September 11, 2012

Romania exports organic corn to US

Romania has for the first time this year exported organic corn to America and could become an important supplier of organic raw materials for animal fodder to the USA.

"Romania has recorded a big success as a result of its last year's participation in Biofach Baltimore, one of the largest organic farm conventions in the US. Although exports were no more than just some containers, I think it is marvellous for a European country to have exported corn to the motherland of corn, the US, this proving the huge potential of the Romanian agriculture to produce under an organic system. The first cargo arrived there two months ago and more corn will leave for the US market from the current crops," said Marian Cioceanu, Chairman of the Bio-Romania Association of Organic Farm Operators on Sunday (Sep 9).

He added that no matter how much genetically modified wheat and corn Romania grows, the local farmers will be unable to enter the American markets with products cheaper than those made in Argentina or Brazil.

This year, Romania is taking part for the second time in Biofach America, one of the largest organic agricultural conventions in America to be held September 20-23 in Baltimore. There will be 11 Romanian companies displaying in the convention this year, compared with seven in 2011.

Showcased at the Romanian pavilion will be organic products including cereals (wheat, corn, barley, soy), vegetables, oilseed plants, honey, bee products, wild berries, organic bread and bakery products, some of them kosher certified, organic wines and grapes as well as organic cosmetics.