Market trends and accreditation systems for organic food in China

Abstract

With the rapid development of living standards in recent years, organic agriculture and the market for organic foods in China are developing at a rapid rate of 30% per annum. In 2005, China introduced the China National Organic Product Standard and The Rule on Implementation of Organic Products Certification which covers production certification and imports of organic food products, and all products for sale as organic in China which are required to comply with the National Standard. In 2006, the quantity of organic exports from China reached a value of about 800 million U.S. dollars. Organic food consists mostly fresh produce and unprocessed field crops, grains, beans, fruit and vegetables, accounting for 90% of exports. By the end of 2007, China became a country with the second largest area of certified organic cultivation land (4.10 million hectares), producing about 30 categories and more than 500 species of organic products, certified by 30 Chinese organic food certification agencies and internationally accredited companies. Products sold in domestic supermarkets are mainly certified by local certification agencies. Due to the advantages of abundant resources, market demand, government support and promotion of health benefits, it is anticipated that China's organic food industry will experience further growth in the future.