Organic production methods have had a major impact on agriculture as a whole, according to Paolo Bruni, president of Italian farming organisation Fedagri-Confcooperative and also president of Italian fresh produce organisation CSO.
Speaking during a special meeting at the headquarters of Verona-based organic fresh fruit and vegetable cooperative La Primavera, Mr Bruni said the organic production model had been of significant benefit to the Italian fresh produce industry as a whole.
'Organic farming has had a major indirect benefit in that it has brought about a cultural shift and a change in the mentality of farmers, to the point where today even those not involved in organics is heading increasingly towards a more sustainable form of agriculture,' he said.
The meeting, which was held to mark La Primavera's two decades in business, was aimed at discussing the current state of the Italian organics sector and its potential commercial future.
Mr Bruni continued: 'The two values of organic and cooperation have created a successful union. If it weren't for the Primavera consortium, organic farming around Verona would never have developed.'
He added: 'If it is true that, during the present economic crisis, the organic sector is showing slight growth, that means it is a modern economic format that responds to the ever more cultured and evolved needs of the consumer.'
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