ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN GREECE

Transcription

1 AGROTRAIN PROJECT Innovation-based organic farming through user-friendly training tools ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN GREECE BG1-LEO Prepared by C.V.T. Georgiki Anaptixi

2 Contents: 1. Introduction Organic Farming in Greece Definition and Principles of Organic farming Logo and labelling of Organic Farming History and development of Organic farming in Greece General economic data Legislation and Certification Bodies Current problems and perspectives of development Farming and training Current situation VET in organic farming Training access barriers for farmers Organic Food Retailing in Greece References

3 1. Introduction The growing awareness of people about environmental protection in combination with the requirement of a large portion of consumers for the production of healthy food free from pesticides and toxic substances, have created the basic conditions for the dissemination of organic farming. So, as the demand for organic products is growing a major commercial distribution is beginning to develop at European level. The interest for this production system is becoming more intense and organic farming is now a new reality. The European Union in order to ensure the authenticity of organic production and labeling of a corresponding product as "organic", adopted the Regulation 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications for products and foodstuffs. The environmental policy of E.U. has "embraced" this area of agriculture by establishing incentives for further spreading. For this reason, clearly includes the concept and the meaning of organic agriculture in Regulation 2078/92 which provides funds for farmers who decide to apply the principles of organic farming in order to make the farmer in addition to producer and a conscientious, reputable and concerned citizen to environmental issues. In Greece, organic farming is a challenge. The mild weather conditions, the low level agrochemical pollution and the small size family-farms, promote the production of organic products with good organoleptic properties. The organic farming and organic animal husbandry means a comprehensive proposal for ecological production, according to which the factors that determine the quality and the quantity of products treated as a whole. This system respects the nature and tries to work with it. What should be noted is the fact that the adoption of this alternative view of agricultural production, presuppose also the formation of a deep ecological consciousness on the part of producers and efforts to change the pattern of consumption that followed today which focuses mainly on the appearance of the product consumed and less in quality. 3

4 2. Organic Farming in Greece 2.1. Definition and Principles of Organic farming The definition that could be given to organic farming is that it is a management and production system of agricultural products based on natural processes, no use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides and on alternative methods of treating pests, diseases and weeds, and the use of production techniques such as crop rotation and the recycling plant and animal residues that maintain the natural balance and fertility of the soil. In March 2008 the World Board approved the following definition according to IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements): Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. Furthermore according to this worldwide umbrella organization for the Organic movement the organic farming is based on the following principles: The principle of health: Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible. The principle of ecology: Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. The principle of fairness: Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. The principle of care: Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment Logo and labelling of Organic Farming Organic products can be identified by signs bearing on their markings (labels) and the Product Certificate accompanying them. 4

5 For labeling and promotion advertising of organic products should be included the following information gradually from 1 st of July 2010 to 1 st of July 2012: The new EU organic farming logo The new approval code of the Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization, next to the EU logo The phrase "PRODUCT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE" in combination with the trade name of the product. The phrase "PRODUCT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE UNDER CONVERTION" only for products of crop production that their cultivation is in a conversion period in combination with the trade name of the product. The origin of the ingredients of the product (e.g. EU Agriculture, non-eu Agriculture or the country of origin), under the new European code of the Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization For manufactured products the phrase X% of the agricultural ingredients are organic if only the percentage of components of organic origin is at least 70% and the other ingredients are those allowed by EU legislation. Figure 1: EU Organic Farming Logo New obligations Figure 2: Organic Farming Label till 01/07/2010 Figure 3: Organic Farming Label after 01/07/2010 5

6 The Product Certificate is obligatory to include: Name of the Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization (e.g. BioHellas) Name, address and code number of the enterprise that trades the product Enterprise s activity (e.g. trading) The enterprise s trader certificated products and their stage (e.g. organic or transitional stage) Period of validity of the Certificate, with particular emphasize to the expiration date. Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization Info data and activity of the Enterprise List of the certificated products Period of validity of the Certificate (Start and Expiration date) Figure 4: Organic Product Certificate, Source BioHEllas 6

