Biofach 2017

February 15-18, 2017

Nuremberg, Germany

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Biofach 2017

The organic sector is looking at huge potential across the world, with growing awareness of the benefits of nature-friendly and sustainable farming. Biofach Nuremberg has emerged as an important meeting point for the players in the organic trade since 1990. In 2017, the event is being attended by over 2,300 exhibitors.

Biofach Nuremberg essentially covers organic food, organic drinks and organic non-food products. Exhibitors from the segments of fresh food, frozen food, grocery products (cooking and baking), grocery products (snacks and sweets) , grocery products (drinks), other grocery products, non-food and technology and equipment. Indian organic tea and spices sectors are participating at the event, led by Tea Board and Spices Board respectively. IBEF has provided support in terms of on-site branding for these sectors.

India's organic food sector – in harmony with nature

Over the past one decade, the country has further leveraged its agro-climactic strengths to popularise organic farming, which has been part of an inherited tradition in many areas. And with demand for organic alternatives growing, both in domestic and international markets, India is fast turning into a hub for organic tea and spices. In 2015–16, tea constituted 2% and spices 1% of India's organic food exports, which stood at around 263,687 MT and were valued at US$ 298 million.

Organic Spices

To boost organic spice farming in India, Spices Board has initiated several developmental programmes for encouraging organic cultivation of spices including turmeric, ginger, herbal spices, seed spices and chillies. It also helps farmers who pursue organic methods of cultivation to obtain certification. Further, it also works with the farmers in the development of vermi-compost units and supplies post-harvest aids for upgrading quality of the produce. The Board encourages nongovernmental organisations and farmers' groups to adopt organic farming techniques.

Secondly, keeping in line with the growing demand in the international market, the Board facilitates sourcing of organic spices from India. The country has the capability to produce and supply a variety of organic spices. In addition, Spices Board also participates in various international trade fairs to promote Indian certified organic spices. The country exported around 1,881.15 MT of organic spices in 2015-16, valued at Rs 102.45 crore.

Organic Tea

Over the past one decade, the country has further leveraged its agro-climactic strengths to popularise organic farming, which has been part of an inherited tradition in many areas. And with demand for organic alternatives growing, both in domestic and international markets, India is fast turning into a hub for organic tea and spices. In 2015–16, tea constituted 2% and spices 1% of India's organic food exports, which stood at around 263,687 MT and were valued at US$ 298 million.

A universal drink, tea owes its popularity to its reputation as a refreshing beverage, its versatility in modern cuisine, and the health benefits associated with it. Concepts such as 'tea meditation' are finding followers across continents. With an ever-increasing demand for this flavoursome, aromatic brew, Tea Board, India is focussing on upping production and export quantities of Indian organic tea. The Board's January-October 2016 exports statistics show that 174.41 million kg of tea travelled from India to several countries including the Russian Federation (38.29 million kg), Iran (18.29 million kg), United Kingdom (12.59 million kg), UAE (11.47 million kg), and the US (10.60 million kg)—bringing in Rs 3,464.27 crore in value terms. An intrinsically labour-intensive industry, the government is attentive to tea growers' concerns such as crop insurance, employment generation, and profitable returns.

The Government of India, through the Tea Board, has initiated several programmes and offered incentives to promote organic cultivation of tea:
  • It offers 25% higher capital subsidy on investments for new planting/replanting/replacement or conversion from conventional to organic farming.
  • 75% of the cost of organic certifications (subject to ceiling of `1.5 lakh per certificate including on renewal of certificate per annum) is borne by the government in case of SHGs/cooperative of SHGs setting up an organic tea factory.
  • A tea factory applicant for organic tea production gets additional 25% on differential cost of production, compared to a conventional tea factory.
  • Subsidy is provided for organic certification @50% of the certification fee subject to a ceiling of `1 lakh per certificate including renewals per annum.
  • The government is also educating small tea growers on the benefits of organic tea cultivation and helping them build capacity.
  • Tea Board ensures participation in international trade fairs for organic products, such as Bio-fach, Germany; Bio-fach, India; Gulf Food, Dubai; and Foodex, Tokyo.
  • Buyer-seller meets are held to spread awareness about organic tea.