According to the FAO, pilot projects financed by the Asian Development Bank in Pakistan, India and China have shown that cotton farmers could reduce the level of pesticides and increase yields at the same time. This project continues FAO's longstanding work to promote environmentally friendly production methods in developing countries. Currently, FAO manages IPM programs for rice and vegetables involving more than 1 million farmers in 12 Asian countries. Though the percentage is small compared to the rest of Europe, it signals considerable growth potential. Quality is a must.
Organic products are of growing interest, particularly for kindergartens and retirement homes.
For more information, see Attache report AU9027 . Gas stations shops are generally the only place legally open to sell food and sundries in Austria after working hours and on Sundays. This category of shops is growing both in number, and in sales of food and beverages. Best prospects for U.S. exporters include dried fruit and nuts. Because these shops are generally owned by big gas station chains, U.S. exporters interested in supplying the market should contact wholesalers servicing this sector.