The continuing growth in the organic produce market through tough economic times shows the burgeoning strength of the sector, says Nelson organics pioneer Seager Mason.
The latest research from the University of Otago and the Agribusiness Group shows sales of organic food and beverage grew 25 per cent in the past three years, from $275 million in 2009 to $350m in 2012.
Mr Mason, an organic farmer and shop owner and former BioGro technical director, said even he was surprised at the average growth rate of 8 per cent a year, given it had been achieved during a global recession when demand for high-quality foods had been depressed. “I’m very pleased to see those figures.”
