Organic exports to EU: German organisations brief SL exporters on procedure

• Global market for organic food reached EURO 106 billion in 2019

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in collaboration with the German Agency of International Development Cooperation (GIZ), conducted a seminar with an integrated press conference in Kandy on 29th November 2021 to raise awareness among potential exporters and industry representatives to increase export capacities of organic products to the European Union.

The event was held in the presence of Andreas Hergenroether, Chief Delegate - Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka H. M. R. Bandara - Provincial Director, Department of Agriculture, Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent – GIZ and 15+ exporters of organic products in the Central Province. Sri Lankan exporters in the organic sector were briefed on the procedure of exporting organic products from Sri Lanka to the EU and support mechanisms such as matchmaking support and the ‘develoPPP.de programme’ of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Mr. Hergenröether said the EU is by far the fastest-growing organic market worldwide. We are convinced that Sri Lankan organic exporters could become strategic suppliers”.

He highlighted that the global market for organic food reached EURO 106 billion in 2019. Retail sales in the European Union (EU) were valued at EURO 41.4 billion. As the largest organic retail sales market in the EU, Germany accounted for EURO 11,970 million in 2019. Major Sri Lankan organic products exported to the EU include cinnamon, coconut-based products, organic tea, and tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, banana, and vegetables such as potato, carrots, leeks, and legumes.

Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent, from GIZ introduced the develoPPP.de Program to the organic-sector exporters and discussed the criteria required to embark on a develoPPP.de programme together with the GIZ SME Sector Development Program in Sri Lanka.  

The required criteria included being a for-profit business, making a 50% contribution to the project, and a minimum annual turnover. Private companies engaged in the organic sector, with project ideas with a clear community/social impact were encouraged to apply for the developpp.de  programme.

During the event, AHK Sri Lanka the official representative of German business in Sri Lanka presented information on key topics concerning the EU legislations for organic farming, technical regulations and controls, certifications, standards, packaging, labelling, logistics, risk management, and other requirements of the European consumer.