When food matters

Integrated strategyOrganic exports based on co-ordinated and proactive strategiesConsensus on strategy fororganic exportsThere is general agreement among all politicalparties in Denmark to support organic productionin interaction between the public and the privatesectors.A good example of this interaction is the exportstrategy for organic products which the DanishMinister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, MsMariann Fischer Boel, approved in November 2002.The Minister commissioned this strategy fromthe Organic Food Council, whose members aredrawn from industry, agriculture and consumerorganisations.Clear-cut division of responsibilitiesThe Danish export strategy is based on a clear-cutdivision of responsibilities among industry, tradeorganisations and the authorities.The individual company is responsible for propellingits own exports through innovation, productdevelopment and professional marketing.The organisations are responsible for studying andanalysing potential markets and for co-ordinatingjoint campaigns, for instance in connection withinternational trade fairs.The authorities must pave the way for the recognitionof the Danish state control system to facilitateaccess to export markets for Danish organic products.The Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture andFisheries, Ms Mariann Fischer Boel:“Organics is an important aspect of Danish agricultureand food production. In co-operation withthe organic organisations we are pulling out all thestops to boost sales on the export markets.”November 20028 9