RDP project database

This Wales based project developed new, emerging and existing markets for organic produce whilst driving innovation, at all levels, within the supply chain. It also strove to increase consumer demand and awareness of organic produce.

The project was born from the need to support a thriving Welsh organic produce sector and to ensure that the benefits of Welsh Government investment could be fully realised in the Organic Farming Scheme. Specifically the importance was recognised of generating agri-environmental benefits and - in the Welsh Organic Action Plan - supporting rural development and sustainable food production.

The chief aim of the project was to increase consumer demand and stimulate markets for organic produce with a strong emphasis on the domestic market. In addition, the project aimed to ensure that the premium price for organic produce was maintained and, if possible, improved in order to ensure that organic farming is a sustainable practice for primary producers.

The project had four main areas of activity. These were: i) driving innovation in the Welsh organic agri-food sector and increasing the quality of the products; ii) increasing demand for organic produce, thus opening up new, emerging, and existing markets; iii) developing markets for Welsh organic farm and food businesses within public procurement, catering, export, and food-tourism; iv) creating infrastructure for organic supply chain intelligence and organic supply chain management in Wales.

The project succeeded in its primary objectives. It enabled the provision of valuable market information to primary producers and the organic sector in general. Demand and markets for organic products increased, especially meat, dairy and horticulture (products which are not covered through the Farming Connect Organic Development programme). The presence in the markets of organic products also increased, as did consumer awareness of the products themselves.

During this project it became clear that collaboration was the key for the success of all of the project’s activities. Either through farmer-to-farmer collaboration or via supply chain collaboration e.g. farmer – processor – distributor – retailer/customer.

All Wales

Wales

Wales

2 276 352

1 138 178

Ana Laing

ana.laing@wales.gsi.gov.uk

+44 300 062 2223

English