbitration panel’s order late Monday was the nation’s first damage award against manufacturer Showa Denko Co., said Turner

Inserting the Gene Sequence

Branch of Albuquerque, N.M., vice chairman of a steering com-

Another misconception is that the gene is neatly inserted into

mittee for attorneys representing L-tryptophan victims.’

the cell chromosome. Genes are grouped together inside the cell in long strands call chromosomes. Researchers use what

The Misconceptions

can be best described as a shotgun approach when they push

The GMO protagonists promote the image that they are only

new genes into a chromosome. They either shoot the genetic

speeding up the natural crossbreeding processes used by farm-

material into the target cells, insert it after weakening the cell ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

43

membrane with an electric shock/chemical, or use a modified microorganism such as a virus to infect the target cell with the new genes.

The problem with these approaches is that the researchers do not know if genes have been inserted into a chromosome and if they have been inserted they do not know where the new genes have landed in any of the chromosomes and if they will work.

The Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter (CaMV) When foreign DNA is inserted into organisms, three things usu-

Antibiotic Resistance Marker Genes

ally happen. The most common one is that the foreign DNA is

The most common method of discovering if the new gene will

digested to provide energy and building blocks for the cell. It

work involves using Antibiotic Resistance Marker Genes. These

can also be rejected. The other response is to close over the

genes come from bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The

foreign DNA and deactivate it.

marker genes are attached to the gene with the desired trait

All of these responses are defence mechanisms to overcome

(herbicide resistance as an example) and they are shot into the

attacks by pathogens (disease). The host organism defends

target cells. These cells are then cultured and an antibiotic is

itself by getting rid of the foreign material. This is the reason

added. The cells that live have adopted the new genes as they

why transplant recipients have to take anti-rejection drugs.

are resistant to the antibiotic.

When organisms detect foreign DNA a whole range of respons-

These are then grown out as plants. The big problem with these

es, collectively known as the immune system, can be activated

plants is that every part of the plant has genes for antibiotic

to repel or destroy the invaders.

resistance. Many scientists and medical professionals have

When foreign genes are shot/infected into a cell, they tend to be

expressed concerns about these genes being horizontally trans-

digested, rejected or closed over. Either way this means that the

ferred into the gut and mouth bacteria of humans and animals

target organism will not have the desired trait from the new gene.

eating genetically modified food. They are worried that this

To overcome this, genetic scientists build a construction with a

could create bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotics needed

section of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV). The CaMV gives

to cure infections.

the signal that activates or promotes the new gene. It ensures

Horizontal gene transfer is where microorganisms take up genes

that the gene is active so that its desired trait, like herbicide

directly through their cell walls rather than by the normal meth-

resistance, works in the new plant.

od of reproduction. It has been shown to occur with the antibiotic resistant super bugs that are now found in many hospitals.

Problems with the CaMV

When the potential danger of this was pointed out to the

There are several problems with the CaMV. Every current GMO

genetic scientists they dismissed it as impossible. Several stud-

plant is part virus. Every cell of their bodies contains the active

ies have since shown that these antibiotic resistance genes can

section of a virus. With billions of these plants now released

be transferred to bacteria in as little as two hours after eating

into the environment, many scientists believe that there is a

genetically modified food.

great risk of horizontal transfer of the viral genetic code from

New Scientist in July 2002 reported on a scientific experiment

GMO plants into invading viruses, creating new virulent trans-

that showed that this can happen to bacteria in the human

genic viruses.

digestive system: for the first time, it has been proved that bac-

The Union of Concerned Scientists states: ‘Recombination

teria in the human gut can take up DNA from genetically modi-

can occur between the plant-produced viral genes and closely

fied food. Currently every commercially released GMO plant has

related genes of incoming viruses. Such recombination may

antibiotic resistance genes in every cell. They should be banned

produce viruses that can infect a wider range of hosts or that

for this reason alone. Queensland researchers have developed

may be more virulent than the parent viruses.’

a fluorescent marker gene that comes from a jellyfish. This gene

According to Dr Mae-Wan Ho of the Institute of Science in

can be used to select the cell with the desired trait as they fluo-

Society, London: ‘GM constructs are designed to cross species

resce under an ultraviolet light. This will be a major improvement

barriers and to invade genomes. In other words, GM constructs

in the safety of GMOs over the current technology, however it

are more likely to transfer horizontally. Genetic engineering will

does not address the multiplicity of more serious problems.

accelerate the generation of new viruses and bacteria.’

