EXPLORING THE PROFITABILITY AND GLOBAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES OF ORGANIC FARMING IN UZBEKISTAN

This article examines economic efficiency and market demand for organic farming in Uzbekistan’s export markets, emphasizing the transition from non-certified to certified organic production. Using secondary data from international databases (FAO, ITC, WTO, World Bank, FiBL/IFOAM), academic studies, and policy documents, the study applies a descriptive–explanatory design. Adoption of organic farming is treated as the independent variable and analyzed against five dependent variables: export demand, premium pricing and profitability, market access, sustainability benefits, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Findings show Uzbekistan has strong comparative advantages in dried fruits, grapes, and horticultural crops, yet certification gaps and weak branding limit its potential. Despite global organic sales reaching €135 billion in 2022–2023, Uzbekistan captures only a fraction of premium opportunities. A case study reveals that if 30% of dried apricot exports were certified organic, revenues could have doubled in 2023.

The article concludes that organic farming is economically viable and strategically vital for sustainable development and trade competitiveness. Realizing this potential requires policy reforms, including a national certification authority, cooperative certification models, and a branding strategy aligned with consumer trends.