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Zambia
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Organic Farming in Zambia 2006
The following text about Zambia was provided by Rudy Kortbech Olesen of RK Organics in July 2006; the data are from Bridget O'Connor of the Organic Producers & Processors Association of Zambia (OPPAZ). In total, Zambia has about 6.7 million ha of certified organic land, most of which is used for wild harvest activities, i.e. beekeeping and mushroom collection. There are about 2,000 ha of managed organic land (excl. wild harvest). The total certified organic production is estimated at 2,500 tons (incl. wild harvest) for the 2005/2006 production year. Currently, there are eleven certified organic operators (for export) in Zambia, including two exporters of bee products (with several thousand beekeepers), one cooperative society (with 120 small-scale farmers and 720 mushroom gatherers), one producer association (with 260 small scale farmers), one farmer group with 88 small-scale rice growers, a joint commercial group with 140 small-scale farmers and 100 collectors, in addition to three large commercial (and one small) growers of vegetables and two herb growers. In addition, there are currently four operators certified for the local market only. The two major product groups (also in terms of export revenues) are honey (and other bee products) and fresh vegetables. Based on certification records and other sources, 2005/2006 production figures are estimated to reach about 600 tons of certified honey (from North West Province) and 700-800 tons of certified vegetables (mostly in Lusaka South and Lusaka West). In addition to honey, certified organic beeswax (about 40 tons) and propolis are also available for export. The principal vegetable crops being grown for exports are fine beans, bobby beans, mange-tout, sugar snaps, carrots, garden peas, tender stem broccoli and sweet corn. Other certified export products currently include various essential and tree oils (e.g. oils from Tea Tree (not tea bush), Lemon Grass, Rosemary and Geranium), dry Lemon Grass and dry Rosemary, ground nuts and wild mushrooms. Other important crops (not yet exported) include cowpeas, maize, soybeans, velvet beans, sunflower, cotton and rice (list not exhaustive). Companies that may be interested in importing these products from Zambia or who want further information, please contact Rudy Kortbech Olesen.
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