44

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

gmo

When GMO scientists and researchers are questioned on this

more likely to transfer horizontally. Horizontal gene transfer will

the standard reply is that the cauliflower mosaic virus is harm-

increase the opportunity for genetic recombination. The GM

less and doesn’t affect humans. Many harmless viruses change

constructs are already of mixed origins, with base sequences

into forms that can be serious. The various forms of the flu are

similar to the genetic material of many pathogenic bacteria and

the classic example. Seventy years ago AIDS was restricted to

viruses. That, again, as every geneticist should know, will great-

monkeys and didn’t affect humans. SARS is a slightly modified

ly increase the probability for genetic recombination, and with a

common cold virus and is now a seriously fatal disease with the

wide assortment of bacteria and viruses.’

potential for massive epidemics.

What is most concerning with this is that this viral promoter

According to Helen Pearson writing in the journal Nature, April

gene and other GM constructs have escaped into the wild rela-

2003: ‘In a simple overnight experiment, researchers trans-

tives of GMO plants and also contaminated a sizeable propor-

formed a coronavirus that is lethal to cats into one that infects

tion of non GMO crops like corn, canola and soybeans.

mouse cells by replacing a single gene. The result strengthens

The potential danger is being completely ignored by regulatory

the idea that the SARS coronavirus might have arisen when

authorities, with no ongoing research looking at these poten-

an animal and human virus met and swapped genes, says the

tial pathogenic transgenic viruses and bacteria. Dr. Mae-Wan

study’s lead scientist’

Ho warns: ‘The scientists set up guidelines, based largely on

The fact is no scientist can predict what would happen if trans-

assumptions, all of which have fallen by the wayside as the

genic viruses and bacteria emerged from GMO plants. It was

result of new scientific findings. Instead of tightening the guide-

only a short time ago these same scientists were saying pollen

lines, our regulators have relaxed them as commercial pres-

drift from GMOs would not affect nearby crops and that the

sures built up. It does not take a great feat of imagination to see

horizontal transference of antibiotic resistant genes from GMOs

why genetic engineering will accelerate the generation of new

into gut microorganisms was not possible. Dr. Mae-Wan Ho

viruses and bacteria.’

further states: ‘This CaMV promoter is also known to work for genes all across the living world: in plants, bacteria, fungi, and,

Lack of Research

as we discovered recently in the literature more than 10 years

Many scientists have expressed concern that the current regu-

old, also in frog eggs and human cells. It is able to substitute,

latory systems are inadequate in ensuring the safety of GMOs,

in part or in whole, for the promoter of many other viruses.

Professor Seralini and his colleague have expressed great

Viruses are not only everywhere in the environment, they also

concern over the lack of scientific testing for the adverse health

lie dormant in the genomes of all organisms, bacteria, plants

effects associated with GMOs. They stated: ‘...that it is unac-

and animals without exception. And there is evidence that

ceptable to submit 500 million Europeans and several billions of

such dormant viruses can be reactivated as a result of genetic

consumers worldwide to the new pesticide GM-derived foods

recombination.’

or feed, this being done without more controls (if any) than the only 3-month-long toxicological tests and using only one mam-

Unstable GM Constructs

malian species, especially since there is growing evidence of

A serious problem with the CaMV is that it has been proven to

concern...’ (Seralini et al 2011)

be unstable within the chromosomes of GMO plants. Researchers from the John Innes Center, UK one of the world’s major

