Contents: Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgements. The structure of this report. Introduction. 1. India Organic 2006 Ceremony Expressions. 2. Policy. 3. Production. 4. Market. 5. Guarantee Systems and food standards. 6. Organic cotton and textiles. 7. Wild collection, medicinal and aromatic plants. 8. Climate. 9. Cosmetics. 10. Finance and investment.

"Globally, growing market for food and beverages has been propelling the organic commodity market. What is the 1990's was niche; today is main stream. The Foods Magazine quotes that demand for organic foods are growing five times faster than that of conventional foods in supermarkets and branded stores (growth over 500%). In developed countries, rate of growth for organic foods is 8-20% per annum, attracting the interest of a large number of farmers, food processing firms, retailers and governments. Along with fair trade goods, organics has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the global food market.

It is estimated that international trade for organic foods could reach US $100 Billion in the foreseeable future. The potential for the Indian organic market is huge as local demand is also growing. In India, agriculture is still contributing 24% of GDP, 13.1% of the total exports, employing 58.4% of country's workforce and providing livelihood security to more than 650 million people. And with large tracts of land very conducive to organic farming in India, the potential is promising. A recent market study conducted by the ICCOA also reveals that market potential for organic foods in India is actually over 10 times the value of India's exports.

This publication is a compilation of presentations made by over 90 experts from various parts of the world during India's biggest trade event of organic agriculture, "India Organic-2006". The title Indian Organic Business Today... Global and Local emphasises the growing potential of "Local" trade of organics. The chapters on Production and Marketing stand out in prominence, which may be an indication of areas of interest and venues for growth of organics in India. This publication is a very valuable reading resource for the entire spectrum of organic stakeholders in India, Including organic producers, input suppliers, processors, exporters, retailers, NGOs and Government Organisations; as well as for international traders and experts interested in organic products from India."