7 2.3. History and development of Organic farming in Greece Organic farming in Greece began during at time when regulations national or European did not exist. The first organic production in Greece began in 1982 in Aigialeia when a small group of local farmers began the production of organic Corinthian grapes with the intent to export them to Holland. Though the odds were against them and it was certainly not easy in the beginning, the efforts of this small group of farmers proved successful. The organic farming project of the E.A.S. Aigialeias (Union of Agricultural Cooperatives) is still active, with over 500 producers involved in the farming of grapes, olives, and citrus fruits. The first organic olive production began in Mani (Peloponnese) in the mid-1990s. There is no official data on organic agriculture for the period from 1982 to According to estimates, there were about 150 producers cultivating a total area of 200 hectares. EU Regulation 2092/91 brought about a major change. Many farmers officially converted their farms to organic agriculture. A second expansion took place after the introduction of hectare subsidies in 1996 with the adoption of the EU- Regulation 2078/92. Organic agriculture has rapidly expanded since its official establishment, with annual growth rates of between 50% and 120%. In 1999, both the share of organically utilized area as well as the number of organic farmers reached 0.5% of the overall country total General economic data During the survey found that the official bodies and institutions of the country which could provide information (e.g. Ministry of Rural Development and Food YPAAT, Hellenic Statistical Authority) have available data until 2007 regarding to organic agriculture, crop type per prefecture, etc. Therefore, for the presentation of the situation in Greece regarding to this specific subject, as reference year was taken The development of organic farming in Greece between 2002 and 2007 is presented in the table below. Year Organic Cultivated area (Ha) , ,55 7

8 Year Organic Cultivated area (Ha) , , , ,60 Table 1: Organic Agriculture in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) Figure 5: Organic cultivated area in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) Figure 6: The development of Organic cultivated area in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) 8

9 As it is shown in the above Table and Figures the cultivated hectares with organic methods was ,25 during 2002 and in 2003 they reached to ,55. The significant increase in organic farming from 2002 to 2003 onwards due to the implementation of Regulation (EEC) 2078/92. This regulation provides financial support to organic farmers through area grants from the EU. To the following table is represented the number of organic farmers in Greece from 2002 to Year Organic Farmers Table 2: Organic Farmers in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) Regarding to the number of organic farmers in Greece during 2007 amounted to compared to just in The largest increase happened in 2006 compared to Figure 7: Organic Farmers in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) 9

10 Figure 8: Development of Organic Farmers in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) Dividing the total organic farmland with the number of organic farmers, the average size of farm grown in an organically way in Greece in 2007 is about 11,32 Ha. In Greece as shown in the table and figure below, the highest percentage of organic areas during 2007 is concentrated in the cultivation of olive, fodder crops and cereals, after the permanent grazing. Type of cultivation Farming Area Percentage (Ha) (%) Cereals ,80 14,40% Root crops 37,72 0,01% Industrial crops 3.378,94 1,21% Fresh vegetables 2.208,37 0,79% Fodder ,19 15,40% Other 0,72 0,00% Permanent grazing ,07 45,65% Top fruit (excl. citrus, grapes, olives) 2.598,26 0,93% Citrus fruit 2.015,21 0,72% Grapes 4.560,88 1,63% Olives ,75 18,55% Fallow 1.936,44 0,69% Table 3: Organic Cultivations in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) 10

11 Figure 9: Breakdown percentage of Organic cultivations in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) More specifically, the cultivation of olive (18,55%) takes the first place of the organic cultivated areas, after the grazing area, followed by fodder crops (15,40%) and cereals (14,40%). On the other hand, the last place takes other perennial cultivations (e.g. ornamentals) (0,002%) and root crops (0,01%). Organic husbandry began in Greece after the entry into force of Regulation (EEC) No 1804/99 for the completion of livestock products, Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs. Greece has a comparative advantage over other countries regarding organic husbandry, due to favorable soil and climatic conditions, rich natural resources of mountain and upland areas and the implementation of extensive husbandry that can be easily converted to organic. Organic husbandry is directly related to organic agriculture, because the nutritional needs of animals apart from grazing are covered with organic feed. The system animals plants is interdependent and the protection is the ultimate objective of sustainable development. The figure below shows the total number of animals raised organically during

12 Figure 10: Organic raised animals in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) The following figure shows the share (%) of each species of organic animal husbandry in all organic livestock during Figure 11: Share (%) of each species of Organic husbandry in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) The following table and figure shows the development and the number of organic breeders in Greece during

13 Year Organic Breeders Table 4: Organic Breeders in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) Figure 12: Development of Organic Breeders in Greece Source: Ministry of Rural Development and Food ( ) 2.5. Legislation and Certification Bodies The production rules and control measures for organic farming products are determined by national and EU legislation which is as follows: Commission Regulation (EU) No 834/2007: on organic production and labeling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91. Commission Regulation (EU) No 889/2008: laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labeling of organic products with regard to organic production, labeling and control. 13

