Main areas of expertise
HELBERG CONSULT offers its world-wide services in the field of organic and sustainable agriculture on all aspects along the value chain: primary production, processing, certification and marketing. Our main activities consist in providing services in the following fields:
Organic agricultural productionHELBERG CONSULT advises small and large-scale farmers, producer groups and companies with out-grower projects in the development of organic farms. The conversion of farms according to international organic standards is part of this service. Organic agricultural techniques, such as organic plant production, improvement of soil fertility, integration of animal husbandry in the farming system and natural pest control are the core elements of the agricultural consultancy.
Wild collectionMany plants and products that are used as food, medicine, or as raw material for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are collected from the wild. HELBERG CONSULT collaborates with international institutions and standard-setting bodies and advises collector groups, processors and exporters in order to develop and promote sustainable forms of wild collection.
Processing and handling
HELBERG CONSULT advises processors, handlers and exporters of organic produce to develop and handle their products in line with international organic standards and market requirements.
Organic and safety standardsProducers, processors and exporters have to respect standards and regulations of those countries they aim to export to. Organic regulations may differ from region to region or even country to country. Examples are:
EU-regulation 2092/91 (EEC) for organic agriculture
US National Organic Program (NOP)
Japanese Organic Standard (JAS)
Other standards that are usually required to be respected include:
The food hygiene standard Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Certification and marketingAccording to the target market, producers, processors and exporters receive assistance in preparation for the certification during the conversion period. The marketing assistance usually includes:
Identification of target markets and potential buyers
Development of marketable products
Commissioning of product analyses (organoleptic, microbial, residues)
Carrying out of market studies on national, regional and international level for new markets and new products.
AgribusinessHELBERG CONSULT plays an intermediate role in linking the different partners along the value chain to generate new business and new activities by:
Carrying out feasibility studies
Assisting in developing business plans
Analysing and optimising value chains
Developing sustainable supply chain management
Training of staff