Today, organic farming plays an increasingly bigger role on the world’s agricultural stage.

In the European Union, the use of organic agricultural land has almost doubled in recent years.

Austria, Sweden and Estonia have the highest proportion of organically farmed land in Europe.

EU citizens are also increasing their demand for organic products. Europe is the second largest market in the world, worth €22.7 billion.

Germans, French and British are the biggest consumers.

Organic farming is often seen as a solution to feeding a growing global population and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Critics, however, suggest that organic yields are on average 20 to 25% lower than those of conventional farms.

More land to produce the same amount of food is needed, resulting in more deforestation and biodiversity loss.

The European Commission, the European Parliament, and EU member states are currently discussing how to regulate the organic farming sector. The outcome of the negotiations will be crucial for its future.

Sources: Eurostat, FIBL-IFOAM, European Union (Organic Monitor).