European Green Deal: Commission Presents Actions to Boost Organic Production
On March 25, the European Commission (EC) presented an action plan for the development of organic production, as part of the European Green Deal initiative. Its overall aim is to boost the production and consumption of organic products, to reach 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030.
Moreover, the Action Plan aims to improve organic farming's performance in terms of sustainability, with initiatives set to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, and minimizing the use of plastics, water and energy. Under the Plan, there will be an increase in the share of research and innovation (R&I) and around 30% of the budget for research and innovation actions in the field of agriculture, forestry and rural areas to topics specific to or relevant for the organic sector.
As per the EC communication to the Parliament, the area under organic farming has increased by almost 66% in the last 10 years –from 8.3 million hectares in 2009 to 13.8 million hectares in 2019. It currently accounts for 8.5% of the EU’s total ‘utilized agricultural area’. This increase has progressed along with a substantial increase in retail sales. These have doubled in value, from approximately €18 billion in 2010 to more than €41 billion in 2019.
Moreover, the Action Plan aims to improve organic farming's performance in terms of sustainability, with initiatives set to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, and minimizing the use of plastics, water and energy. Under the Plan, there will be an increase in the share of research and innovation (R&I) and around 30% of the budget for research and innovation actions in the field of agriculture, forestry and rural areas to topics specific to or relevant for the organic sector.
As per the EC communication to the Parliament, the area under organic farming has increased by almost 66% in the last 10 years –from 8.3 million hectares in 2009 to 13.8 million hectares in 2019. It currently accounts for 8.5% of the EU’s total ‘utilized agricultural area’. This increase has progressed along with a substantial increase in retail sales. These have doubled in value, from approximately €18 billion in 2010 to more than €41 billion in 2019.