June 28, 2007

Denmark's organic exports growing, despite differing standards abroad

Export opportunities is fueling growth in Denmark's small but rapidly growing organic industry. 

In 2006, 40 percent of the country's organic pork went to the UK, mostly in the form of back bacon. However, due to the different organic standards between Dutch and UK, Dutch pork sold in the UK does not come with Soil Association endorsement even though it was sold as an organic product.

Karsten Deibjerg of Friland, the organisation overseeing Danish organic production, said some of the Soil Association's standards were 'higher' as Friland focuses more strongly on environmental factors rather than animal welfare.

Deibjerg said in Denmark's organic systems, Danish piglets can be weaned at seven weeks, one week earlier than in the UK, and male piglets can be castrated.

Castration is carried out to prevent boar taint and preserve meat taste, Deibjerg said. A premium product cannot afford to taste bad, he added.