Is local better than organic?

Organic and Local: A Perfect Complement

Contrary to popular belief, organic and local are not opposing concepts—they complement each other!

Today, 77% of consumers prefer local products whenever possible. This choice is driven by the desire to support farmers and local businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of their regions.

However, while the geographical origin of a product is important, it does not guarantee the quality of its production.

Local vs. Organic: What’s the Environmental Impact ?

Transportation accounts for only 20% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a food product throughout its life cycle. In contrast, 80% of emissions result from production methods.

Thus, while supporting local supply chains strengthens the local economy, it does not ensure:
✔ The absence of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
✔ Animal welfare and ethical farming practices
✔ The use of clean processing methods without harmful additives

Only the organic certification considers these key criteria, regardless of the product's origin.

Organic & Local: A Winning Combination

The value of local lies in its geographical proximity to producers and its economic benefits. However, this does not exclude organic farming—in fact, they go hand in hand!

Organic farming promotes sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the local environment while also creating stable jobs. In 2022, Wallonia recorded:
✅ 2,010 organic farmers (representing 16% of Walloon farms)
✅ 615 certified organic food processors

The organic sector is no longer marginal—it is expanding rapidly.

Debunking Myths About Organic Food

Want to learn more about common misconceptions about organic food? Check out the full guide "Debunking Organic Myths" by Biowallonie!