I . 2013 / www.naturland.de

Naturland News International Information for members and interested parties

Organic Aquaculture and Sustainable Fishery worldwide Organic Aquaculture, Wildfish, pioneering achievements

Agricultural policy Naturland International Synergy effects Reformation of the European CAP Naturland as host Cooperatives act in concert

Naturland News International No. 29 - November 2013 1 Naturland at trade fairs • Agritechnica, 12.-16. November in Hannover, Germany • IGW, 17.-26. January 2014 in Berlin, Germany Shrimpfarm in India • BioFach, 12.-15. February 2014 in Nuremberg, Germany

Contents: Editorial...... 3 NEUIGKEITEN VON NATURLAND • Short report on the BioFach...... 4 • World Advisory Board meets in Graefelfing...... 5 • Naturland welcomes the Leading Organic Alliance to Munich...... 6 • The organic industry meets the organic prince...... 6 • Gambling with Food...... 7 • Book review „Food Crash“...... 7 • Giving smallholders a voice...... 8 • Fair trade: Naturland in Ecuador...... 10 • Public funds for public services - The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)...... 10 • dwp - 25 Years of Fair Trade in Ravensburg...... 12 • Revision of Naturland standards...... 12

FACHINFORMATION FISCH • Naturland wild fish project successful – reinforcement at Lake Victoria...... 13 • Sustainable fishery in the Maldives...... 14 • Aquaculture: Organic versus ASC...... 15 • Fish show allergic reactions to genetically engineered feed ...... 17 • First Irish mussels to be certified by Naturland...... 18 • Sea and inshore fishing and fish wholesalers...... 18

MITGLIEDERFORUM • Coffee by "Pro Natur" – sensuous seduction from Peru...... 19 • Interview with Jan Bernhard...... 21 • Organic Rooibos – of benefit to both mankind and nature...... 21 • "Naturland Fair" creates new synergies...... 23 Legal notice...... 24

2 Naturland News International No. 29 - November 2013 EDITORIAL

Diversity is key!

Dear members and partners of Naturland the world over, Taken together, the USA and the EU represent The main topics featured in this issue are organic half of global economic performance. Since July, aquaculture and sustainable fishery. Since the 2013, Washington and Brussels have been nego- mid-1990s Naturland has been pursuing pilot tiating the terms of a Transantlantic Trade and projects with various players in the field of organic Investment Partnership (TTIP). This agreement aquaculture, with the aim of developing sustai- is designed to dismantle almost all the trade barri- nable solutions viable in everyday practice. In ers existing between the USA and the EU. The 2006 Naturland devised its wild fish certification negotiations are expected to be concluded by the procedure based on its project in Tanzania. This end of 2014. The proponents of this agreement was so successful that the people there are now see the greatest potential afforded in enabling assisted by two Naturland employees. This project manufacturers to sell their wares on both the and many others, as well as a comparison of US and European market without unnecessary organic aquaculture with the new ASC label, are bureaucracy. However, the TTIP will be detri- described on pages 13 – 19. mental to Europe's farmers and consumers. For example, in the USA meat from cloned animals Smallholders are the subject in our members' or animals treated with hormones, and milk from forum (pp. 19 – 23). ProNatur is an organisation high-yielding dairy cows doped with genetically in Peru with 2,000 family farms as co-operative engineered growth hormones, is permissible. members. Another co-operative in Latin America European farmers would suffer from the increased is Manduvirá, which this year joined forces with price pressure put on them, since the production two other collectives. And, on the same track, we costs in the United States are that much lower. have a report on the Wupperthal Original Rooibos The campaign "Organic + fair. More food to sha- Cooperative, this time changing, however, from re!" is fighting for exactly the opposite policy. At sugar to tea and from America to Africa. its closing event, "Small farmers are key!", experts This issue, therefore, is a rich assembly of discuss current agroecological issues and related contributions on topics ranging from politics development policies with political representatives and fair trade to our advisory services, and from (p. 8). Naturland is campaigning for a fair reform aquaculture to coffee growing. This wide range in agriculture (p. 10) and demands an end to food of subjects is a good reflection of the wide and speculation (p. 8), in opposition to unreflecting varied spectrum of the activities covered by the market deregulation and in support of a respon- Naturland association which started up thirty sible approach to the environmental ressources years ago and still continues to expand its range available to us. of projects. The book "Food Crash" by Dr. Felix Naturland nevertheless had ample grounds for Prinz zu Löwenstein (p. 7) and the Transatlantic celebration this year: we celebrated our thirtieth Trade and Investment Partnership are proof that anniversary at the BioFach trade fair in February much still needs to be done. We invite you to join (p. 4). And in June we were invited to join the us in tackling these issues. festivities marking the twenty fifth anniversary of dwp e.G., a longstanding partner of Naturland (p. 12).

On several occasions this year Naturland hosted guests from abroad. A visit by the Leading Or- ganic Alliance (p. 6) and by the World Advisory Steffen Reese Board (p. 5), in particular, are clear evidence of the global approach by Naturland.

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Short report on the BioFach

Meet and greet at the fishmarket The chocolate fountain invited for feasting

At its newly designed exhibition booth at the BioFach 2013, Naturland presented itself certified to the Naturland fair trade stan- and its over 50 partners from Germany and abroad as a team of professionals in or- dards and is imported by dwp for further ganic agriculture. Many talks were held with professionals in the fields of commerce, information, see our article "Naturland Fair farming and processing, and also with our German and foreign partners and many creates new synergies", p. 23. In future, media representatives and others active in politics. Berchtesgadener Land dairy intends to convert all its products which are certi- Many Naturland farmers wishing to ac- waters. fied by Naturland entirely to compliance quire further information on the associ- Another draw for visitors was the choco- with the combined organic and fair trade ation approached the Naturland team of late fountain which was displayed for the standards. specialists as the first point of contact. second time at the BioFach this year. It is a The focal topic at the booth featuring the Animal welfare, a topic which interested perfect illustration of how the concepts of "Organic plus Fair – more food to share!" many visitors and experts in the field, was organic and fair trade can be amalgamated campaign (which aims to further the con- dealt with in constructive discussions by by using produce from the north and from cept of combining fair trade with organic Frigga Wirths and our team of experts. the south. Lots of discussions were held to agriculture) was global food security: They emphasised clear commitment of the accompaniment of chocolate-covered almost one billion of the world's populati- Naturland to the respectful treatment bananas and bread. This time, however, on are starving. Many of these people live of animals. Naturland farmers also held there was a new piece of news to add: in the countryside on farms. Small farmers regular consultations, giving their own ac- At the BioFach 2013, the dairy Berchte- make a great contribution to food produc- counts of practical experience in this field. sgadener Land Molkerei launched two tion. However, they have no political voice. The "Fish Market", which Naturland and new Naturland Fair product lines under The supporters of this campaign, Nürnberg Messe, the trade fair organisa- this combined organic and fair trade Naturland and the German National tion in Nuremberg, initiated in 2012, this logo, namely organic fruit yoghurts and Association of Worldshops (Weltladen- year allowed visitors to learn about organic Alpenzwerg organic chocolate milk. These Dachverband), aim to publicise this deficit aquaculture and sustainable fishery and to new products are the result of co-operation and to give smallholders a voice. sample the corresponding results pre- between the co-operatives Berchtesga- At the traditional booth party, the motto sented by our partners. The international dener Land, dwp eG and Manduvirá, all was the thirtieth anniversary of Naturland, menu included mussels and salmon from three of which are partners of Naturland. and participants were encouraged to sam- Ireland, tuna from the Maldives, shrimps Besides using its own fair trade milk, the ple a slice of the delicious birthday cake. from Latin America and Southeast Asia dairy processes sugar from Manduvirá On the Friday, Hans Hohenester, the and trout and herrings from German in South America, which has also been president of the Naturland association,

Thirty years as a pioneer of organic preserve bio-diversity, ensure that our soils remain fertile, expertise and global activity: this is the conserve our water and counteract climate change. They are fertile ground from which Naturland cultural services and encourage life styles in which much less and its partners will launch their next meat is consumed. And they are fair – to humans, animals and developmental projects. Naturland the environment. At the BioFach Naturland partners and staff has adopted the symbol "ÖKUHVISI- wore badges displaying this symbol. Besides this, it appeared ON", a play on the German words for "organic", "cow" in advertisements and flyers and on posters. All Naturland and "vision", to demonstrate the high esteem in which organic operations are of course free to use this symbol and in this way agriculture and the related food industry should be held. They show they endorse the next thirty years of Naturland.