Conclusion

biotechnology research centres, have found that during field

We a looking at a large scale uncontrolled experiment and we

trails of GM plants, later generations became unstable and

do not know the outcomes. Logic and common sense would

variable. The CaMV moves from one part of a chromosome to

state that we need a moratorium on the release of all GMOs

another and activates the new gene next it. This means it ran-

anda until there is good quality, long term peer reviewed sci-

domly causes genes within the plant to work in ways that would

ence that ensures that there are no risks. To do otherwise is to

not occur normally. It could lead to all sorts of future problems

leave a massive problem for future generations.

like making plants that have small amounts of beneficial phyto

Never forget that the scientist who invented DDT received a

nutrients, express them in toxic amounts cause hormones and

Noble Prize because of the immense benefits this discovery

other regulatory functions to be pushed out of balance and

was supposed to bring to the world. We are still paying the

cause future chaos in the genetic makeup of plants and animals

hidden price of a lack of understanding of the long term conse-

that we do not understand. It is the equivalent of Russian Rou-

quences of this discovery.

lette with DNA. Dr. Mae-Wan Ho sums up the potential dangers of this technology: ‘GM constructs are designed to cross species barriers

Many of the pictures and some of the text comes from a comprehensive GMO presentation by Jeffrey M. Smith, Executive Director, Institute for Responsible Technology. www.responsibletechnology.org

and to invade genomes. In other words, GM constructs are ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

45

Nuria Alonso, Eva Mattsson, Kolbjรถrn ร rjavik, Gunnar Rundgren & Stephanie Wells

The Organic Standard

Table 1:

Number of certification bodies per region

Quote quote

Grolink, The Organic Certification Directory 2013

46

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Africa

9

7

8

8

10

10

12

19

19

Asia

91

117

93

147

157

164

165

179

222

Europe

142

157

160

172

177

180

214

213

213

Latin America & Caribbean

33

43

43

47

48

47

51

51

38

North America

97

85

80

83

78

76

78

74

72

Oceania

11

11

11

11

11

12

12

13

12

Total

383

420

395

468

481

489

532

549

576

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

TOS

Canada and Switzerland recognise each

Monaco in Europe, Pacific archipelagos

Stork-friendly rice in Japan

other’s organic programmes

such as Micronesia or countries with

A scheme for stork-friendly farming has

One more bilateral equivalency agree-

unstable political situations such as

allowed the oriental white stork – which

ment has been added to the list of those

Afghanistan. (see

became extinct in Toyooka City, Japan

achieved recently, this time between

at the beginning of the 1970s due to the

Canada and Switzerland. The equivalence

Fewer standards and more countries with

introduction of intensive rice farming

arrangement has some limits as it requires

legislation for organic production

methods – to return to its old home.

all products, as well as all ingredients in

Around one hundred countries have either

Since 2003, farmers have been encour-

processed products, to be grown in or

finalised or are working on legislation for

aged to apply the ‘white stork-friendly

originate from Canada, Switzerland or the

organic production. This has changed the

farming method’. Participating farmers are

European Union. Products outside the

role and space for private standards for

required to reduce pesticide use by 75%,

scope of the arrangement can continue to

organic production. The Organic Certifica-

to use no fertilisers, to sterilise seeds by

be traded as usual (being certified to the

tion Directory asked certification bodies

soaking them in hot water (rather than

standards of the importing country).

whether they have their own standard.

buying treated seeds), to flood their pad-

121 of the 267 that responded said yes.

dies deeper and to retain the water in the

Public Consultation on the EU Regulation

This number has declined since 2011,

paddies for longer. Pure organic farming is

The EU is currently immersed in a revision

when 127 answered that they had their

also being promoted among farmers, and

of its organic legislation. One of the steps

own standards (The term ‘own standards’

while the uptake is still small it is growing.

in this process was a public consultation

includes both private standards with a

Toyooka City farmers are paid by the gov-

(which recently closed but can still be

wide scope (such as the standards used

ernment to follow the rules of this scheme

found at http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/

by organisations like the Soil Associa-

and receive a 60% premium for rice sold

consultations/organic/2013_en.htm).

tion) and standards made by public or

under the stork-friendly label.

