The global total area certified for organic farming currently amounts to 35 million hectares, which represents 3 million more than in 2007. Latin America and Europe saw the highest growth rates. 34.7% of the area under organic cultivation lies in Oceania, followed by Europe with 23.4% and Latin America with 23%. The global market achieved a value of USD50 bn; the majority of consumers live in the US and Europe. The European Union observed that demand for organically grown fruit and vegetables has increased much more than production which means that more and more organic products are imported from overseas. Western European countries show a greater demand for organic fruit and vegetables than Eastern Europe. In 2006 and 2007 consumers spent approx. EUR14.4 bn in retail annually; more than 80% in Germany the UK, France and Italy.
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