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Discussions with interested visitors and farmers 30 years Naturland represents 30 years of organic pioneering chaired a meeting of Naturland internatio- board member of Naturland and chairman attended but this time, unfortunately, there nal members and partners. Steffen Reese, of the German Federation of the Organic were few participants. The main reason for the general manager, reported on the Food Industry (BÖLW), drew attention to the low attendance was probably conflic- Naturland activities and offered a preview the importance of and need for organic ting appointments. For this reason the of future projects. In his talk entitled "We agriculture. In a final ceremony, long-stan- meeting will be given an evening slot next shall have to feed ourselves organically, or ding members of Naturland received an year, to make it a good opportunity for the not at all", Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein, award. The meeting in 2012 was very well fruitful exchange of opinions.

World Advisory Board meets in Graefelfing

As part of the Assembly of Delegates of the Naturland - Association for Organic Agri- culture the World Advisory Board came to- gether from 13 - 15 May. Together with the staff of the International Department, they exchanged views on the current situation of organic agriculture in the countries, dis- cussed problems and tasks and discussed the topics of the Assembly of Delegates. The members of the Advisory Board, Frauke Weissang (Italy), Prof. Dr. Hamdy Sief El-Nasr (Egypt), Prem Tamang (India) and Noel Galindo (Peru) did not miss the opportunity of the stay in Germany to visit a Naturland Farmer. Hans Holland Noel Galindo, Manfred Fürst, Friedrun Sachs (both Naturland International), Prem Tamang, Alexander Koch Naturland delegate of Baden-Württemberg (Naturland International), Prof. Hamdy, Hans Holland, Frauke Weissang, Andreas Ziermann (public relations invited to his farm “Hofgut Ochsenhausen” Naturland International) and presented together with his wife its agricultural and forestry family farm. Naturland delegate meetings. Two years from different countries advise the Interna- Naturland pays great importance to inter- ago, the World Advisory Board was tional Department and discuss current and national cooperation. For 17 years interna- convened in addition, the members of the strategic issues. tional delegates take part in the international delegates. Naturland farmers

The international guests get an idea of the farm Holland International exchange “hands-on”

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Naturland welcomes the Leading Organic Alliance to Munich

From 6th to 8th May, 2013, Naturland was host to the Leading Association (UK), EKO-kreumerk (Netherlands) and Bio Suisse Organic Alliance (LOA), an organisation uniting the leading Eu- (Switzerland). At the event in Munich, Markus Arbenz, General ropean organic associations and certifiers. The main emphasis Manager of IFOAM World, gave a talk on IFOAM's activities in of their networking activities is on concrete aspects of sustaina- the field of sustainability (SOAAN – Sustainable Organic Agricul- bility, quality assurance topics and the exchange of information ture Action Network). Since the LOA defines itself as a decentra- between task forces. lised network, it has neither offices nor staff. The organisation is co-ordinated by each of its members in turn. Currently Naturland This alliance of the organic elite of Europe currently has twelve is presiding. The next meeting, in the autumn of 2013, will take members: Bio Austria (Austria), BioForum (Belgium), Bionext place at the premises of LaSelva in Italy and is being organised by (Netherlands), Ecovalia (Spain), Debio (Norway), ICEA (Italy), ICEA and Naturland. KRAV (Sweden), Naturland (Germany), Bioland (Germany), Soil

Cumulative organic expertise visits Naturland

The organic industry meets the organic prince

In May, Prince Charles paid a visit to the Langenburg Forum in the German state of Lively discussions were held between Baden-Württemberg. Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg had invited internatio- representatives of all areas of the food in- nal experts as well as Germany's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joschka Fischer, dustry, including farmers, members of the to attend the conference entitled "Towards sustainable regional food systems". organic industry, processing enterprises and grocery retailers, as well as political representatives, on the subject of the deve- lopment of sustainable regional agricultu- ral and food systems. The focus of the dis- cussions was the improvement of local and regional food systems, the preservation of jobs in rural areas and the reinforcement of small-scale farming structures.

The successor to the British throne had already addressed encouraging words of welcome to participants in the last IFOAM World Congress. The Soil Association too, one of the Naturland European network partners, can also rely on the support of the Prince of Wales, who is himself also an organic farmer.

Georg Heiser (General manager of BioCompany), Steffen Reese, Prinz Charles, Xenia zu Hohenlohe

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We do not play with food!

Hunger crises, failed harvests, rising prices and extreme volatility in the price of agricultural products have in recent years made food speculation a topic of public concern.

In 2011 there were almost one billion starving, on a global scale. Close to ten million people die of starvation every year, most of them children. In developing countries, the world's poorest have to spend up to 80% of their income on food. Where this is so, price increases quickly mean that many people can no longer afford even one meal a day, and, if the worst comes to the worst, die of starvation. In July, 2012, to cite one example, the price of cereals rose at times by as much as 6%, according to the World Food Organisation. There are many and complex reasons for such extreme price increases and fluctuations. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly evident that food speculation has a lot to account for.

Futures exchanges were instituted as a hedge for growers and processors against price fluctuations by agreeing on a buying price in advance of production. On these exchanges many types In the recent years, ever more banks and funds have started trading in of commodities are traded in, most especially soya and cereals. commodities In the USA and Asia in particular, trade in agricultural products is a strong institution. The most important market place for trading They have invested about 11.4 billion Euros in soft commodities. in futures is the stock exchange in Chicago. The increase in demand on the forward exchange markets has In the wake of the global financial crisis in 2007, financial specu- lead to a rise in stock prices. Part of the rise in stock prices is lators discovered the commodities market for agro products. In transferred to the physical markets, which leads to uncontrolla- ensuing years these people became the group of traders which ble short-term price increases. Today the prices depend largely dominated the futures exchanges. This major increase in the on the dictates of the financial markets and the behaviour of the number of traders attracted to this sector, which was not mat- movers and shakers in the world of finance. The appearance of ched by an increase in the amount of goods available for trading, financial speculators has on the one hand caused the soft goods altered the relationship between the amount of commodities markets to become more closely enmeshed, whilst making traded on the exchange market and the actual amount of farming them more susceptible to developments on the general financial produce produced physically. In the past three years, ever more markets. Soft goods therefore now react much more immediately banks and funds have started trading in commodities, too. Up to fluctuations on the financial markets. Volatile prices induced to a few years ago, banks and funds still used the physical raw by speculation play havoc with the food security of millions of goods market to hedge against the enormous risks posed by people. Most of them live in developing countries and are power- the finance markets. Today, however, investors can place their less in the face of extreme fluctuations and explosions in food bets directly on price developments in foodstuffs, choosing from prices. Excessive speculation leads to further escalations in the among the many agricultural commodities funds established by world food crisis. It is high time to put a stop to food specula- the banks. On a global scale, according to an estimate issued by tion. Naturland demands that politicians and financiers make a Barclays Bank, the volume of investments in soft commodities co-ordinated effort to curb further excesses. It is imperative to today stands at 68.8 billion Euros. German banks and insurance take the first step now, this being regulation of the commodities companies have also discovered the soft commodities business. futures markets.

