Impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on the organic food sector

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading worldwide and is impacting all the sectors of the economy including the food sector and the food supply chain. It has completely changed the behavior and consumption preferences of the people which need to be clearly understood. This is because people are becoming more and more aware and conscious of their health and how they can become healthier to prevent themselves from getting the virus and to boost their immunity. This chapter summarizes how the COVID-19 will affect and potentially impact the organic food sector, demand and supply of organic foods and how organic food safety is important and needs to be met and explored to prevent virus transmission through organic foods. Also, post-pandemic and as time progresses, it needs to be understood how the people's preferences and desires to consume or prefer the consumption of organic foods will change and how food safety can be assured at all levels.