S. African Government Backs Organic Farming In New Policy Initiative

The South African government’s agriculture, trade and industry departments are seeking comment on a draft policy that would promoted organic farming among emerging black farmers and provide training. Organic farming proponents welcomed the government plant to regulate and support the sector, saying it will help sustainable production of healthy food become mainstream. A  new non-profit group, the SA Organic Sector Organization (SAOSO), will lobby for organic farming, promoting benefits such as efficient water use and carbon sequestration, as well as health benefits like better nutrition and reduced agro-chemical toxins. On the issue of organic certification, a high-cost process that can be a barrier for smaller producers to overcome, the draft policy proposes keeping the current multi-certifier system for exports but introducing a new system for the local market.