„FOOD CRASH“

"We shall have to feed ourselves organically – or have nothing to eat at all": the author Löwenstein advances his ideas for a rea- of the book "Food Crash", Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein – a Naturland farmer – chose listic alternative and describes how each this provoking sub-heading to get the message home that the way we have been doing and every one of us can contribute to- things so far is in need of a shake-up. He shows how industrial agriculture is leading wards it. This includes listing the political us into a dead end. Industrial agriculture depends on the over-exploitation of our and social leverage mechanisms available resources and can therefore never be a solution. In addition, Dr. Löwenstein explains to enable us to ensure there is sufficient that it is not poor rates of productivity growth but the wasteful treatment of foodstuffs food for all mankind without disrupting and the destruction of our natural basis of life that will lead to the collapse of the our natural environment. global food system. Felix zu Löwenstein describes the new "Food Crash" is a formidable, alarming the world food situation holds the reader method of "organic intensification" and book, but at the same time inspiring. in its grip and really gets you thinking. illustrates the concept with appropriate The description of the current status of However, it is not all doom and gloom. Dr. examples. What he is talking about is the

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fundamental concept of organic agri- Second: even today, it is the small scale small and even tiny plots culture, and not just about a certification farmers who produce over half of the of land. (see our articel standard to be used to market products. world's food. These people need to be "Giving smallholders a Nor does the concept imply a return to given a strategy founded on production voice", p 8) the pre-industrial era or envisage a form systems which even the poor can afford of agriculture which in effect does the so they can earn a livelihood on their same as conventional agriculture but without resorting to agricultural chemicals. About the author: What the term "organic intensification" Dr. Felix Prinz zu Löwenstein has actually means is "an innovative, progres- been a Naturland farmer since 1991, and a sive form of land-use, developed jointly member of the board of directors of the by scientists and farmers, which makes Naturland association since 1998. He is Presi- skillful use of the regulatory mechanisms dent of BÖLW, the German Federation of the found in nature, and of available resour- Organic Food Industry (Bund Ökologische Le- ces, in order to produce the best possible bensmittelwirtschaft), and on the board of FiBL stable yields with maximum operating Germany, Research Institute of Organic Agri- efficiency. And consequently with mini- culture (Forschungsinstitut für biologischen mum use of tools and materials, which Landbau). After being awarded his doctorate, would have to be purchased from external he worked in the field of international deve- sources, and which can work without lopment co-operation. All that we could wish resorting to non-natural substances and for now is that the book also be published in organisms." (Felix zu Löwenstein, Food English and Spanish (in other languages). And Crash, p. 169) of course in our own interests we would wel- come it if Felix Löwenstein wrote a few more Dr. Löwenstein reinforces his appeal for books, to help spread the word about organic the introduction of "organic intensifi- agriculture among the general public. cation" with two simple statistics. First: almost a billion people go hungry every Prinz zu Löwenstein considers organic agriculture as the solution to many problems day, two thirds of whom live off the land.

Giving smallholders a voice - a demand for investments to be made in small-scale farming -

"As a means of developing pro-poor procurement, initiatives such as Fair Trade and same time in regions which are home to the environmentally linked production systems, such as organic and eco-friendly produc- greatest number of the world's one billion tion, were introduced as alternatives to the mainstream commodity markets. While starving, and here again, the majority of these models offer small-scale producers better terms of trade, the market share for them live in rural populations. these trading systems has been slow to grow and still only occupies a small percen- There are many surveys which prove that tage of global trade. Nevertheless, the principles were proven and a new generation of the encouragement of small-scale, organic business models needs to be designed that can provide windows for the less endowed farming systems, in conjunction with fairer producers to enter mainstream markets through trading platforms that promote grea- trading relationships, can reduce hunger ter stability of demand." (IAASTD report) throughout the world. Organic farming methods, which maintain and improve the "Smallholders urgent, reliable and promising means of fertility of the soil and provide access to are seeding the combating hunger whilst at the same time the right type of seed, advisory services, future" is the minimizing the impact made by agriculture training schemes and loans, are all keys to current motto of on the environment. This is the basis of the enormous potential for improved produc- "ORGANIC + FAIR demand made in the campaign mounted by tivity. There is also evidence to show that – MORE FOOD TO Naturland and the German National Asso- food production on small-scale farms can SHARE", the cam- ciation of Worldshops for a paradigm shift be increased considerably, and, depen- paign mounted by in agricultural policies towards small-scale ding on the survey, by as much as 100%. Naturland and the agriculture as the key to sustainable food Small-scale agriculture is therefore the ideal German National security. solution when it comes to ensuring food Association of Worldshops (Weltladen- Of the 525 million farms in the world, 85% security. Moreover, the increased quantity Dachverband), designed to give prominence are no larger than two hectares, many of of food produced is grown precisely where to small-scale organic agriculture and the them with poor soils. Despite this fact, it it is needed, because 70% of the malnou- great potential it holds. In this connection, is the smallholders who produce over half rished live in the countryside. IAASTD (International Assessment of Agri- of the food harvested world-wide. Eighty This is why Naturland and the German cultural Knowledge, Science and Technolo- percent of the food consumed in develo- National Association of Worldshops are gy for Development) describes investments ping countries is the produce of small-scale demanding the reform of Europe's agri- in small-scale production as the most agriculture. However, these farms are at the cultural policy too, as part of their campaign

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"ORGANIC + FAIR – MORE FOOD TO great deal of first-hand information: with advisory services and opportunities for SHARE". The EU export subsidies in Three co-operatives in Asia, whose stories further training in technological and agri- particular pose a threat to the rural deve- are used in the campaign, demonstrate how cultural fields, they help them with their farm lopment of countries in the south. Over- small-scale organic agriculture in southern management, thus ensuring the production production and the subsidised export of countries can provide them with secure of a wide variety of products and increasing foodstuffs within Europe devastate the livelihoods and living conditions, thus gi- yield by improved organic land-use. markets in southern countries and destroy ving them a future to look forward to: Green With the campaign "ORGANIC + FAIR the livelihood of many small-scale farmers Net Cooperative in Thailand, Small Organic – MORE FOOD TO SHARE", Naturland who cannot sell their produce on local Farmers' Association (SOFA) in Sri Lanka wishes to combine the future prospects of markets at competitive prices. (see the and Panay Fair Trade Center (PFTC) in the growers and consumers. The idea is that article "Public funds for pubic services - Philippines. consumers in Germany receive messages

Different postcard pictures emphasize the demands postulated by the campaign demands to the Common Agricultural Policy The basic idea is to provide the local po- from smallholders which are worded as (CAP)", p.10). Applying the methods used in pulace with food. Additional earnings from their vision for the future. The other part of organic agriculture enables smallholders to the export of their products through fair the folding card is for messages from the achieve higher, stable yields. To ensure they trade channels provide them with income consumers to the growers. After this these succeed in this, the campaign "ORGANIC + security. The food grown for export is, for cards, with messages from "the North" to FAIR – MORE FOOD TO SHARE" is giving example, jasmine rice, coconut milk, bana- "the South", are passed on to the farmers, smallholders a voice to call for amendments na chips, spices and top quality teas. Their to give the recipients an idea of the interest in Europe's agricultural trade policy, and commitment far exceeds farming and sel- and commitment shown by the consumers provides consumers in Germany with a ling foodstuffs. By providing their members in Germany.

This year started quite successful, we could spread the messages Conference on Small scale, ecological farming and fair trade of our political campaign with the ironic short filmagraprofit . Naturland and the German National Association of Woldshops www.youtube.com/agraprofit . It has english subtitles. (Weltladen-Dachverband) organize a symposium on small scale, ecological farming and fair trade, which will be hold on the 2th of Last year over 200 worldshops and a lot of other initiative groups September in Berlin. took part in the world fair trade day and initiated a big variety of The conference finalizes the joined campaign “Organic plus Fair – events to promote small scale organic farming. They promoted the more food to share!”. Experts and politicians will discuss current products of smallholder cooperatives as existing good examples agro-ecological problems and the associated issues concerning that small scale organic farming can be the future for a sustaina- development policies. ble world food security. During the last years, a wealth of reports and studies on the nu- tritional and environmental situation have demanded a paradigm On our website you can get an impression: shift of the global agrarian policy. The prospective focus should be http://www.oekoplusfair.de/en/mediathek/fotogalerie on the promotion of independent, small scale, ecological oriented Especially the producer visit during the German fair trade fort- agriculture. night of Boonjira Tanruang and Chuthima Moungmun of Green At the meeting in Berlin, the new UNCTAD –“Trade and Deve- Net (Thailand) was a great highlight for us! lopment Report 2013” is going to be presented for the first time in Germany. The report argues for an indispensable fundamental transformation of the agricultural land use and will be released by mid September.

