http://orgprints.org/6337/ European organic farming policies: an overview Organic farming has expanded rapidly in Europe since the 1980s. A key factor is the widespread use of policy support in recognition of environmental and other benefits. Agri-environmental payments are the main form of support. In 2003, almost 54% of the certified organic land area in the EU27 & CH was supported at a cost of €635 million. The increase in supply thus stimulated led to a broader mix of meas-ures, including research, training, advice, consumer promotion and market development. Many states have adopted an integrated action plan approach to optimise the policy mix. Stolze, Matthias Lampkin, Nic 8policy eu-ceeofp fibl-socio-economics uk-aberystwyth-rural-studies int_conf_joint2006_2 European organic farming policies: an overview 2006-05-09 Stolze, Matthias and Lampkin, Nic (2006) European organic farming policies: an overview. Joint Organic Congress, Odense, Denmark, May 30-31, 2006. rtf