The Colombian Government has launched an 'Organic Agriculture Production Chain' project in a bid to consolidate the organic farming industry and achieve a higher level of institutionalization.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the initiative would work under a concept of competitive sustainable farming that would assist economic growth and improve  quality of life for the population.

The ministry highlights Colombia has 41,000 hectares of certified organic farms, which it defines as agricultural practices that do not use pesticides, herbicides or other toxic substances that could harm human health or the environment.

The largest areas of Colombia's organic production are dedicated to coffee, bananas, palmitos, palm oil, sugar cane and some other fruits.

A government release said the production chain would range from small-to-medium producers through to exporters, retailers and consulting companies.

Photo:  Colombian Ministry of Agriculture

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