SOS Save Our Seeds
Growth in the American organic sector
ecology No 2 // June 2013
AND
Sustainable Cocoa production and market
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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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Let’s join forces on our way to sustainability!
// 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. Tradin BV – Your source for organic raw materials
Cocoa project Philippines
Fruit project Serbia
Project Vietnam Sesame project Ethiopia
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www.tradinorganic.com info@tradinorganic.com
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/
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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
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