Organic Trade 4 Development in Eastern Europe (OT4D)

Overview

Europe has favourable natural conditions for organic farming and huge growth potential. The ever-increasing demand in the Swiss and European markets and an emerging domestic market for healthy food in Eastern Europe provides interesting business opportunities in particular in exportation and local market development. A number of actions were identified such as strengthening sector institutions, value chains and advisory services, producer group development as well as the development of market strategies and raising consumer awareness.

The overall goal is to increase and enhance jobs in the organic sector, particularly for youth and women, and to contribute to the multiple positive effects of organic farming in terms of economic growth, innovation and natural environment.

The OT4D project is supported by State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by IFOAM - Organics International in joint collaboration with the consortium Helvetas / FiBL. IFOAM – Organics International and its consortium works together with the country coordinators / national country offices. They are the local implementers in Albania, Serbia and Ukraine with close collaboration with the different Swiss agencies such as Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) and embassies as well as other complementary programs in the region. 

Update on Ukraine

A grant program has been initiated to support organic producers in the current situation and preserve and strengthen the capacity of the organic sector of Ukraine in the mid- and long-term. Information on how to get a grant as well as how to donate to the program can be found here.