14 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1235/2008: laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries. Commission Regulation (EU) No 271/2010: amending Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, as regards the organic production logo of the European Union. Joint Ministerial Decision No /06: setting additional measures for the implementation of Community Legislation. Ministerial Decision No / : The definition of additional measures to determine the origin of the meat produced in accordance with Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 of the Council as amended and in force. Circular No / of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food: Creating a database of propagating material produced in an organic way as provided in the Regulation No 1452/2003/EU and the procedures of exemption as provided by Article 6 paragraph 3 of Regulation 2092/91/EEC. Ministerial Decision No / : detailed determination of the Joint Ministerial No /06. Regulation for the Evaluation and Supervision of the Control and Certification System of organic farming from Agrocert OPEGEP (Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization). In Greece has established a system of monitoring and certification, which is supervised by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food with the appropriate Office of Organic Agriculture and the role for the supervision has entrusted to the Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization (OPEGEP) AGROCERT. The most important Greek bodies that can certify Organic Agricultural products are the following: DIO NET 14

15 BIO-HELLAS S.A. QWAYS S.A. A-CERT S.A. IRIS GREEN CONTROL GMCERT QMS-CERT TUV HELLAS 15

16 FILIKI CERT S.A. A producer in order to join to the Control and Certification System of organic products initially has to select the Certification Organization for Organic products and after that he/she has to: submit to the Organization an application form accompanied by a statutory declaration in which will be bound for the law enforcement sign a cooperation Convention with the Certification Organization inform the beginning of the activity on organic farming within 10 (ten) days of signing the Convention, to the Office of Rural Development of the Prefecture of the administrative boundaries of which the farm is allocated 2.6. Current problems and perspectives of development Comparing organic farming in Greece with that of other European countries, it is obvious that the first lags significantly behind the latter. However, the progress in organic sector for Greece in recent years and more specifically after 2000 is impressive. In early of 90s, the interest was not in a high level. But after the adoption of EEC (European Economic Community) Regulation 2092/91, things changed. Figure 13: Organic land use EU27, Source: Eurostat,

17 The reasons that the organic sector is not found in the corresponding levels in other EU countries (as the Figure 22 shows) are the many problems facing by the Greek farmers which are listed below: The farmer s profession is not attractive to younger ages. Furthermore it is hard for an older farmer to change his cultivation methods. As organic farming contains elements of environmental and ecological protection of the farm, requires people with ecological and environmental awareness. The yield of organic cultivation turns out to be about 20% less than the respective conventional. The cost of organic production is higher than the corresponding conventional because of the increased costs that arising from the manual facing of weeds and the high cost of the approved organic fertilizers. The lack of appropriate organic plant protection products in the market and their high price. The know-how of the majority of the Greek organic farmers and their information on issues of organic cultivation methods, are in a low level. The lack of agronomists specialized in organic farming, which is observed in Greece. The cost of certification organizations is quite high and often dissuasive to the producers. The low price of organic products and their inability sometimes to disposal. The high cost of purchasing organic feed for organic animal husbandry. The certification system for organic products is characterized complex, bureaucratic and high cost for producers. Basic conditions for the development of organic agriculture could be as follows: The financial support for organic farmers both in the transition period and perhaps during the later course of organic farming. The updating information of the agronomists in terms of organic production methods. The introduction of organic agriculture in higher agronomic education. Information to farmers on organic farming in order to be convinced of its viability. The introduction of organic farming in vocational training. Organization of marketing for organic products. The consumers information in regard to organic products and their awareness of environmental protection. Funding for research on organic products. 17

18 The organization of the control and certification system for organic products for their reliable disposal in Greek and international market. The creation of an information bank on the progress, achievements and experience gained from the exercise of organic farming, which will be available to all interested parties. Organic farming in Greece has a comparative advantage, due to: mild weather conditions terrain low levels of pollution by agrochemicals family type of farms Organic farming could provide a satisfactory income to holdings that have an opportunity to respond to increased human labor that required by the organic method and can positively influence the cost of organic products. The soil and climate properties in Greece favor the production of products with excellent organoleptic properties. The factors that assisted the development of organic farming in other European countries (legislation, subsidies, trade and elaboration, consumers and farmers information, public research etc) are the ones that the Greek policy has to follow also. Some of the perspectives for the development of organic farming are: financial support for organic farmers during the transition period. information to new farmers, agronomists with seminars on the subject of organic farming, training in the cultivation process (seeding, growth, harvest, post harvest handling, alteration, etc.). organization of the marketing of organic products in support of entrepreneurship, production and marketing of these products. informing consumers about buying and using organic products, the consumption of which enhance the protection of the environment. funding research on the production of organic fertilizer and animal feed, green manure, the training of young people in organic farming, more advantageous rotation programs, intercropping, etc. reducing the bureaucracy at all stages of production. creation of pilot centers for research and training farmers in order to improve their skills on issues of organic agriculture and animal husbandry. 18

