Organic farming: July 2025 – global challenges for Ukraine

As the year draws to a close, the organic industry continues to transform, embrace innovation, and seek new markets. Here’s an expanded look at key organic farming news for July 2025.

1. Strategic activism in the US: political reforms and progress in Congress

• The US Congress has passed a massive package of laws that includes a culture of supporting agricultural programs, but cuts to social benefits and “green tax incentives.”
• Members of the organic community are concerned about the loss of subsidies that have encouraged small farms and the transition to organic.

2. Serious blow to certification: NCO collapse in Australia

• One of the leading certification bodies — NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) — announced its liquidation: due to unsuccessful audits and loss of accreditation, its revenue decreased by $1 million, and more than 400 brands were left without a certificate.
• For Ukraine, this is a signal: not only its own certification, but also a reserve of countermeasures is critically important for exporters.

3. Demand growth: Ukrainian barley export wave

• Ukraine exported about 140 thousand tons of barley to China in July, and up to 400 thousand tons are expected in August. The queue of contracts is over 770 thousand tons in July-August.
• This continues the logic of demand for organic grains and characterizes Ukraine as a reliable player in the global market.

4. Integrated Pest Management: A Revolution Through Nature

• In Australia, a crop protection technique using a sweet spray that attracts beneficial insects that destroy pests has been introduced — an important step for IPM systems in Cotton, etc.
• This is proof that organic approaches can be effective and affordable with advances in bioagronomy.

5. Innovations in agricultural education: the Indian experience

• In Bhandar (Maharashtra), more than 75 farmers switched to natural (chemical-free) farming methods after a workshop on July 14. Priorities include biopesticides, compost, solar exposure, and multi-cultivation of crops.
• These practices reflect global trends: not only a ban, but also rational substitutes for chemicals.

6. Market Access: Tripura Reaches West Asia

• An exhibition was organized in Tripura, India, where 22 buyers from West Asia showed interest in organic products: pineapples, rice, pepper, ginger, turmeric. The Tripura Organic Value Chain Development Agency supported 100 farmers and producers.
• This case is an example of an active search for new export channels.

7. Seeds of Resilience: US Research

• Prof. Dr. Renata Nave Oakes presented research results of living mulch (legumes) in corn to Tennessee legislators — results: weed reduction, N-fertilizer savings, yield preservation.
• The emphasis is on efficiency, financial results, and practicality for US organic farmers, with the potential to translate to other countries.

8. Global Forecasts: Organic Market Conquers Trillions

• The organic food market is projected to grow from $286 billion (2025) to $1.05 trillion (2034), at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%.
• This is a long-term investment, development of industries, and an active position of the institute as a market leader.