Organic farming and CO2 certificates for climate protection and better incomes

Farmers promote climate protection in Egypt

Since 2023, bbw has been supporting the development of a new holistic "Economy of Love" standard, which includes CO₂ and biodiversity criteria in addition to high environmental and social criteria. This enables farmers working sustainably to generate additional income and thus reduce the product prices of organic food in the long term.

Representatives of the partner associations jointly participated in the 2022 World Climate Conference in Egypt and hosted several presentation and dialogue formats in which high-level speakers took part. The associations highlighted the positive impact of sustainable organic farming systems on climate change.

The majority of Economy of Love, organic and Demeter products are exported to Germany. German companies, like for example Weleda, Lebensbaum, AXA, Volksbank, ClimaCoin and others, already use the holistic Economy of Love CO₂ certificates to compensate their own emissions. The Organic Egypt project, which is already in its second phase and led by bbw, has made it possible to build up the infrastructure of the partner organisations in such a way that 40,000 farmers can be reached by the end of 2026, thus creating great potential for further exports of healthy food and holistic CO₂ certificates to Germany.

Improving employment and working conditions

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Egyptian economy; in 2019, this sector accounted for 23% of total employment and 11.8% of gross domestic product. Of those employed in agriculture, 85% are small farmers and their employees, with an average area under cultivation of less than one hectare. The average income in agriculture is between 65,000 and 100,000 Egyptian pounds (EGP) per year (equivalent to around 2,000 to 3,125 euros). The income of the many, predominantly female migrant workers is even lower, often below the minimum wage of EGP 2,700. The most important agricultural commodities include rice, wheat, maize, cotton, sugar cane and crops such as vegetables, fruit and dates. 

Holistic approach on 4 levels

The overall objective of the programme is to develop a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Egypt that contributes to higher-quality employment, nutrition and climate protection.

The Demeter Association of Egypt (EBDA) promotes and disseminates the innovative "Economy of Love" certification programme, which focuses on climate protection, food security and socially just employment.

 

bbw provides support with organisational development for the partner association and training for the counsellors.

Economy of Love Website

 

Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ via sequa Duration: 11/2023 - 10/2026