This was open to all citizens interested

private organisations to cover specific

in organic production in Europe. The EU

areas (such as aquaculture). The term also

Imports to South Korea

Commission will use the responses from

includes products outside the food/feed

From 1 January 2013, all fresh organic

this questionnaire together with other

sector, such as cosmetics.

products exported to South Korea must

studies and evaluations as the basis for a

be certified to the Korean standard. How-

renewed political and legal framework for

ever this requirement will not apply to pro-

organic agriculture in Europe. It is antici-

cessed organic products until 1 January

pated that a first draft will be available

2014. This means that processed organic

from the Commission around the end of

products certified to other standards

2013.

can still be imported into South Korea throughout 2013.

The tenth edition of The Organic Certification Directory was published in February

Equivalency system dominates imports

2013. The Directory lists all the organic

into the EU

certification bodies in the world and can

The new equivalency system introduced

be found at www.organicstandard.com/

in 2012 for accepting imported organic

directory

products into the EU now accounts for around 90% of all product acceptances

In 2012 there were 576 certification bod-

carried out in the importer approval sys-

ies operating in the world, up by 27 from

UAE will introduce organic regulation

tem. The previous imports derogation sys-

549 in 2011. The majority are located in

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has initi-

tem (whereby the competent authority in

the European Union, followed by South

ated a process to regulate

an EU country applies for approval of an

Korea, Japan, the United States, China,

organic production and certification.

import to the EU) will run in parallel until

India and Canada. According to the Direc-

These regulations are currently being

the end of June 2014 when this route will

tory, there are only 39 countries in the

drawn up, before the Government dis-

be closed down.

world that do not have organic certifica-

cusses them.

tion bodies, most being tiny micro-states

More information: www.thenational.ae/news/ uae-news/uae-moves-toregulate-organic-foodproduction

such as Andorra, Liechtenstein and

Nuria Alonso: assignment@organicstandard.com Stephanie Wells: Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA) ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

47

The Social Innovation Centre at Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development

A birthplace for social innovation Maximilian Abouleish-Boes & Maryam El Masry

The Heliopolis University campus

48

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Education is the base for human and societal development. It is a challenge that all countries face in today’s world. Teaching knowledge, raising awareness and building skills are the foundation for improving the living conditions of humans and communities in the long run and for transforming the current state of our society.

Education

Students in a fine arts session in the core programme

Our mission is to empower our students to become champions of sustainable development and agents of change within society

of over 95% desert which leaves less than 0.02 feddan (= 84 m2) of arable land per person for over 85 million people. The fact that the population is growing annually by an average of 2% raises serious

E

gypt has suffered from weak educa-

questions about

tional systems for decades and this

future food security

has created many structural issues and

in Egypt. Desert

problems. It is not just technological solu-

land reclamation is

tions that are required: social innovations

a necessary stra-

are much more important for successfully

tegic approach to

resolving burning social issues.

increase Egypt’s arable land

In 1977, Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish founded

resources. Sekem’s

the Sekem initiative on an untouched

farms in Sinai,

part of the Egyptian desert (70 hectares)

Bahareya and

in an area 60 kilometres northwest of

Minya contribute

Cairo. He was awarded the Right Liveli-

the organic movement and beyond. All of

to ensuring future security which creates

hood Award in 2003, became a Schwab

the 600 farmers who supply biodynamic

jobs to sustain the farms. It can thus be

Social Entrepreneur in 2004 and won the

and organic raw materials to Sekem are

seen as a form of social innovation. But

Business for Peace Award in 2012. The

members of the Egyptian Biodynamic

how to encourage more innovations of a

Sekem initiative is now seen as a model

Association (EBDA) that provides capacity

similar nature?

for sustainable development. Alongside

building and is supported by Sekem. In

the Sekem Holding and the Sekem Devel-

2008, Sekem started further expanding its

Heliopolis University will play a crucial role

opment Foundation (SDF) there is now

own farmlands on a number of locations

in this. It was officially established in Sep-

the newly established Heliopolis Univer-

in the Egyptian desert.

