Afghanistan: Organic Export Feasibility Study

On a cooperative farm in Afghanistan. Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

No insurmountable obstacle stands between Southern Afghan farmers and an organic export market in fruits and nuts, according to the first phase of this Mercy Corps-funded study.

In the first of a three-phase examination, the "Organic Export Feasibility Study" looks at the viability, feasibility and possibilities for organic conversion in Afghanistan. It assesses the agronomic, social and economic feasibility of organic production on-farm, and then evaluates the global market potential for specific crops.

Among its most promising findings: income from organic orchard crops appears competitive with opium production, and a strong rural culture meshes well with the organic philosophy.