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Fair trade: Naturland in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Ministry for International Relations, Economy and Integration (Minis- the participants opportunities to exchange terio de Relaciones Exteriores Comercio e Integración) issued an invitation to visit information and to become acquainted Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from 17th – 19th October, 2012. Numerous with the various growers' groups. guests from Ecuador and abroad from the fields of fair trade and organic agriculture gathered there. Special thanks go to the government of Ecuador for making this event possible. Among them were smallholders, represen- trade were analysed and proposals for The event is a wonderful opportunity to tatives of NGOs and associations, cer- solutions recorded in a strategy paper improve communication amongst those tifying bodies and traders both domestic for the government. It included impedi- active in the field of fair trade and with and international. ments encountered on the path to creating politicians too. The concept attracted great At this event, the current situation of gro- marketable structures, and recommenda- attention to the topic of fair trade and can wers of commodities and products in Ecua- tions for the establishment of an advisory be recommended to other countries too. dor was analysed. Topics were fair trade system. Ute Wiedenlübbert (representative both on a global scale and on the domestic of Naturland in Ecuador) and Petra Heine For further information on the event, in level. Representatives of the co-operatives (Naturland Fair) contributed their experti- Spanish only, see: http://www.mmrree. and farms introduced themselves and held se and experience in the fields of fair trade gob.ec/com_exterior/comercio_justo.as discussions with staff from the ministry. and organic agriculture. A trade fair which In workshops the challenges facing fair was taking place at the same time afforded

Fair trade in Ecuador and worldwide was discussed on the event Naturland staff took the change during their stay in Ecuador and inspected the local shrimpfarms

Public funds for public services – demands to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The reform of the joint agricultural policy of the European EU budget. For many years the focus was placed purely on a Union cause significant realignments affecting the future direc- price stabilisation policy, something which in many areas lead tion and development of agriculture in Europe. In collaboration to irresponsible over-production as a result. The CAP reforms in with a platform composed of other associations, Naturland is 1993 and 2003 replaced price stabilisation and the related pro- campaigning for the EU agricultural policy at last to take on duct bonuses by a bonus system linked to the area farmed. This a socially acceptable form, and for the far-reaching effects of system, by which direct payments are made, still exists today. It undesirable developments in European agriculture and its food means that the larger the area of a farm is, the greater the resul- industry to be corrected. Naturland calls for a new system to be ting funding by the EU. As of 2014 a new long-term EU budget introduced for Europe's agricultural policy. will come into force, one which will include a reformed CAP.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was one of the first areas With his demand for "agricultural policy to become greener, in which the member states of the European Union (EU) were fairer", Dacian Cioloş, EU Agriculture Commissioner, started able to agree on a joint policy on a European level. Nowadays, tackling the reform of the CAP for the funding period 2014 – agriculture is one of the most “communitised” political fields in 2020. The presentation of the EU Commission's new legislation the EU, one which is funded almost exclusively by EU resources. in October, 2011, pointed the way for the reform. It determined In 2012 Europe's agricultural sector received a total of 59 billion that compensatory allowances in the field of agriculture should euros in subsidies. At 40% it is the greatest expense item in the be more closely linked to considerations of environmental

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protection, and be distributed more evenly between the member states.

So far the prime objective of the EU agricultural budget had been to provide a flat-rate safeguard for agricultural income and production. Except for a few requirements imposed in the fields of environmental protection, fodder and food safety, as well as livestock protection and animal welfare (cross compliance), pay- ments were not linked to any conditions. The reform of the CAP means that a more direct relationship between compensatory al- lowances and the specific services performed by agriculture will be introduced. The greening of the CAP is intended to reward the environmental services and consequently also the services to society as a whole which agriculture provides. CAP greening is designed especially to provide the general public with greater legitimation of the controversial compensatory allowances.

It is the system of direct payments which is going to change most radically. The direct payments used to be divided into a basic bonus of 70% and a greening supplement of 30%. The new greening system means that direct payments are no longer calculated simply according to the size of the farming area Organic farmers contribute actively to environmental protection which entitles a bonus, but also depends on how the farmed area is managed. The idea is that 30% of the payments be linked common market regulations for agricultural products continues directly to three organic standards: ecologically sensitive areas, to be focused on non-EU countries. The volume of direct export compliance with minimum requirements for crop rotation, and subsidies has fallen, that is true, but the mechanism applied, by the preservation of permanent grassland. The greening idea is which the export-oriented European food industry is protected the right start, but Naturland does not see it as being sufficient by allowing them to sell at low prices, is still in place.Foto: Naturland It is high e.V. to introduce a really sustainable and organic development of time that export subsidies be cancelled, because they lead to agricultural policy in Europe. Despite pursuing the right objec- competition distortion and inflict damage on national markets. tives in several areas, the CAP reform falls far short of what is The global claim to resources by the European agricultural required to institute a "genuine reform" in agricultural policy. industry should be abrogated, especially to the supply of protein However, compared to current policy, Naturland sees the reform in the form of imported soy. In contrast, the farmers should be as the start of a paradigm shift. Naturland believes, nevertheless, encouraged to produce sufficient protein fodder to meet their that a genuine paradigm shift is imperative for the EU to arrive own requirements. On 7th September, 2012, the associations at a socially acceptable form of agricultural policy. published a comprehensive statement in which they demanded the introduction of a sustainable agricultural reform. Organic In most of the member states enormous reservations have been agriculture, the most sustainable form of agriculture, must be expressed against the greening of the CAP. Many of them voice the standard set for modern and progressive European agrarian strongly-worded objections to the decision to designate 5% of culture. a farm's agricultural area as an ecologically sensitive area. It is mainly the leading pressure groups in the agricultural industry Besides the first pillar, i. e. direct payments linked to the size and among conventional farmers' associations which are expres- of the area farmed, what also was reformed is the second pillar, sing their objections to this part of the reform, which they call which contains the agricultural environmental programms. Orga- fallowing schemes. COPA, the European farmers' association, nic agriculture can for the first time ever be covered by its own argues that designating areas as organically sensitive will lead to funding category. Despite the extension of the range of its du- a drop in agricultural production and thus pose a threat to world ties, the budget of the second pillar is frozen at the level of 2013. food security. The fact that in Germany about 18% of arable Naturland has criticised the financial weakening of the direct and land are now devoted to growing renewable resources makes a indirect funding to organic agriculture in no uncertain terms. mockery of this statement. In Germany the leading pressure groups propounding sustai- The promotion of organic farming should be a natural part of ru- nable agriculture have joined forces. The common platform ral development at all levels, because only in this way a continui- comprising associations active in environmental protection and ty of policy can be ensured, which encourages farmers to switch nature conservation, agriculture and developmental policy, con- to organic farming. sumer protection and animal welfare, of which Naturland is also a member, demands the introduction of a socially acceptable The policy must initiate a change of direction in the agricultural agricultural policy. The taxpayers' money should be allocated ac- and food sector. Only with a reliable, goal-oriented funding cording to the principle "public funds for public services". Direct policy in Europe and the world, the Organic Farming develop payments should be linked to effective environmental criteria, its full potential for growth and continue to fill his role as a key compliance with animal welfare regulations and the creation of engine of rural development. new jobs. The EU agricultural policy must also fulfil its international For further information in German on the CAP: http://www. obligations. From the point of view of Naturland, the reform naturland.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/Presse/Plattform- pays little heed to the international effect of the EU agricultural Papier-EU-GAP-2013-August_2012.pdf policy and the global agro-political challenges which require an active stance by Europe in particular. The structure of the

