Organic Agriculture Catering to Niche Markets

The difference between genetically modified (GM), natural, and organic agriculture can at times be subtle. Natural agriculture means that, from the planting of the crops onward, all of the soil, water, fertilizers, and environment within the farm operation have not been chemically or biologically modified from its naturally occurring form. This does not prevent, however, the underlying crops from being GM in the first place. Genetically modified usually refers to the human alteration of the chemical or biological composition of the seed or crop being planted. In this regard, only organic labeling certifies that both the seeds and the full agricultural process are completely natural or unmodified. Thus, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other government agencies have several classifications worldwide, including natural, organic, GM, and non-GM. According to the USDA, in order to qualify as organic, farms operations and foodstuff processors must preserve natural resources and biodiversity; support animal health and welfare; provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors; only use approved materials that are not genetically modified ingredients; receive annual onsite inspections; and separate organic food from non-organic food by way of a buffer zone.

Organic Agriculture Catering to Niche Markets

In the 21st century, the distinction between GM and organic crops has become increasingly discussed and important worldwide. Currently, it is widely accepted that products that have been genetically modified at any stage in their development or cultivation are considered GM. Meanwhile, for a product to be considered organic it must be grown completely naturally throughout its entire production chain. Specifically, the United States is by far the world’s largest grower of GM foodstuffs, with an estimated 73 million hectares of GM crops under production in 2016. The next largest GM producer is Brazil with approximately 49 million hectares in 2016.

Though it is argued that genetic modification merely represents the acceleration of a natural evolutionary process and that it yields favorable results, many countries have banned or severely restricted the cultivation of such crops as well as the import of GM goods. One of the most vocal political entities against the consumption of GM crops is the European Union. Only a very small fraction of the farmland within the EU cultivates GM crops and said cultivation is mainly limited to maize or corn, the most prolific and widely accepted GM crop. However, GM crops are still not accepted in many parts of the world, including Russia, Algeria, Nigeria, and Peru, amongst others. Similarly, some African nations go as far as not accepting food aid containing GM products.

Environmentally conscious and demanding consumers are increasingly seeking out natural and organic products in the world’s market. This dynamic presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the food and agriculture industry. For example, the organic nut group, including almonds, coconut, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts, is a particularly promising market thanks to health-conscious consumers and exports to a growing middle class in emerging markets worldwide.

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