Research data and solutions for the development of organic production in Finland – Finnish Organic Research Institute’s research strategy for 2021–2024

Summary

According to regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products, organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental and climate action practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards and high production standards in line with the demand of a growing number of consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. Organic production thus plays a dual societal role, where, on the one hand, it provides for a specific market responding to consumer demand for organic products and, on the other hand, it delivers publicly available goods that contribute to the protection of the environment and animal welfare, as well as to rural development and social sustainability. Organic production differs from conventional agricultural production in that it is based on production rules laid down in the EU regulation on organic production and labelling of organic products. In Finland, organic producers are committed to adhering to the control of organic production as coordinated by the Finnish Food Authority, and they can use the EU organic label in their products. According to the organic production conditions, the use of synthetic crop protection agents and inorganic fertilisers, for example, is not permitted. Furthermore, organic domestic animals must be able to graze, and they must be fed using organic feed. In the processing of food products, strict restrictions have been imposed on the use of additives and processing aids, as well as chemically produced synthetic raw materials.