Achieving organic targets: Delivering for the economy and the environment

Summary

The EU has set ambitious targets for organic farming to reach 25% of its agricultural area by 2030 and for a significant increase in organic aquaculture.
Progress towards the target is steady, with the organic land area share increasing from 9% in 2020 towards 12% in 2025, but the target of 25% is not likely to be achieved—15%-18% by 2030 is more likely, 25% by 2035 is conceivable.
Achieving the targets would have significant impacts on organic production, rural economy, and the environment, benefiting European citizens, not just organic consumers.
Growth in market and land area share has, however, stalled in many countries following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Putting the organic sector back on a recovery path is a key policy priority.
The 2028-2034 CAP provides an opportunity to implement coherent policies to support transformative organic sector growth.
Continued commitment to appropriate land area and market shares and environmental targets is critical for this process.
Recommendation: Provide strong encouragement and guidance to national governments to a) continue with and enhance organic support in the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plans, b) address the recent slowdown in market growth and conversion rates and c) prepare ambitious plans for the transformative development of the sector in the 2028-2034 programming period.