Biofach 2013

Going to Biofach always brings back memories. My first visit was in 2001, when I came on a fact finding mission for a research project. The next year I was invited to do a presentation on that report. It was probably the highest profile speaking engagement I have ever done. The room was packed included two ex-bosses of mine, Patrick Holden (then President of the Soil Association) – with the guest of honour being Renate Kunast - the then German Minister for Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture.

I was a bit in awe -especially at the reality of presenting a report to a ‘Green Minister’. Greenpeace, who had commissioned the report, had been busy with their press work and later that day I did a phone interview (on my newly owned first mobile) with Fred Pearce of the New Scientist. Truly my light shone brightly that day – but it was the result of more than a year’s hard work. At the time I thought that it would be a launching pad for an illustrious research career- but that’s another story. The experience gave me a great benefit: it gave me some recognition in the organic world. Even though I have been on the periphery of organic research for some time, a lot of people at Biofach recognise me and through collaborations over the years there’s never a shortage of people to talk to about shared interests and ongoing projects (including in my recent role as language editor for Ecology and Farming). Quite often I am surprised by the breadth and depth of my network there – with people I don’t do business with every week – or even every year.

The show itself can be overwhelming. 2,400 exhibitors from almost ninety countries. Almost 40,000 square metres of display space and 40,000 visitors over the four days. This is the hub of the organic world where producers, buyers and consultants connect, and fish, if not for contracts then at least contacts and inside info about who is doing what and with whom. The Dutch contingent, it has to be said, are particularly proficient at this form of networking. One of my colleagues seemed to spend the entire four days running from meeting to meeting, pretty much structuring a large part of his next two years work schedule. I admire such chutzpah. I don’t have it - and am possibly glad that I don’t – but I certainly have learnt from observing it.

Fortunately these days I have a press card, which apart from giving free entrance to the show (not a big deal compared to the travel and hotel costs involved) also gives me access to the press room, where there is free coffee, water and wifi and space to sit think and write (I’m writing this here there now). It gives me the space to be able to enjoy the show at a leisurely pace. And to put down some impressions of the show (to follow).