Global organic dairy market facing supply shortages.

摘要

Global demand for organic food and drink is outpacing production with many regions reporting product shortages. The organic dairy sector has been hit particularly badly with not enough organic milk produced to meet processing needs. As a consequence, organic dairy products are being shipped to meet burgeoning consumer demand. Over 31 million hectares of organic farmland is managed organically, a doubling from the 2000 figure of 15.8 million hectares. Although the demand is concentrated in the northern hemisphere, production is more evenly spread. Across Europe, consumer demand for organic dairy products is also outpacing supply. Not enough organic milk is produced to meet processors needs and there is reluctance from dairy farmers to convert to organic practices. Previous years of overproduction have made many dairy farmers hesitant to take the organic route. The European organic dairy industry is in need of new investment to meet its true market potential. Yet, it remains to be seen how it will get this new investment from farmers and/or dairy processors. Many dairy farmers now see organic farming as a risky business preposition whereas dairy processors are keen but cannot find the organic milk supply. New investment is required to build production capacity, however the question remains how?.