tember 2012 to continue the work of the

sity for Sustainable Development. The

educational system in the Sekem initiative

SDF runs a community medical centre,

Sekem’s approach to agriculture is based

and to extend the cycle for life-long learn-

a kindergarten, several schools, a centre

on regeneration. By turning desert into

ing. It aims to further enhance the sustain-

for children with special needs, differ-

living soils through the application of

able development of individuals, commu-

ent vocational training centres, an adult

compost and biodynamic concepts and

nities and nature in Egypt. This approach

arts training centre and various research

methods, Sekem has shown that desert

to sustainable development includes a

labs. The companies within Sekem are

land can be reclaimed and regenerated.

holistic worldview which involves seeing

involved in farming, post-harvest process-

For over 30 years, Sekem has been build-

the world as an integrated whole, rather

ing, phytopharmaca, textiles and foods.

ing up living soils in desert land, imple-

than a dissociated collection of parts.

The integration of these different roles

menting a closed nutrients cycle, and

It involves striving for a future where all

creates strong synergies and is backed up

integrating livestock with a diverse range

human beings can unfold their potential,

with strong international partnerships in

of crops, plants and trees. Egypt consists

where people live together in social forms

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 2-2013

49

Students exploring farm life at Sekem’s farm close to Bilbeis

that respect and foster human dignity, and where all economic activity is conducted in accordance with ecological and ethical

Our next faculty will be the Faculty of Sustainable ‘Agri-Culture’

principles.

Our mission is to empower our students to become champions of sustainable development and agents of change within society. Heliopolis University provides a

Heliopolis University has strong links

humans and the earth. This implies a

place where new ideas can find fertile

with the Sekem initiative. This is a unique

broader understanding of the term and

ground for further research and teach-

characteristic that differentiates it from

the practices involved in agriculture, one

ing. Our education combines teaching,

other private or public universities. The

that emphasises that agri-culture is an

research and practice with a unique

institutional setting or ecosystem can

essential foundation for societal develop-

humanistic core programme to develop

be considered as a birthplace for many

ment that holds the key for many burning

curious and creative personalities. This

social innovations, as it combines all

contemporary issues (such as the deple-

will prepare a new generation of future

dimensions of life: economy, ecology,

tion of soils, scarcities of water, energy,

leaders able to tackle the challenges that

society and culture. The aim is to further

food and mineral resources and the loss

Egypt and the world face, such as climate

upscale and transfer the Sekem model

of biodiversity). The leverage effect of the

change, water and food scarcity and the

and we have explicitly created a Social

agricultural sector is particularly signifi-

depletion of energy resources.

Innovation Centre for that purpose. This

cant in developing countries situated in

Currently in its first phase, Heliopolis

focuses on trans-disciplinary research,

arid climate zones. In Egypt around 40%

University presently has three faculties:

building staff capacity and developing

of the population is directly employed in

the Faculty of Engineering, with depart-

curricula for sustainable development.

agriculture and over 85% of all available

ments of renewable energy, water, and

One of the centre’s main priorities is the

water is used in irrigation. The problem

mechatronics; the Faculty of Business

challenge of water scarcity. “The first dif-

is that no one wants to become a farmer

and Economics for sustainable manage-

ficult step is to understand ‘water’ from

anymore. But looked at from the holistic

ment and economics, and the Faculty of

a different perspective and to define the

development perspective, being a farmer

Pharmacy and Drug Technology. Our way

problem adequately before we try to find

can have a totally different meaning

of teaching includes an advanced dynam-

solutions or implement them within our

and ‘sustainable desert reclaimer’ could

ic curriculum, which has been developed

specific context. We are therefore happy

become one of the most exciting jobs of

together with international partners.

to engage with any serious actors in the

the century. Our next faculty will therefore

Prominent faculty members, small stu-

field that know more about water apart

be the Faculty of Sustainable Agri-Culture

dent numbers, modern teaching methods

from the fact that it is H2O.” (Maximilian

and we welcome everybody who wants to

and student exchange programmes all

Abouleish-Boes)

contribute to this endeavour!

enhance the learning environment and ensure a high standard of education. All

Another focus of Heliopolis University

degree programmes are accredited by

and its partners is the development of

the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Educa-

an inclusive concept for ‘agri-culture’.

tion and based on the credit hour system.