19 3. Farming and training 3.1. Current situation The Greek agriculture is characterized by a number of structural weaknesses. The most important of them are: The low level of education of farmers The lack of expertise The producer s limited knowledge of the market and his/her limited negotiating capability. All these above affect in a negative way both the production process and the disposal of products by the producer and the overall effort as well for a development path in rural areas and the improvement of competitiveness. In Greece, the agricultural sector despite the fact that it is in a process of continuing evolution, however, has failed so far, in satisfactory results. One important factor that adversely affected to this were the incomplete or non-existent, especially in recent years, the education, training and information of human and especially of young people engaged in trying to convince them to get involved in agriculture. In Greece, there is no spontaneous demand for integration in education and training projects in agricultural sector, despite the fact that the producers themselves admit their serious shortcomings in expertise. As shown in the figure below, the Greek farmers occupy one of the latest positions according to a Eurostat research for the training percentage of farmers. Figure 14: Training and Education in agriculture, Source: Eurostat,

20 The main reasons for the "depreciation" of agricultural education and training are: The farm nowadays usually inherited. This doesn t mean that it can depend on the level of knowledge producers. The young people know that they will inherit their family s farm, so their education is not associated with the increased possibilities of finding a work. Dealing to agriculture (in the broadest sense of meaning) is not so attractive for young people. It is often a last resort, not a conscious choice. It must be admitted that to agriculture geared mainly young people, who either do not have the opportunity to study or do not find a job placement in another sector of economy. There are only few cases that to be a farmer is a life choice. The low educational level of the majority of them who are dealing with the agricultural profession and the comparatively higher rates of withdrawal of students after the compulsory education which is mainly happen especially in rural areas. Therefore, having understood that knowledge is the most important weapon for improving the competitiveness and reducing the unemployment must change the mentality that prevails in the Greek countryside, which believes that agricultural education and training is a luxury for the farmer. A model must be designed that could make the education and training more attractive and necessary for the Greek farmers by granting incentives. To this direction a very important step is the allocation of the Green Certificate which accredits the adequate professional knowledge of farmer. Furthermore this certificate will represent the first step towards recognition of the farmer s profession. The Green Certificate is polyandry that promotes the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food for training and certification of knowledge and skills of farmers. The Green Certificate is provided through specialized educational process, which combines theoretical knowledge and practical training and it is a key qualification for the Greek farmer. Under these conditions the providing of Green Certificate enables to start (gradually) and the consolidation of rural practice in Greece. As is known, training helps to broaden the horizons and raising of aspirations on the side of the learner. So when a well educated person works in agriculture is likely to be an ambitious, innovative entrepreneur. 20

21 Consequently, the Greek farmer must be educated to increase his/her efficiency. This goal can be achieved by encouraging farmers to change attitudes, to provide the tools and attitudes that contribute to improved management of their businesses, by providing practical knowledge of new techniques which will build an improved decision-making process. This is the educational objective of the Green Certificate VET in organic farming The multiple needs of the rural population of the country for training, vocational training, education and information has taken by the Organization for Agricultural Vocational Training, Training and Employment (Organismos Georgikis Epaggelmatikis Ekpaideusis, Katartisis kai Apascholisis O.G.E.E.K.A.) DIMITRA. OGEEKA DIMITRA is the national organization which has 67 branches in the country that promotes improving skills and attitudes to whom that want to produce competitive products while respecting the consumer and the environment. OGEEKA DIMITRA offers in a systematic way a channel to the multiple needs of farmers. Through an institutional framework, education, training and information of the farmer are given in an efficient way in order to support the development of agriculture and rural regeneration. Apart from OGEEKA DIMITRA, there is another body that offers vocational education and training to farmers. This body calls American Farm School of Thessaloniki. It is an independent, nonprofit educational institution founded in 1904 to serve the rural population of Greece and the Balkans. The educational program of the American Farm School, involves secondary education and lifelong learning for adult farmers. The secondary school offers an accredited general high school education along with a practical focus on a full range of agricultural, life science and technical subjects. The students from the whole Greece can live in the campus of the American School. The Lifelong Learning Department of the American Farm School offers a wide program of adult training, education and information by implementing continuing professional training and adult education programs, lectures, conferences, exchange programs and study visits on topics related to the agrifood sector, the environment, rural tourism, culture, agribusiness, IT and education. 21