Naturland News International No. 29 - November 2013 11 NEWS ABOUT NATURLAND dwp - 25 Years of Fair Trade in Ravensburg

Steffen Reese and Thomas Hoyer Naturland presents themselves to an interested public

This particular anniversary of the Fairhan- standards. tion between PREDA and dwp has been dels-Genossenschaft dwp e.G., a co-opera- Naturland provided further information existing for several years and dwp is the tive which has been distributing fair trade about organic agriculture and fair trade most important partner within the German products for 25 years now, was great at its "Naturland Fair" booth. With its speaking region. Till this day, PREDA pro- cause for celebration. Dwp, which has campaign "Organic + Fair. More food vides shelter and runs a therapy for sexual been a partner of Naturland for many to share!" Naturland has joined forces years now, with some 15 years of close with the German National Association co-operation, issued an invitation to attend of Worldshops to champion the rights its birthday party at the co-operative's and the farming methods of smallholders head quarters in Ravensburg. Here, over throughout the world. In association with 2,000 visitors were met with a broad various partners, among them the dairy spectrum of information, fair trade Berchtesgadener Land and BanaFair, products and entertainment. visitors were presented with a wealth of The dwp basil pesto, which is certified to information on certification to "Naturland "Naturland Fair" (trade) standards, was Fair" standards and on organic methods cited as an example of the synergies which of production. Moreover, the Naturland Kaffeeproduzent Eimar Velazquez Mazariegos can be derived from fair trade. Manfred long-term overseas partner ISMAM from reports of his work Fürst from Naturland presented the con- Mexico attended the event. Within the co- cept of the "Naturland Fair" certification operative, 800 farmers produce about one abused and formerly arrested children. logo, describing how it creates a bond million kilogram coffee according to the During the last years, Naturland col- between organic and fair trade, and the Naturland Fair standards. In Germany, this leagues visited PREDA several times for north and the south. The resulting degree coffee is distributed by dwp. The ISMAM consultancy purposes on the adaptation of of networking was illustrated in the talks coffee producer Elmar Velazquez Mazarie- the fair trade standards. The anniversary given by Christian Hennings, a Naturland gos was a guest speaker at the anniversary was taken as chance for Naturland and farmer from Franconia in Germany, who and gave a presentation on his duties. the PREDA foundation to sign the pro- specialises in growing basil, and by the A further international guest was Father ducer contract. Soon, inspections will be Canaan und Palestine Fair Trade Associati- Shay Cullen, an Irish priest and laureate conducted. on, represented by Martin Lang from dwp. of the Human Rights Award. He founded Naturland congratulates dwp on 25 pros- The basil from Franconia and the Palesti- the organisation PREDA (Peoples Reco- perous years. Symbolic of the common nian olives combine to create a delicious very Empowerment and Development past years Naturland general manager pesto. In an ensuing talk, Thomas Hoyer, Assistance) in 1974. This Philippine Steffen Reese presented a certificate of general manager of dwp, explained why organisation is engaged in fair trade, social honor to Thomas Hoyer, general manager this pesto is just one of many products development and human rights and produ- of dwp. which are certified to the "Naturland Fair" ces among others mangos. The coopera-

Revision of Naturland standards

At its conference on 14th May, 2013, the Naturland assembly of delegates passed amendments to the Naturland standards to reflect further developments in various areas. Amendments were made in production, processing and aquaculture.

The new Standards can be downloaded at: http://www.naturland.de/standards.html

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Naturland wild fish project successful – reinforcement at Lake Victoria

Within the Naturland project, life jackets were acquired for the fishermen Philemon Charles visits the fishermen regularly

In the 90's, Naturland drew up standards governing aquacul- Philemon Charles hails from the Bukoba district, right on the ture, the first organic association in Germany to do so. shores of Lake Victoria. Before joining Naturland, he was already Meetings in Tanzania between fishers and NGO representatives working with small producers on rural development projects. lead to the association producing standards for sustainable Since he is a native speaker, and familiar with Lake Victoria, he fisheries. In these standards Naturland defines harvesting functions as a point of liaison between the fishers, the processors rules, social standards and safety precautions for the fishers. and Naturland. They satisfy the requirement for organic and social sustainabili- ty. The regulations apply both to the catch and to the processing of the fish.

In 2006 the first Victoria perch were certified to the Naturland standards. Since the commencement of this pilot project, sustainable fishing here has continued to expand. Consumers are highly appreciative of the efforts made. This posi- tive development made it necessary to install a local representative in situ. Anne- Catrin Hessenland, formerly responsible for the internati- The carcase (head and fish bones) are considered to be delicacies in Tanzania Anne Hessenland already knows onal PR division of Naturland from former working duties Naturland, assumed the task of Naturland representative in East Africa. At the moment the prime focus of her task is quality assurance for sustainable fisheries on Lake Victoria.

There are many aspects to the certification of Victoria perch. It is a unique challenge which spans support to the many small-scale fishers who often live in villages on distant islands, to the proces- sing plants in the town, where they prepare the Victoria perch for export. This is why a Tanzanian colleague has been employed since September, 2012, to assist the Naturland team locally. The local Naturland partner advocates for education

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Sustainable fishery in the Maldives

The fishes caught on the waterfront serve as bait for the tuna

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends we eat fish, and then preferably sea fish, once or twice a week. Several en- vironmental organisations, however, have voiced their concern that this rate of consumption would lead to the depletion of sea fish stocks. If one bases this argument on general fishery practi- ce today, this cannot be disputed.

For this reason, besides imposing a fishing quota commensurate with fish stocks, it is necessary to reduce the by-catch too, i. e. the seafood which is caught by accident and then thrown back unused. The fishing method employed is crucial. To give just one example: the industrial method of fishing for tuna, using purse- seine netting, means that many species of shark, manta rays and critically endangered marine turtles are killed unintentionally. "Besides organically sustainable fishing methods which preserve valuable fish stocks, the social aspects must also be taken into The trapping method with hand fishing rods from the boat has a long tradition consideration," says Stefan Bergleiter, leader of the Naturland aquaculture team. He calls for small-scale fishers to be encoura- One special feature of fishing in the Maldives is the method ged, instead of industrial deep-sea fisheries, which are heavily employed: the skipjack tuna, also known as bonito (Katsuwonus subsidised. This demand is the keystone to the first Naturland pelamis), are caught one by one using handlines. These take the wild fish project. form of bamboo canes with nylon lines to which artificial baits made of metal and colourful threads are attached. This type of In June, 2011, a group of experts met on the Madivian island of fishing means that there is practically no by-catch. The fishermen Felivaru to work on a first draft of standards specific to the certi- attract the tuna to their boats by tossing overboard small live fication of Maldivian fisheries specialising in skipjack tuna. They fish which are caught by snorkelling with simple nets in shallow also drew on contributions made by interested organisations, waters just before heading out to sea. other experts and private individuals. All their experiences were collated to produce the Naturland standards for sustainable fishe- It was not only organic sustainability which was important to this ry in the Maldives. Their ensuing implementation was monitored certified project. The local population was also to benefit from by expert services of Naturland. The first tuna were caught in the project, just as much as the environment. The fish caught is compliance with the Naturland standards for sustainable fishery processed and tinned immediately upon landing. In this way the in the summer of 2012. fish is as fresh as it possibly can be, and jobs are created locally.