By highlighting the word ‘culture’ we

This system is easily transferable into the

seek to emphasise that agri-culture is

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS),

not only about cultivating farming land,

facilitating international mobility.

but equally about the development of

50

2-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Maximilian Abouleish-Boes is Sustainable Development Manager at Sekem and is setting up the Social Innovation Center at Heliopolis University. Contact maximilian.abouleish@hu.edu. eg Maryam El Masry works in Sekem’s fundraising department Helioplis’ University’s website can be found at http://www.hu.edu.eg/

Calen dar Items

june 2013 - december 2013 //

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June 26-27 Brussels, Belgium http://www.ensser.org/ Organic Marketing Forum June 17 -19 2013 Warsaw, Polen Fair and conference http://www.organicmarketing-forum.org/ The East African Organic Conference July 2-4 2013 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania www.ifoam.org/partners/ projects/osea.html

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Ecology & Farming is a magazine for all elements of the organic movement - from organic farmers’ associations to organisations from the organic food industry and Fair Trade; from research institutions to certifiers; from organic consumers to organic advocates. Ecology & Farming provides information on key issues in the organic sector and offers the space for discussions on the topics of the day. The articles published in Ecology & Farming reflect the opinions of their respective authors and should not be interpreted as an official IFOAM position.

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Established in 1972, IFOAM has over 800 affiliates in more than 100 countries. and represents the common interests of the organic movement based on the principles of organic agriculture (ecology, health, fairness, care). IFOAM’s mission is to lead, assist and unite the organic movement in its full diversity.

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farmer, researcher and consultant for more than 35 years. He combines the role of Chief-Editor of Ecology & Farming with his own consultancy.

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magazines since 1988. VWG also maintains a focus on ecology through Ekoland, the professional magazine for organic farming in the Netherlands and Belgium and Gezond Bouwen & Wonen, a professional magazine about sustainable building and living.

Textile Sustainability Conference November 11-13 2013 Istanbul, Turkey http://textileexchange. org/event/2013-textilesustainability-conferenceistanbul-turkey Middle East Natural & Organic Product Expo December 3-5 2013 Dubai www.naturalproductme.com CONTACT

Publisher Jaap van Westering Editorial staff Peter Brul (editor in chief) Denise Godinho, Nick Parrott Contributors to this issue Authors & photos: André Leu, Barbara Fitch Haumann, Bernward Geier, Bo van Elzakker, Eva Mattsson, Gunnar Rundgren, Josef Finke, Kolbjörn Örjavik, Maximilian AbouleishBoes, Nuria Alonso, Peter Brul, Rob Sexton, Stephanie Wells, Wiebke Volkmann Editorial office P.O.Box 696, 3740 AP Baarn, The Netherlands T +31 (0) 35 88 735 31 F +31 (0) 35 54 241 19 E p.brul@ecologyandfarming.com W www.ecologyandfarming.com

Lay-out Vilarrica bv, Baarn, The Netherlands Maurice Spithoven (design) Annemieke Praamstra Advert acquisition Van Westering Groep bv Baarn, The Netherlands T +31 (0) 35 88 735 31 Tom Deiters T +31 (0) 6 30 77 62 44 Subscriber administration P.O.Box 696 3740 AP Baarn, The Netherlands E subscriptions@ ecologyandfarming.com W www.ecologyandfarming.com Subscription Annual fee 2013, frequency of 4 x per year: 44 euro Print er Veldhuis Media BV Raalte, The Netherlands FSC certified Ecology and Farming published by Van Westering Groep bv, The Netherlands, under the auspices of IFOAM

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