Sri Lanka’s organic exporters could become strategic suppliers to German market says German envoy
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) has reportedly noted that Sri Lankan organic exporters could become strategic suppliers to the German market for organic food which is one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide and the largest one within the European Union (EU).
Chief Delegate of the Delegation, Andreas Hergenröther, (AHK Sri Lanka) has recently made these observations at a seminar held in Sri Lanka’s Northern city of Jaffna hosted in collaboration with the German Agency of International Development Cooperation (GIZ) in a bid to raise awareness among potential exporters and industry representatives to increase export capacities of organic products to the EU.
He has further highlighted that the global market for organic food had reached EURO 106 billion in 2019. Retail sales in the EU were valued at EURO 41.4 billion and as the largest organic retail sales market in the EU, Germany had accounted for EURO 11,970 million in 2019.
According to reports, major Sri Lankan organic products exported to the EU include cinnamon, coconut-based products, organic tea and tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, banana, and vegetables such as potato, carrots, leeks, and legumes.
Sivapalan Pakeetharan, Programme Officer-Enterprise development, from GIZ had introduced the programme to the organic-sector exporters and discussed the criteria required to embark on this area.
During the event, Marvin Woischnik-Lange, Head of Public Projects at AHK Sri Lanka had presented information on key topics concerning the EU legislations for organic farming, technical regulations and controls, certifications, standards, packaging, labelling, logistics, risk management, and other requirements of the European consumer.
S. Maheswaran, President – Thenmaradchi Fruit Producers and Sellers Cooperative Society/ Palamuthirsolai had presented a development testimonial and Dr. Prabu Nadaraja, Co-founder of Organic Movement of North and East (OMNE) had explained the prospects of organic farming in North and East Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan exporters in the organic sector were briefed on the procedure of exporting organic products from Sri Lanka to the EU and support mechanisms such as matchmaking support at this event, the state owned English newspaper, Daily News reported.
OSL take:
As highlighted by the German envoy, Sri Lanka’s organic producers have the opportunity of becoming the main supplier to the EU. Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector has much potential for expansion with many business/investment opportunities. Foreign businesses/investors could explore the possibility of entering Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector through investments/partnerships/joint ventures. The many trade agreements as well as the trade concessions enjoyed by the country will help its exports sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20210322/Z_2 |