Discuss: Is Asia Ready to Go Organic?
Asia's organic food industry has surged in recent years, with a marked increase in both consumption and production. This growth can be seen as especially remarkable in a region where agriculture has to compete fiercely for land and other resources with the industrial and construction sectors.
The demand for organic food products in Asia may be attriuted to many factors. Consumers are increasingly increasingly worried about the safety of their food, and organic food is perceived as safer by consumers. Organic agriculture also offers a solution to environmental challenges, as a way to conserve water and capture carbon from the atmosphere.
On Wednesday, November 9, Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm joined Beth Keck, senior director of International Sustainability at Wal-Mart at the Asia Society in New York to discuss the organic food market in China, which is fast emerging as a new giant in production of organic food. Read about the program here.
Is China ready for the way it produces food, especially in light of recent food safety concerns? What effect would an "organic China" have on world markets and the world's climate?
Share your thoughts below: Is China—and Asia—ready to go organic?