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Dr. Stefan Bergleiter accompanied the project on-site The fishing gear: simple bamboo sticks with barbless hooks

Another special feature was the introduction of a waste disposal Naturland logo with the addition of the word "Wildfisch". Stefan system to Felivaru to reduce marine pollution. Bergleiter offers the following words of encouragement: "If every household reverts to purchasing fish from sustainable fishery A neutral local inspection body ensures compliancy with the and organic aquaculture only, then we can still enjoy fish once stringent Naturland wild fish standards. Besides this, represen- or twice a week whilst at the same time preserving this source of tatives of Naturland pay regular visits. Products certified to the food for future generations." Naturland wild fish standards are identified with the renowned

Aquaculture: Organic versus ASC

The ASC (Aquaculture Steward- ture Dialogues", round tables representing many interest groups. ship Council), a brainchild of the The aim of the WWF was to produce certification standards which WWF (World Wildlife Fund), was would be acceptable to as many of the parties as possible. A founded in 2010 at the express criticism which needs to be voiced here is that such a procedure, will of leading retail chains. despite its theoretically open character, often depends on the fi- The ASC homepage states that nancial and political position of the companies and organisations the ASC "aims to be the world's leading certification and labelling participating in order actually to take place. As examples can be program for responsibly farmed seafood (...) to transform the world's given the travel expenses incurred to attend the meetings, or the seafood markets and promote the best environmental and social time required for follow-up activities. aquaculture performance". In the public's perception, the ASC standards represent the The WWF, the greatest environmental organisation in the world, WWF's ideal of aquaculture, even though they were not drawn has already had experience launching other certification systems, up directly by WWF's head offices. And although it bears its own viz. the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council, which handles mat- logo, ASC's brand power is ultimately derived from the panda ters appertaining to forestry) and the MSC (Marine Stewardship logo. Council for fisheries). An important difference between the ASC and the two other labels is that it does not concern itself with the "New" standards and visions for the future of the food industry management of natural resources and stocks (which are basically do, of course, represent a challenge to the organic movement determined by public legislation and national policy), but instead and certified organic producers, especially when they have been with private businesses and their individual production methods, drafted by a powerful NGO. However, no organic farmer would which includes their globalised feed sources. These are typically hesitate to claim that organic production methods are the only influenced by the state of the art, the interests of their owners possible sustainable course of action. They are distinguished by and economic factors but, on a global scale, seldom by any public working with nutrient cycles, free of artificial fertilisers, en- mechanisms and rulings. It was obvious from the start that this si- hancing the soil's fertility by protecting soil organisms, and, of tuation would inevitably force the ASC/WWF to take a stand with course, the prohibition of all forms of genetic engineering. It is respect to a long list of critical and complex topics concerning the consumers sharing this philosophy who create the demand aquaculture. These include, for example, appropriate stocking for organic produce, which in turn motivates food retailers to densities, permissible veterinary treatments, justifiable sources increase the quantities and expand the range of organic products for fish meal and other proteins in feed (including genetically mo- they offer for sale. dified organisms such as soya and maize). These are the problem areas which, ultimately, will determine the sustainability of the If one compares the results of the ASC approach, which is based "blue revolution" as a whole. The strategy chosen by the WWF on on collating the input of many different interest groups, with the how to handle these burning issues was to organise the "Aquacul- certification standards of organic aquaculture, then the latter

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Mussel cultivations with lines offshore Ireland In contrast to ASC, the usage of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is forbidden in organic aquaculture (e.g. pasture)

are clearly more resilient to them. This question can be answered in several ways: and stringent, resulting in a genuine "system of organic (1) Long-term prospects: the organic movement does not simply production". In contrast, the pay lip service to the word "sustainability", but, on the contrary, ASC standards are a con- uses it to express the fact that, in the long run, the methods em- glommeration of supposedly ployed in organic production are the best to maintain its ecologi- "better practice" recommen- cal, social and economic foundations. This claim has long proven dations dealing with a variety true in organic agriculture, which is much older, but has shown of incoherent and sometimes a very good record over the past 15 years of organic aquaculture even contradictory variables. too. In an age of climate change, peak oil, financial crises and a To cite one example, which general increase in awareness of socio-environmental principles, is as the same time the most the organic concept has attained greater significance and power critical factor with respect to of authority than ever before, regardless of what other brands the future of acquaculture, may appear on the scene. Technically speaking, ASC is not a Das Naturland Logo steht für die Einhaltung is the question of feed. An serious alternative and does not pose a challenge to organic strenger Öko-Aquakultur Richtlinien important role is played by aquaculture. its composition, the source and the volume required for the production of a certain quantity (2) From the point of view of the certifier: for many aquaculture of seafood. The key principles of any organic feed strategy are as operations, the greatest difficulty faced when converting to follows: organic production is not the change in management procedures • clear maximum stocking densities so as to achieve the high- (for example, they may already be working close to organic est possible food supply ratio from natural sources (i. e. live principles, such as on extensive shrimp and carp farms), but the organisms which grow naturally on the fish farm) introduction of a reliable quality assurance system with the duties • vegetable feed sourced only from organic agriculture which are inevitably involved to comply with prescribed guide- • fish meal and oil only from known and documented sources, lines, and the corresponding record-keeping. This means that to avoid resorting to destructive industrial fishing methods organic certification will be easier for any aquaculture • prohibition of feed made from terrestrial animals and con- operation which has already had some experience with a different ventional aquaculture products certification system (such as one which regulates traceability). • no genetically modified organisms or derivatives thereof In this respect, ASC certification could be a good initial step for • no synthetic feed additives, only natural vitamins, minerals anyone planning to apply for organic certification at a later stage. and pigments Naturland is of the opinion that mutually compatible certification programmes should look for as many synergies as possible, such The ASC is hesitant in taking a clear stand on even one of these as using uniform check lists, joint audits, recertification etc. principles. Consequently it makes it easy for businesses to become certified without being obliged to make any technical (3) The point of view of the retailer and the consumer: retailers adjustments. In view of the ASC's mission statement, this is un- were looking for a "B2C" (business-to-consumer) brand which derstandable, both because it allows large sections of the industry covered as many species and offered large quantities of goods for to be certified rapidly, and also in the light of the procedure sale after only a brief lead-time. Consequently, this brand would described above when drawing up their standards. need to make smaller demands of aquaculture firms than those Naturland has been asked by various media and market represen- necessary for conversion to organic production. It would also tatives whether it regards the appearance of such an ambitious need to make no substantial modifications to the manner of pro- "conventional" brand for aquaculture products as competition duction. At the same time (and this might present a real problem) for the number of organic aquaculture projects which are on the consumers probably assume that any brand backed by the WWF increase the world over, and whether it could even pose a threat is somehow "similar" or "equivalent" to organic certification and

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Organic aquaculture plants shall be designed as naturally as possible According to the Naturland standards, deforestation of Mangroves is forbidden. Moreover, reforestation is envisaged that it represents strict standards in matters of environmental seafood to buy. As a countermeasure, wholesalers and retailers, protection, animal welfare, GMOs, the use of chemicals etc. who are experts on the subject, are called on to exercise their However, this is definitely not the case, and the WWF and ASC responsibility to explain what is behind this brand certification have both openly proclaimed it is not. Nevertheless, only a small and not just to resign themselves to accepting the confusion and circle is privy to this fact, because it has got lost in a multiplicity misconceptions caused. of publications and is concealed behind flowery phrases about sustainability. In other words, consumers are rarely aware of the difference and therefore are encouraged to favour products dis- playing ASC certification when making a critical choice of what

Fish show allergic reactions to genetically engineered feed

tically modified maize to Atlantic salmon. Fish with susceptible immune systems showed cellular stress in their intestines, accor- ding to the scientists' findings as reported in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Even though there were apparently no systemic immune re- sponses, the data do indicate that genetically engineered maize provokes local immune effects, according to the researchers. Among other things, a heat shock protein was found in the intestines. Besides this, the salmon which had been feed with the transgenic maize converted the feed "less efficiently". In order to do further research on the effects of the plant on health, longer- term investigations are required, say the scientists. The maize had contained genes of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). When sown in the open, the plant continually releases a poison Fish in organic aquaculture gets only GMO-free pasture into its surroundings to kill insects.

Genetically engineered maize in fish feed could provoke immune reactions in several species. Norwegian researchers fed gene- Informationsdienst Gentechnik, 15.04.2013

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First Irish mussels to be certified by Naturland

Kush Shellfish, a partner of Naturland, produces rope-cultivated mussels and oysters in compliance with the EU eco regulation and the Naturland standards at Kenmare Bay in southwest Ireland.