22 The Lifelong Learning Department operates a Center of Vocational Training (K.E.K.) accredited in the sectors of agriculture, industry and transport, environment, tourism, finance and management, information technology and training of trainers by the National Accreditation Center for Continuing Vocational Training (supervised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance). The Department provides a wide program of adult education under the name Learning for Life which provides participants with the possibility to acquire new knowledge and skills in the environment of the AmericanFarm School. The subjects of the programs range from Pottery and Carpet Making to Beekeeping, Viticulture, Wine making and Wine tasting, Gardening and Organic Farming. Finally, the Department participates in a number of international activities and programs that concern continuing vocational training, adult education, e-learning, employment support and information. Also there are training programs which are offered by the Vocational Training Centers in the field of Organic farming. The Vocational Training Centers have to be certified by Greek Authorities in the field of Agricultural in order to implement such programs. The aim of the vocational training is the target group to develop the skills with purpose to meet the new requirements and competences. In Greece there is no any body that deals only with training in organic agriculture and more especially with the training of farmers in the field of organic farming Training access barriers for farmers In Greece, the training in agriculture is not as widespread as in other EU countries (as shown in Figure 7). The fact that only 5,4% of Greek farmers attended a training program is particularly disturbing and assure the perception that has always been that, urban and rural people have limited interest in education and training. The experts that interviewed agreed that some of the training barriers that farmers face include the following factors: affordability admission requirements physical distance from training centers literacy numeracy 22

23 language of instruction and scant resources. All the above factors present a formidable barrier to effective formal and non-formal education. 4. Organic Food Retailing in Greece According to the Commission Regulations (EU) No 834/2007 and (EU) No 889/2008 is essential for retail stores to be inspected in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on organic production. These Regulations set high requirements especially on records that each store has to keep, so some of these requirements can not be applicable in retail stores, such as the need of installation and maintenance of computerized accounting systems. Thus the inspection and certification of the retail stores according to these EU Regulations is a very difficult to be adopted, in many cases. For this reason many retail stores are trying to find different ways in order to ensure their customers that the products that they sale have certified as organic. Taking into account the above framework some of the Certification of Organic Products Organizations draw up a private standard which emphasize on the separation of the retailing products (conventional, in conversion, organic) in compliance with documentation of the organic origin of the traded goods (e.g. keeping record of Certificate Supplier and/or Manufacturers which is available which is available for inspection by clients of the store), to prevent contaminations of products from imponderables or wrong operations. The inspection of an organic retailing store according to the private standards of the Certificate Bodies is not possible to replace the Commission Regulations but to confirm the system of store s self-inspection. The places that organic foods can be found are the following: Hypermarket (Carefour, Lidl, etc.) (there are separately stand with organic foods) Supermarket (there are separately stand with organic foods) Open Market (there are separately stand with organic foods) Independent health/natural product store 23

24 During 2008 a national vocational training program in title Organic Cultivations carried out in Larissa in the frame of action Training of unemployed people in certified Centers of Vocational Training (circle C) by C.V.T. Georgiki Anaptixi. Twenty four trainees fulfilled 480 questionnaires in order to accomplice a market survey. They tried in an empirical way to address in almost all social levels, human groups, genders, ages etc to record the prevailing trends of the ordinary citizen of Larissa regarding to the organic products. According to a survey s results the places where consumers prefer to buy organic products for their needs are shown in the next figure. Figure 15: Places that consumer buys organic products Source: Survey in the frame of program Organic Cultivations, 2008 According to this survey the Greek consumers prefer to buy organic products by independent stores (50,78%). Furthermore, according to the same survey s results the organic products that consumers prefer to buy are shown on figure

25 Figure 16: Organic Products that consumers prefer to buy Source: Survey in the frame of program Organic Cultivations,

26 5. References Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Agricultural Products Certification and Supervision Organization (OPEGEP), National Accreditation Center for Continuing Vocational Training, Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs National Center of Vocational Guidance European Commission, Eurostat, Statistics, rming_statistics#further_eurostat_information Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Bio DIO NET, BIO-HELLAS S.A., QWAYS S.A., A-CERT S.A., IRIS, GREEN CONTROL, GMCERT, QMS-CERT, TUV HELLAS, 26

27 FILIKI CERT S.A., National Printing House Hellenic Statical Authority, Stavrou, Stavros (1995). Vocational Education and Training in Greece. Vasileia Vretakou, Panagiotis Rouseas (2002). Vocational Education and Training in Greece. Miliadou Despoina, Panagiotou Evaggelos, Fotopoulos Christos (2001), Organic Agriculture Farming and Anniman Husbandry Survey for organic products in the frame of a Vocational Training Program in title Organic Cultivations that carried out by C.V.T. Georgiki Anaptixi, Larissa