Rio - Yesterday the BioFach opened its doors in Rio de Janeiro. It is the most important international organic products fair, a sector that had worldwide sales of US$26.5 billion last year.

The fair runs until Friday and will count on the presence of 200 Brazilian and foreign expositions. The United States and Germany are the biggest participants. The fair is a chance for foreigners to see what Brazil is doing in the sector. According to the fair organizers, the organic product market in Brazil is growing between 30% and 50% annually.

Minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues. is scheduled to meet with sector representatives during the fair to discuss regulations for organic products and labelling. "We intend to have seals of certification of origin and quality, along with an official government seal, that will identify these goods domestically and abroad," explained Rogerio Dias from the ministry.

Translator: Allen Bennett