Growth in Demand for Organic Foods Expected to Continue

Global demand for organic foods is expected to grow by 46% over the coming five years despite the world economic crisis, according to an outlook from the United Nations Trade and Development Agency (UNCTAD).

Although organic retailers are experiencing consumer resistance to paying more for organics, UNCTAD says many consumers have weighed the higher cost of organic food against its benefits - concluding that organic products are worth the extra cost.
The report notes consumers seem reluctant to give up the last vestiges of high-quality, gourmet food, adding "they want something a bit more interesting than your standard meat and three vegetables."

World sales from certified organic products are expected to reach US$67 billion in 2012, up from US$46 billion in 2007 and about US$23 billion in 2002.

Organic produce is attracting a much wider demographic than previously seen - highlighting the need for more farmers to start supplying organic. UNCTAD says that in developing countries, the increasing number of organic food consumers offers extremely important benefits for small-scale traditional farmers: Source OANZ News