Kenmare Bay, designated as a "Special high meat content, and the fact that they Area of Conservation" or SAC for short, are sand-free. Since the mussels access has to conform to strict environmental their feed naturally from the marine regulations and its waters are of the environment, the Naturland standards for highest quality. "Growing mussels in an organic aquaculture centre on environ- SAC provides a number of benefits which mentally friendly management practices we are keen to exploit to show consu- and the constant monitoring of the water mers why these can be considered the quality. The standards therefore include best aquaculture mussels in the world," measures to be taken in the fields of na- says John Harrington, a company direc- ture conservation and the maintenance of tor. Kush Shellfish converted to organic bio-diversity and to raise awareness for in 2009 and is the first in Ireland or the respectful treatment of areas of mari- indeed in Europe to market value-added ne conservation. Non-recyclable ropes, seafood products from organic aquacul- plastic strings and synthetic chemical ture. agents are prohibited. The mussels are regularly cleaned from seaweed The mussels are bred on vertical ropes Kush Shellfish has a harvest capacity of suspended on horizontal long-lines. 20 tons per day and an annual overall ro- They are constantly under water and pe-mussel production of 900 – 1000 tons. expanded its market to cover Germany, can therefore feed permanently. Rope Originally, France was the company's Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong and the mussels can be distinguished by their largest market. Now that it has acquired United Arab Emirates. bluish, lightly yellow shell colour, their organic certification, the company has

The water quality is monitored constantly; it has to correspond to the grade 1 or A The mussels are cultivated along vertical-hanging lines

Sea and inshore fishing and fish wholesalers

Since the beginning, the fishers along the Baltic coast have ab- stained from using dragnets. On their fishing smacks and simple sail boats they catch fish using anchored gillnets. This traditional fishing method means that by-catch of other species of fish is practically unheard of. They adhere strictly to regulations gover- ning the eco-friendly fishing of wild fish stocks. For this reason the fishers are paid approx. 50% more than the going price for their catches. The number of coastal fishers in West Pomerania, which is known principally for as a farming and tourism region, has decreased dramatically in recent years. Nevertheless, the coa- stal fishers are a standing socio-cultural feature of the Baltic Sea A popular catch

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Handcrafted inshore fishing on small boats The catching area is located within the Bay of Greifswald coastline. Most of the fishers still working today are the progeny years of partnership with local fishers who have been fishing of seven generations earning their livelihood in this manner. The to sustainable and eco-friendly principles for years now, is the fishers openly proclaim their dedication to continuing with their foundation of the company Birnbaum & Kruse. As of early 2012, natural, authentic and non-industrial methods. natural fishing between Usedom in the Bay of Pomerania, from The on-site company Birnbaum & Kruse ensures continues the Bay of Greifswald to Mönchsgut on the island of Ruegen, is sales. It has been making successful progress in the fields of fish certified for compliance with the Naturland standards for sustai- processing and the sale of fresh fish and fish products. Their long nable capture fishery.

MEMBERS` FORUM

Coffee by ProNatur – sensuous seduction from Peru

ProNatur is a smallholders’ association established in 1993 in the north-west of Peru, the farmers with an additional source of in Chiclayo. The organisation has been a partner of Naturland since 1999. In 2012 a income. Particularly at times when the good 2,100 families were members of this association, cultivating primarily coffee, global market price for coffee is subject mangoes and bananas on a total area of 6,000 hectares. to great fluctuations, this means that the smallholders can enjoy greater economic The average size of these smallholdings is between 2 to 5. The farmers farm their land themselves.

At regular intervals the internal control system monitors them for compliance with the Naturland standards. ProNatur cultivates its coffee as shade-grown coffee as part of a multi-functional agro-forestry system: this means that the coffee is grown in mixed cultivation with other crops be- neath shade trees. This cultivation method is environmentally friendly and brings the smallholders many benefits. The shade trees contribute that the soil moisture is retained longer for the benefit of the coffee and mixed cultivation ensures a high degree of bio-diversity. By cultivating mangoes, asparagus, peas, beans and other fruits, the ProNatur landowners can feed their families with a balanced diet. Selling them on the local market provides The bananas are washed and packed carefully

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Mixed cultivation and ecological compensation areas benefit the biodiversity

The drip irrigation minimizes water losses Besides bananas, ProNatur produces primary mangos security and independence. In Tongorrape there are three playschools and public pre-schools, Besides dealing in coffee, ProNatur also encourages the culti- the oldest of which, in the village of Puebo Nuevo, have existed vation of mangoes, bananas and special tropical fruit, known as for eleven years now. The children are taught by professional novel fruits, which they then process and market. Jan Bernhard, teachers who are paid privately. The schools on the high plateaux general manager of ProNatur, describes its business as "a co- of the catchment area where ProNatur is situated are run publicly, operative joint venture with strong developmental aspects". The just like the schools on the coast, and given financial support by ProNatur landowners are not only trained in organic agriculture ProNatur. Besides being provided with school meals, the pupils but are also involved in the whole value chain of the ProNa- are given school materials such as pencils and books for their tur products. This starts with the cultivation and ends with the own use. packing of the produce in the packaging plant. Throughout the process, many decisions are taken jointly, which greatly enhances ProNatur also has projects to improve the water supply and mutual co-operation. builds sanitary facilities. Besides this, ProNatur issues grants to train farm technicians, and offers apprenticeships. Here too, A further important field of activity within ProNatur is its social board and lodging are paid for. commitment: ProNatur is greatly involved in activities in the field Besides being a member of Naturland, ProNatur is also fair-trade of education and training and provides assistance to schools both certified, which means it is guaranteed better prices in Europe on the coast and on the plateaux. and the USA.

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Interview with Jan Bernhard, general manager of ProNatur

Jan Bernhard, the general manager of ProNatur, is a member of the Naturland international advisory board and the representative of the Naturland non-German members at the Naturland assembly of delegates.

Could you tell us something about the practical aspects which ProNatur has to consider when cultivating coffee, bananas and mangoes organically? In our case, organic coffee cultivation means that the farmers mainly grow the coffee for their own consumption, with the aid of the few tools which are required to farm such crops. When you consider the remoteness of their farms, the effort entailed and the cost of the equipment, it would certainly not be worthwhile for many of the smallholders to enter the global market at the prices which they could earn today. Currently the price paid for coffee is marginally higher than production costs and in some cases even slightly below. This is why the farmers work very frugally and cultivate organic coffee using traditional, eco-friendly methods. Fruit too is cultivated here in the traditional, sustainable manner. This is combined, however, with state-of-the-art technology, na- mely low-pressure drip irrigation. This low-energy system employs Jan Bernhard visits the farm wells, pumps and pump equipment powered by solar energy. lated using a particular formula. The farmers on the plateaux are The water used in the cultivation of tropical fruit in the dry region paid directly for the amount of water they have produced. comes from the mountains. What does ProNatur do to ensure that there is no interruption to the supply? Smallholders and organic agriculture – how does this work? The public water supply comes from small springs in the moun- Smallholders and organic agriculture are ideally suited here, tains. We have adopted various measures here, such as because these micro-farmers and smallholders are part of well- reforestations of the plateau and the guard of the remaining dry organised networks which amalgamate to form associations and forests as nature reserves. In some cases the public wastewater co-operatives. These bodies have internal monitoring, inspection canals have been repaired and are maintained with the aid of and advisory systems which are run by the co-operative. A good financial assistance in order to ensure an lossless flow of water internal control system is what makes for the smooth operation of down into the valley. certification procedures and adherence to the standards. A very important project is the PES pilot project. PES stands for "payment for environmental services". This means that the farmers living on the plateaux are shown how to contribute to the quality and quantity of the water harvest, the amount being calcu- Thank you very much for the interview.

