The positive development of the Swiss organic sector is continuing in both agriculture and the retail trade, reports the organic association Bio Suisse.

At the beginning of 2012, 220 farms were in conversion, which is a rise of 27.1 % compared with 2010. For the first time, more farmers converted to organic in 2011 than withdrew from organic farming. Also in 2011, 5,618 farms operated according to Bio Suisse standards, and 387 in compliance with the Swiss organic regulation.

Around 11 % of farms now practise organic agriculture and in 2011 over 120,000 hectares were cultivated organically, which also constitutes 11 % of the total agricultural land in Switzerland. Sales in the retail sector also rose in 2011. Turnover increased by 4.2 % to the equivalent of 1.44 billion euros, and per capita consumption rose by 4.7 % to 184 euros.

For the first time, organic food achieved a 6 % share of the total food market in Switzerland. Growth was recorded in all the important product groups. Fish products, with a share of turnover of 8 % in the total food market, account for two-thirds of the market. Coop is with 48 % the most important sales channel for organics in Switzerland.

2012.04.18             by Kai Kreuzer