The history of organic agriculture (OA) in Germany is not only based on the lectures of its founder Rudolf Steiner. OA in its present status as a developed economic branch is far more, for example the result of ecological and political movements against globalisation and intensification in the 70’s (rise of the “Greens”). Economic and environmental failure, as in the 1973 oil crisis or agricultural chemical-technical intensification led to a deepening of environmental topics and social acceptance. With these societal changes, the basis for an ecologically and socially fair production was set. New political structures and decisions in the late 80’s and early 90’s boosted OA in Germany. Eastern German organic farmers restructured and enforced themselves to an enhancement of German agriculture, after the Wall Fall 1989. The EU-regulation on organic farming in 1991, decisively shaped the structure and turned OA to a lucratively subsidised business. In the following years until today, OA in Germany was
skyrocketing in farming and production, as well as in consumption. From a niche product in the 80’s to economic importance in the new millennium, organic products entered the mainstream market. Today, Germany is Europe’s biggest organic consumer and its fourth biggest organic producer. The demand for organic products is exceeding national supply, therefore Germany is also the second biggest importer of organic products. Wholesaler, conventional food retailer and organic retail chains realised the market value of organic products. Thanks to conventional super markets, organic products are now obtainable everywhere. Organic retail chains, such as
“Alnatura” or “Denn’s” are still expanding, opening new branches and increasing their assortment. Individual organic food stores and direct marketing are not holding the upward trend and getting displaced by organic retail chains. The difference between conventional and organic food retailers is shrinking. At the same time, consumer behaviour is leaning towards organic products, but still with the conventional point of view of cheapness and convenience. These double standards are symptom and evidence of a fully developed organic market. Organic products found their place in German society, not because of a complete understanding of original ideals, but rather because of the alignment of OA towards the consumer’s behaviour.
Table of Contents
1. Prelude
2. Introduction and questioning
3. General overview of Organic Agriculture in Germany
3.1. Present status
3.2. Role in the global market
4. History and Food Regime Theory
4.1. Relation of history and present time
5. Conclusion
6. References
Objectives & Core Topics
The essay examines the evolution of the organic agriculture sector in Germany, exploring the discrepancy between the movement's original ethical, anthroposophical ideals and its current status as a highly professionalized, economically driven mainstream industry dominated by large retail chains.
- Historical roots and development of biodynamic farming in Germany
- Impact of political and social movements on the growth of the organic sector
- Economic transition from niche organic shops to conventional supermarket dominance
- Analysis of modern market strategies and consumer behavior patterns
Excerpt from the Book
4.1. Relation of history and present time
In a retrospective view, the ethical and anthroposophical ideals of the early German organic pioneers like Rudolf Steiner or the first health food stores have little to do with today’s organic market. Not only the German reunification and the early 90’s organic EU-Regulation have turned OA to a mainstream product. In the new millennium, several task areas of the German eco-action plan were implemented. Several trainings on the organic subject took place from 2002 until 2005, for employees of both, conventional and organic food stores. The aim was to introduce them to or deepen their knowledge of organic products. Organic food traders were shortly after trained in combination with wholesalers. For conventional food stores and retailers, the focus has been laid on manager trainings (Nieberg, H. et al., 2011). According to Hamm, U. and Rippin, M., 2008, conventional and organic food chains gained market share in the organic sector and substantially changed the organic market to their advantage in 2007. GfK, 2017 states, the consumer’s value of conscious sustainable nutrition to increase since 2007. According to their calculation, the LOHAS index (“Life of Health and Sustainability”) in German households increased substantially. An increase of 8% to nearly 30% within the last 10 years shows the growing affinity to a healthy and ecological lifestyle. Thanks to the action plan, the conventional and organic retail systems were well prepared to supply the upcoming demand for organic products. Consumers are nowadays aware of the economic interests of conventional supermarkets and their persistent marketing of discounts and advertisement.
Chapter Summaries
1. Prelude: This chapter defines the scope of the research, focusing on the German organic market within the context of history and Food Regime Theory.
2. Introduction and questioning: The author highlights the shift from the organic movement’s roots to its modern commercialization and sets the research focus on present-day organic retailing.
3. General overview of Organic Agriculture in Germany: This section details the current status of organic farming, its geographic distribution, and its significant role within the global market.
4. History and Food Regime Theory: This chapter traces the historical development of the movement from early pioneers to post-war industrialization and political changes.
5. Conclusion: The summary synthesizes how the German organic market evolved into a professionalized mainstream sector, often diverging from its original ethical foundations.
6. References: A comprehensive list of academic sources, reports, and statistical data used throughout the essay.
Keywords
Organic Agriculture, Germany, Food Regime Theory, Biodynamic Farming, Retail Chains, Mainstream Market, Sustainability, Consumer Behavior, Economic Growth, LOHAS, Conventional Supermarkets, Market Professionalization, Agriculture Policy, Supply Chains, Organic Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the development and current state of the organic food and agriculture market in Germany, specifically analyzing how it has transitioned from a small-scale social movement into a large-scale economic industry.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
Key themes include historical origins of biodynamic farming, the impact of federal agricultural policies, the shift in market shares toward conventional supermarkets, and the evolving relationship between organic producers and consumers.
What is the main objective of the essay?
The objective is to compare the original, idealistic roots of organic agriculture in Germany with its contemporary, highly professionalized market form to understand the impact of commercialization.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The essay utilizes a literature review and historical analysis, applying Food Regime Theory to interpret the transition of the German organic sector through different socio-economic eras.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the current status of organic farming, historical perspectives from the 1920s to the modern era, and a detailed look at the current dominance of organic and conventional retail chains.
Which keywords define this work?
Primary keywords include Organic Agriculture, Food Regime Theory, German market, retail strategy, and sustainable consumer behavior.
How has the role of conventional supermarkets changed in this sector?
Conventional supermarkets have moved from peripheral players to dominant entities that now control a significant majority of organic product revenue in Germany.
What evidence does the author provide for "aggressive" marketing in this sector?
The author points to examples such as large organic chains opening branches near individual stores and the use of "giveaway" campaigns to attract customers away from smaller competitors.
Why does the author argue that the current organic market has "lost its roots"?
The author argues that while organic farming has successfully entered the mainstream, it is now primarily driven by consumer convenience and corporate economic strategies rather than the original holistic, anthroposophical vision.
- Quote paper
- Moritz Stüber (Author), 2017, Organic Agriculture in Germany. Business for the big players?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/444908
