Market opportunities, organic

Approximately 89 million metric t of organic chemicals and lubricants, the majority of which are fossil based, are produced annually in the United States. The development of new industrial bioproducts, for production in standalone facilities or biorefineries, has the potential to reduce our dependence on imported oil and improve energy security. Advances in biotechnology are enabling the optimization of feedstock composition and agronomic characteristics and the development of new and improved fermentation organisms for conversion of biomass to new end products or intermediates. This article reviews recent biotechnology efforts to develop new industrial bioproducts and improve renewable feedstocks and key market opportunities. 

FAO/ITC/CTA (2001) World markets for organic fruit and vegetables -opportunities for developing countries in the production and export of organic horticultural products.- International Trade Centre, Technical Centre For Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations, Rome, Italy. Online at... 

Arising from such pioneers, disparate farmer groups in parts of Europe, the US and further afield developed their own ideas based primarily on a commitment to a philosophy rather than a market opportunity. Acceptance as an organic producer in the 1940s and 50s... 

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is a federal government-owned research entity which spends A 275 000 per annum on an organic programme which funds most organic research. This is a minor amount of money considering the market opportunities and benefits to the environment, the health of farm workers and consumers. 

Two major lines of argument exist organic farming can either be supported because it produces public goods and helps to achieve policy objectives like animal welfare (Haring et al. 2001), or it can be seen as a market opportunity, an organic market to conquer (Kalden 2001). It is, of course, also possible to combine both views. The importance given to either view has major implications for policy development. 

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