Organic produce is becoming increasingly popular, with demand outstripping supply. But transitioning to organic takes three years and is expensive; during transition, products are sold at conventional prices. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy supplies some grants, but funds are inconsistent and insufficient.
French cooperative group D’Aucy, with 9,000 farmer members, is trying to support farmers transitioning to organic with an “organic conversion” label. With this program, shoppers pay a supplemental fee per product to help farmers during transition. Consumers select a product they want to buy, and define an amount of contribution. The conversion label adds value to products grown using organic practices but not yet certified—allowing farmers to receive premiums during transition.
The MiiMOSA Transition project in France and Certified Transition program in the U.S. are other examples of non-government funded initiatives to help support farmers transition from conventional to organic farming.
(Source: foodnavigator.com)
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