Demand for Organic Farming

Despite the world's economic downturn, it seems the demand for organic food will keep on growing, creating opportunities for poor farmers in developing coutries, according to the United Nations.

A recent report explained that 'Even in the current economic crisis, where the demand for most produce is dropping, the demand for organic food will continue to grow."

Sales of organic fruit, vegetables, grains and meats - produced without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides - has shot up in the past four years based on the claims that the food is healthier.

However, the more expensive items have lost momentum in the supermarkets, where shoppers are looking for value and own brands.

Organic farming is particularly well suited to small farmers and smallholders as the costs of fertilisers have increased so dramatically.

Almost a quarter of the world's organic farms are now located in Africa, with recent studies in Uganda showing that the returns were worth the additional paperwork and accreditations.