Organic Rooibos – of benefit to both mankind and nature

Wupperthal Original Rooibos Cooperative (WORC) is a smallhol- leaves of the Aspalathus linearis could produce a good, scented ders' co-operative in South Africa which manufactures rooibos tisane. Rooibos tea, with its characteristic reddish-brown colour tea. These organic, fair-trade rooibos teas are the first products on the South African market to display the Naturland logo, and are distributed throughout Europe by TopQualiTea South Africa.

Wupperthal is a little village in the Western Cape province of South Africa which was founded by missionaries in 1829. The glorious countryside reminded them of the river Wupper back in their home country of Germany, which is why they gave their village this name. Translated it means Wupper Valley. Besides doing their missionary work, the men also devoted efforts to supporting the agriculture and craftwork of the indigenous Khoisan people. South Africa has a long tradition of rooibos cultivation. The plant is endemic to the Cape province in the west of South Afri- ca. The inhabitants realised from early days that the needle-like Barend Salomo from Wupperthal in the Rooibos-tree nursery

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and its sweet, fruity flavour, is a very po- pular drink, especially in South Africa. The rooibos plant is ideally suited to the winters with their high rainfall, the hot, dry summers and the sandstone soil of the Cederberg mountains. This makes it un- necessary to apply fertiliser to the plant. Rooibos also has an important part to play in the environment: its long roots reach down through the soil to lower strata of humidity and minerals, thereby making them available to the eco-system. The organic cultivation of rooibos thus makes a direct contribution to the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Western Cape province.

Wupperthal Original Rooibos Coopera- tive was founded in August, 2009, by 84 smallholders' families from Wupperthal, South Africa. Today the co-operative has Rooibos is cultivated in South Africa 99 members, all of whom still produce the rooibos by traditional methods: it is culti- vated on poorly accessible mountainsides, harvested by hand, and, in some cases, transported on the backs of donkeys.

For some time now, the farmers have been cultivating organic herbs too, besides the rooibos. This makes the growers' income somewhat less depen- dent on the rooibos itself. Besides this the members of the co-operative have built a tea processing plant on their own initia- tive. Here they join forces to cut, ferment and dry the tea. Since the members of the co-operative work closely together and give each other mutual assistance, quality assurance and the marketing of their products can be performed jointly. Rooibos tea is an important beverage in South Africa; whether it is drunk hot or cold, with or without milk, rooibos tea is very popular. The domestic market is the- refore an important sales channel for the …and obtained from organic wild harvesting smallholders. A lot of rooibos is, however, drunk in Europe too. The Naturland part- carried out in Wupperthal with the aim Original Rooibos Cooperative is also a ner TopQualiTea South Africa establishes of being able to use better seed stock in member. In 2007 this communication and ties between the growers in South Africa future. networking action group was founded and the consumers in Europe. by various smallholder projects in India, Although organic products are becoming Sri Lanka and South Africa as well as TopQualiTea South Africa exports rooibos more important in South Africa, importers and traders in fair trade and tea from Wupperthal Original Rooibos Naturland is still largely unknown. For organic produce from Europe, Canada Cooperative which is certified by this reason TopQualiTea South Africa runs and the USA. Since 2011 it has been run Naturland, as well as Naturland honey- information campaigns, such as distribu- independently by its members. The aim bush tea from Ericaville. TopQualiTea ting flyers. Rooibos tea from Wupperthal and purpose of this co-operation is to cre- South Africa pays its tea growers more and Honeybush tea from Ericaville are to ate a greater degree of transparency by than twice the standard market price. In date the only Naturland product in South exchanging information and advice and this way the living and working conditions Africa, which makes it a pioneer for other establishing networks between organic of the co-operative's members are Naturland products on the South African smallholder projects and organic impor- improving considerably. Today Wupperthal market. ters and traders in Europe, the USA and has a relatively high standard of living. Canada. Thanks to fair trade, nursery schools can TopQualiTea Group is a joint founder of be built in future, or special tools for far- Trust Organic Small Farmers, an inter- ming in mountainous regions purchased. national alliance for organic and ethical Besides this, research projects are also trade and related products. Wupperthal

22 Naturland News International No. 29 - November 2013 MEMBERS` FORUM

"Naturland Fair" creates new synergies

Milchwerke Berchtesgadener Land eG is the first dairy entitled to display the involved in our community. "Naturland Fair" logo on products. It is visible proof of their decision, and that of its dairy farmers too, to comply with the “Naturland Fair” standards: social standards, What do you think of the new partnership reliable trading relationships, paying the growers fair prices, local procurement of (of the fair trade co-operative dwp with the raw goods, joint quality assurance, a business strategy which includes involvement in dairy co-operative Milchwerke Berchtesga- social projects, and transparency. Early this year Milchwerke Berchtesgadener Land dener Land) and the new products? expanded their range to include various yoghurts and a milk drink. A special feature of I think they offer a very interesting oppor- these products is that not only the milk but also the sugar are certified to the tunity for growth whilst at the same time “Naturland Fair” trade standards. The sugar, which is imported by the fair trade narrowing the gap between products from co-operative dwp eG, comes from another co-operative, Manduvirá. the north and south.

How long have you been working with dwp and how has your life changed since you started up with them? We have been co-operating with dwp for about five years. Our whole community has undergone a change, or maybe I should say has changed more rapidly than before. We call it the "sweet revolution", a change on the social, economic and ecological levels.

What is the effect of the activities on your social environment, and how do your neigh- bours react? Do your neighbours also want to convert to organic? The "sweet revolution" has had a positive effect on the lives of over 12,000 people, in other words, of the whole community. In the near future we shall be helping over 25,000 people with our own factories, which we are building ourselves. In our region there is a sort of epidemic of sugar Naturland Fair in north and south: Heinrich Schwabenbauer (Naturland diary farmer), Bernhard Pointner (Ge- cane production and of partners in Mandu- neral manger of the diary Berchtesgadener Land), Thomas Hoyer (General manger of dwp), Andrés González virá, we are expanding very quickly. Aguilera (General manger of the co-operative Manduvirà), Steffen Reese (General manger of Naturland) What do you think of the new markets, The Milchwerke Berchtesgadener Land able environment to our children and our besides the world shops? Could you sell dairy is a new, special type of customer for children's children. This we can only do greater quantities? By increasing the volume Manduvirá. What was the reaction to this? with organic agriculture and fair trade. We of your sales, can you attract new produc- Our direct customer is the fair trade co- now have 16 years of experience with the tion partners or offer security to existing operative dwp eG. However, our associa- production of certified organic goods. partnerships? tion with the dairy is also very important. I believe that the success of every indivi- The introduction of these products is, for What motivated you to change and convert dual and business depends on his or her us, a fair trade landmark. to organic production? ability to be continually innovative and In our region, we have always farmed to adapt to change. We see this step as Why is fair trade so important to Man- in a natural manner, without the use of a possibility to offer benefits to everyone duvirá? Why did you decide to embrace chemicals. For this reason only minor ad- involved in the whole production chain, organic principles? And how long have you justments to comply with the criteria and from the grower to the processor to the been farming organically? standards for certified organic production consumer. Fair trade is very important, because, were necessary. thanks to fair trade, the dream of attaining Thank you very much for this interview. a high quality of life has become true for And what caused Manduvirá to convert to thousands of families working for small- fair trade? holders. The essence of fair trade is to The main reason was to achieve greater make smallholders stronger. Fair trade added value in production and to be able enables them to penetrate thriving mar- to control a major portion of the commo- kets and gives them hope of a better life dity chain. Since we, as a co-operative, beyond our traditional horizon of hardship are strictly bound to our co-operative's and poverty. principles, which are closely related to We recognise that we have to leave a fair trade principles, it presented us with healthier, more wholesome and sustain- an opportunity to become more closely

Naturland News International No. 29 - November 2013 23 www.naturland.de

Legal notice: Naturland – Association for Organic Agriculture Kleinhaderner Weg 1 • 82166 Gräfelfing, Germany Tel: +49 (0)89 89 80 82 - 0 • Fax: +49 (0)89 89 80 82 - 90 [email protected] www.naturland.de

General manager: Steffen Reese (V.i.S.d.P.)