Woolworths to Continue Organic Expansion

"Woolworths Holdings (WHL) said that it will continue to expand its organic food range, aiming to increase organic food sales by more than one billion rand by 2012.

Woolworths is one of the country’s largest retailers of fresh produce, currently supplying about a third of the fresh produce consumed through South African retailers, it said, adding that it was also a well-established leader in certified organic fresh produce.

It explained that certified organic foods were grown without the use of artificial chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, and complied with strict organic standards.

"Organic farming does not release potentially harmful chemicals into water supplies," it said.

According to the group, this is one of its measures that helped it minimise the effects that its business has on South Africa’s water supply.

It said that the agricultural sector was South Africa’s largest consumer of water, with just over 50% of the country’s water supply used for irrigation.

"Increasing demand for water, and decreasing water quality, makes careful water management a priority in South Africa," it added."

Read the article