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Everyone here knows that China produces lead toys, flame attracting pyjamas and the odd gyoza (savoury dumpling) made from boiled cardboard. But who knew that pesticide tainted ginger would be added to the list??? Now I know a lot about China and I must say, having visited the place many times, consider myself a friend of China. But to tell the truth, I really don’t trust Chinese organic producers. I think that is because I know the country – money is king. Now, I don’t blame the people. Why if you were living on around a dollar and a half a day, you’d probably boil cardboard and sell it too. You may not even care for the environment, as the folk over at thenvironmentalblog.org point out often enough (check that link out – 460,000...

The unfortunate reality of food price inflation, as pointed out in a recent article appearing in The Independent, is that those on fixed incomes – the unemployed, disability beneficiaries, and retirees – tend to be the hardest hit. At least that’s the case in most developed nations. But as the latest report from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) points out, high grain prices are hitting, and will continue to hit, developing countries the hardest. In some countries, such as in Mexico, Morocco, Yemen and Senegal, rioting has erupted due to the rising price of cereal based food staples. According to The Independent’s Michael Savage, there are essentially three factors underpinning spiralling global food costs. These...

Over recent months, there has been considerable interest in China’s contribution towards international trade in organically certified produce and consumer items. With increasing concerns about industrial pollution and the environment, there is a resurgence of privately developed industries offering safer alternatives. The current popularity of organic items in Beijing and Hong Kong has encouraged many entrepreneurs to seek financial investment and technological support for organic business propositions. The statistics for organic trade indicate substantial export growth. In 2003, the total value of organic products destined for export was $US142 million dollars. This increased to $US200 million in 2004, and $US350 million by 2005. The...