Whether or not China produces truly organic produce is a hot topic among Beijing expats. Is it worth paying extra for tomatoes at Lohao City (Beijing’s self-proclaimed organic supermarket)? And is Beijing’s standards for organic and GM foods the same as that in our home countries?
A recent article in the Global Times claims that there is a double standard when it comes to the GM produce sold in China. Wang Weikang, director of Greenpeace’s food and agriculture program, was quoted in the article as saying that Wal-Mart has made no moves to make their Chinese outlets GM free, though they have publicly stated that they will refuse GM products in their British stores.
If you’re craving the organic section of your supermarket back home, it’s worth questioning whether it was organic at all. Organic supermarkets in the US are known for selling imported Chinese produce in order to meet demand. One of the many ironies of organic production is that is has become a commercial venture, with fruit and vegetables shipped nationally and internationally on a daily basis. To read more about it, pickup a copy of The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
Doctor, blogger and organic food lover, Dr. Richard, recommends Lohao City where he does his weekly veggie shop. Organic food, by definition, is produced and sold locally in accordance to the seasons. For truly organic produce, get a box of fresh fruit and veg delivered to your door weekly from Greenpeace recommended Green Cow Farm (located outside Shunyi). Simply email them for more details on how you can sign up, thelovelygreencow@gmail.com.
Alternatively, set up a planter box of herbs and veggies with seeds bought from Liangma Flower Market (located next to the Lufthansa Center), Sanyuanli Market (opposite Jingkelong supermarket, west of Sanyuan Dongqiao), or Laitai Flower Market (just north of Nuren Jie).
Avoid paying hansom sums for not-quite-right “organic” supermarket produce and go straight to the source — whether that means growing a green thumb and doing it yourself or getting in touch with a local farm. For help, information, and to get in touch with like-minded organic lovers, sign up to the Beijing Organic Consumers Association (BOCA) Yahoo group.
For organic farming standards and regulations in China, click here. For comparison, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website.
