Growing organic farming: drivers and barriers

Summary

This policy brief outlines key factors shaping organic sector development in EU Member States.
Long-term political commitment, targeted market development, and strong knowledge and innovation systems are essential for sustained growth.
Priority actions to support the sustainable development of the organic sector mix supply-driven strategies with demand-side measures such as market support, diversified retail channels, or public procurement.
A coherent long-term system approach links policy commitment, strong knowledge systems, and targeted market development to increase both supply and demand for organic products. Drawing on the system perspective in this brief, subsequent OrganicTarget4EU policy briefs provide further insight on specific levers for organic sector development.
From a food-system perspective, a well-functioning organic sector requires coordinated action across policy, markets, and knowledge systems. With a coherent, long-term systems approach, policymakers can ensure stable conditions for growth that reinforce policy frameworks, strengthen organic AKIS, and support market development.